[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] Singer Im Chang-jeong’s signature song, “A Glass of Soju,” is gaining renewed attention more than 20 years after its release. It is not a new song or a flashy performance, but rather a familiar ballad that has become a hot topic online, demonstrating the power of a timeless classic that transcends generations.

The video of Im Chang-jung’s performance of “A Glass of Soju” on the Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong Province episode of KBS1’s “National Singing Contest” on the 8th has surpassed 1 million views on YouTube. As of 10 p.m. on the 11th, interest in the performance has continued online since the broadcast.
What caught the audience’s attention during this performance was his unadorned live singing. Without any elaborate staging, Lim Chang-jung filled the stage with his signature rough tone and deeply emotive vocal style. His performance—which began with restrained low notes before pouring out emotion as the song progressed—drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. Although it was his first appearance on the “National Singing Contest” stage in about four years since the 2022 year-end finals, the resonance of the familiar song remained as powerful as ever.
Online, there was also a wave of reactions reevaluating his vocal prowess. Comments on the video expressed astonishment, with remarks such as, “Is this really live?”, “I thought it was a pre-recorded track,” and “I thought it was AI.”
In particular, the popularity of this video is noteworthy as it demonstrates the enduring appeal of classic ballads in a music market dominated by short-form content and fast-paced consumption. This is because she captured viewers’ attention solely through familiar melodies and her vocal prowess, rather than relying on trendy new arrangements or flashy stage production.
Released in 2003, “A Glass of Soju” is a song that has long been beloved for its lyrics and melody, which capture the emotions of a breakup. Even now, 23 years later, the performance video is generating buzz, reminding us of the enduring value of songs that people want to listen to again and again, no matter how much time passes.