40 Years On: Lim Jae-bum Sheds His 'Tiger of Music Industry' Image for a Kinder Persona

Veteran singer Lim Jae-bum, celebrating his 40th anniversary in the music industry, has opened up about his evolving persona. Once known as the 'Tiger of the Music Industry' for his intense stage presence, he now describes himself as feeling like a 'neighborhood grandpa.'

During a recent press conference, Lim Jae-bum reflected, 'As I've aged, I've become more mellow. My sharp edges have been smoothed out, and my prickly defenses have been withdrawn.' He humbly rejected the title of 'legend,' stating, 'I'm not there yet,' and instead praised seniors like Patti Kim, Yoon Bok-hee, and Cho Yong-pil.

He emphasized how his sense of responsibility in music has deepened over time, believing that true emotion can only be conveyed through soul-baring performances. Lim Jae-bum also humorously commented on his 'tiger' nickname, saying, 'I don't really have a face like a tiger. If you look closely, there's a bit of a bear in there too.' He admitted to sometimes losing himself between stage and reality in his younger days, requiring mental discipline to separate his rockstar persona from his life as a father.

Even lyricist Kim Eana, who is appearing with him on JTBC's 'Sing Again 4,' noted his transformation, describing him as someone who 'feels warmer and warmer.' His latest pre-release single for his 8th full album, 'Greeting' ('인사'), is dedicated to his fans and family who have supported him through thick and thin.

Looking ahead to his album release and national tour, 'I Am Lim Jae-bum,' he expressed a desire to live without regrets by continually refining his rough edges. He believes his past intensity stemmed from loneliness, and now he approaches interactions with more patience and understanding.

Lim Jae-bum debuted in 1984 as the vocalist for the rock band Sinawe, marking the beginning of his prominent music career. As a solo artist, he released numerous hit songs such as 'Confession' ('고해') and 'For You' ('너를 위해'), establishing himself as a leading rock vocalist in Korea. His powerful and distinctive husky vocals have served as an inspiration to many junior artists.