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2 Popular Singers With Different Styles To Make It a Merry Musical Christmas

What if on Christmas Eve, Santa surprised you with tickets to two concerts by your favorite musicians - Shin Seung-hoon and Shin Hae-chul - that were to be held on the same night? Which concert would you attend? If you want your Christmas Eve to be filled with romance, Shin Seung-hoon's concert, "Never Ending Christmas," may satisfy that wish. Mr. Shin has enjoyed widespread popularity for over a decade as a master of ballads. In his upcoming concert though, he will surprise fans with new music ranging from dance tunes to jazz, according to his manager, Kim Chung-gi.

"His dream of giving a concert on Christmas Eve has finally come true," said Mr. Kim. "Although he is known as a ballad singer, he is determined to expand his musical range, and he considers this concert the first step." Another star singer, Shin Hae-chul, is busily preparing for his Christmas concert series, "A Silent and Mad Night." Referred to as a "heretic of the Korean music scene," this Mr. Shin has stimulated the domestic music industry with his experimental style. As the founder of the early 1990s pop and heavy metal group N.E.X.T, he has attracted a fanatical following.

Mr. Shin has returned to Korea after a year and six month hiatus with his newly formed rock band, Wittgenstein. The lead singer is backed by an American bassist and a Korean pianist. Wittgenstein recently released an album, "Men's Life," featuring what can only be described as futuristic rock fusion. "This concert will be an epic event, one much anticipated by his fans," said Lee Jung-eun, a concert organizer.

"As hinted by the concert title, his explosive and somewhat crazy musicality will be laid bare. He will present songs from his new album that reflect a futuristic sound, rhythm and melody," added Mr. Lee.

"Both men are top singer-songwriters and producers in Korea. Although there are differences in their musical dispositions and style, they share a creative spirit and a certain charisma when it comes to performing," said Lee Jung-suk, a musician. Christmas Eve without songs and carols is hard to imagine. Now with these upcoming concerts, you can make your Christmas Eve a memorable one.

Shin Seung-hoon's concert will be held on Sunday at the Coex Convention Hall, Kangnam, Seoul. Shin Hye-chul's concerts are to be held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Main Hall, Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan, Kangnam, Seoul. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won ($33) to 70,000 won. Tickets are available at Ticketlink at 02-1588-7890.

by Kim Jae-seon