Han Dae-su's LPs Re-released on CD

Before the advent of dancing pop idols and screaming teenagers, the "hot" music for Korean youths was folk music. One vocalist accompanied by a guitar was the most popular musical form in the 1970s, and the most popular singer and songwriter of the time was Han Dae-su, now aged 52.

A compilation of Han's old albums, entitled "Masterpieces," will soon be in record stores across the nation. The compilation contains two compact discs which include releases from Han's first album, "Long Way" (1974) and his third album "Unlimited" (1989). Han has recorded 6 albums during his 25 year career.

One year ago Han's second album "Komushin" ("Rubber Shoes"), and a 1997 live concert in Japan, were released as a two-CD set. "Komushin" was banned from public sale until 1999.

Han fans have had a very hard time getting ahold of his first album, "Long Way." Although considered one of the best albums in Korean music history, many music stores listed "Long Way" as "out of stock," perhaps because it had been released only on LP.

Han's most famous songs, "To the Land of Happiness," "Give Me Some Water," and "The Wind and Me" best display his creative vocal style. The new CD compilation will give old and new listeners alike the chance to appreciate Han's unique sound. The new CDs were made after the original LPs were "re-mastered."

In September, Han will perform a concert along with Korean-Chinese singer Choi Kon.

by Lee Eun-ju