Kim Jong-seo Confesses Slump and Life's Benefactors on Stage for the First Time in 10 Years: "I Stood Up Again Thanks to Kim Jang-woo and Kim Jang-hoon"

Singer Kim Jong-seo took the stage for the first time in 10 years, sharing his inner thoughts about the motivation that led him to overcome a slump and restart performing, as well as the colleagues he considers benefactors in his life. According to a video from KBS 'The Seasons S9' released on September 21, 2026, Kim Jong-seo revealed his detailed recent status along with his feelings about appearing after a long time.

"Time Stopped Due to Lack of Confidence"... Kim Jong-seo Embarks on National Tour After Overcoming Slump

Kim Jong-seo revealed that this stage marks his first appearance in as many as 10 years, showing nervous behavior such as covering his glasses to hide his trembling heart before stepping onto the stage. He spoke candidly about the psychological difficulties he experienced in the past. In the video, Kim Jong-seo explained the situation at the time, saying, "The slump was long. I reached a situation where I couldn't do concerts, couldn't cheer, and couldn't do anything. I lacked confidence."

However, he did not give up and found courage again. Kim Jong-seo stated, "I started performing little by little from a few years ago, and after achieving results last year, I am going on a national tour starting this year." He added that he has a performance following last week, and another next week, with plans to tour approximately 20 cities by the end of the year.

Mentioning Kim Jang-hoon and Kim Jang-woo, Confesses "Benefactors of My Life"

Kim Jong-seo mentioned two benefactors who became turning points in his musical life. Choosing Kim Jang-hoon as the first benefactor, he said, "When Kim Jang-hoon offered me a tour proposal a few years ago, it was a great refreshment in a situation where I could do nothing." He gained the strength to resume activities as the response to the performance with Kim Jang-hoon was good, and expressed respect toward Kim Jang-hoon, calling him the "best mission (musician) and benefactor."

He designated Kim Jang-woo as the second benefactor. Kim Jong-seo recalled his connection with Kim Jang-woo, whose positions were different during their activities in the 90s. He said, "Kim Jang-woo asked me, 'Why aren't you performing?' and proposed a performance. When he said it was Kim Jang-woo directing, the story changed," expressing gratitude for Kim Jang-woo's practice of good influence by proposing the performance without even receiving directing fees.

Additionally, Kim Jong-seo humorously explained the competitive dynamic with Kim Kyung-ho back in 1998. He explained that at the time, his company decided to make songs with higher difficulty to respond to Kim Kyung-ho's popularity, and the resulting song was 'Epilogue.' He mentioned that this song was difficult to broadcast at the time due to its high difficulty and performed it on stage.

"20 Years of Evening Fasting and Vocal Practice"... Strict Self-Management Maintained as a Rocker

The strict self-management methods Kim Jong-seo has practiced to protect his stage as a rocker of 40 years were also revealed. He stated, "For 20 years, I have set aside one hour every day for exercise and vocal practice." In particular, he revealed his 20-year habit of evening fasting, saying, "I do not eat food after 6–7 PM."

He stated that such strict management sometimes brought loneliness, causing him to lose friends, but expressed his conviction as a rocker, saying, "To sing, you must do things you do not want to do." Kim Jong-seo conveyed that he is constantly pushing himself to maintain his youthful energy, saying, "I strive to continuously check how far I can go."