Veteran Singer Faces Harsh Reality as Only 4 People Attend His Guerrilla Concert Despite 30-Year Career
On May 15, the YouTube variety show Foreign Workers released an episode documenting Bobby Kim, a veteran singer with a 30-year career, attempting to hold a surprise concert at Korea University’s Seoul campus.
He must gather 100 audience members within two hours. If the target wasn’t met, the concert would be canceled.
Despite his introverted nature, Bobby Kim wandered the campus to promote the event, even entering lecture halls to invite students. Some recognized him and promised to attend, but the overall interest remained lukewarm. As time ticked down, Bobby admitted,
“I don’t think we’ll reach 100. Maybe we’ll get nine.”
At the 8 PM showtime, Bobby Kim stepped onstage blindfolded, only to remove it and find four attendees. Rather than express disappointment, he smiled and said:
“I didn’t think we’d reach the goal. But even four people, I’m grateful and I’ll remember this. I’ll keep singing and doing my best.”
Some students later explained that a campus festival held at the same time likely impacted turnout.
“Most students were probably there,” one said.
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“I thought maybe 15 people would show up. I didn’t expect we’d be the only ones.”
While the moment sparked sympathy, viewers criticized the show’s production team for poor planning:
- “How could they not check the campus schedule?”
- “They made him look foolish for views.”
Bobby Kim, however, took the situation with maturity and positivity. Addressing fans’ concerns, he said:
“I know a lot of fans felt hurt by what happened. But seeing so many of you worry about me—that touches my heart. Not everything can go perfectly. We’re doing our best and having fun, so please don’t misunderstand. Let’s enjoy this together.”
Bobby Kim, is a Korean-American hip-hop and R&B artist known as the “Godfather of Korean Hip-Hop.” He debuted with the reggae group Dr. Reggae in 1994 and later gained fame with his 2004 solo album Beats Within My Soul. Renowned for his soulful voice and songwriting for artists like Drunken Tiger and Leessang, Kim has left a lasting impact on Korean music.
