Folk Legends Jung Tae-chun and Park Eun-ok Announce New Album After 13-Year Hiatus

On March 25, 2025, at a press conference held at the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center in Jongno, Seoul, renowned folk duo Jung Tae-chun (71) and Park Eun-ok (68) passionately performed as they announced their upcoming album, 'Between Heavy Rains,' celebrating their 45th anniversary in the music industry. Known as the 'singers of the era,' the couple has captivated fans with their poetic lyrics and heartfelt storytelling.

After a long hiatus since their 2012 album 'City Bus to the Sea,' the couple had previously hinted at retirement from music, with Jung Tae-chun famously stating, 'There are no more songs from me.' However, they have now returned to the music scene, ready to share ten new tracks that blend their signature literary lyrics with soothing folk melodies. Alongside the album, a poetry collection titled 'Song, Song' featuring unpublished lyrics will also be released, with plans for a nationwide tour and exhibitions starting in May.

The duo emphasized that this project transcends mere music, describing it as a 'literary project' and expressing their desire to repay their debt to literature. Jung Tae-chun reflected on the influence of literature on his music, stating, 'My music is a result of the debt I owe to Korean literature.'

The inspiration for their return came after Jung Tae-chun began writing over 30 pieces about his desire to create good songs after an 11-year break from songwriting. Despite initial resistance, he eventually shared his writings with Park Eun-ok, who encouraged him to embrace the songs emerging from within him.

During this creative resurgence, Jung Tae-chun encountered Bob Dylan's works, which reignited his passion for songwriting. He expressed a desire to create vibrant and powerful music, although the new album features a more subdued style, utilizing fingerpicking techniques.

Jung Tae-chun first gained fame with his debut album 'The Poet's Village' in 1978, quickly becoming a household name. His songs became anthems of resistance during the June Democratic Uprising in 1987, marking his transition to a socially conscious artist. A documentary titled 'The Song of the Arch, Jung Tae-chun' released in 2022 explores the duality of his career as both a popular folk singer and a voice of protest.

In the press conference, Jung Tae-chun defined his earlier socially critical songs as 'instrumental songs,' affirming his commitment to creating music that resonates with the times. He acknowledged that his interests have evolved with age, reflecting a shift in perspective from his community to the universe at large.

Among the ten tracks, 'Dandelion Poetry' and 'Heavy Snow, Camellia's Song' were performed live by Park Eun-ok, who showcased her clear and youthful voice. She expressed a sense of finality, suggesting that this might be their last album, while also hoping to connect with younger audiences through their music. Inspired by the recent drama 'Poksak Sogassuda,' she expressed a desire for their songs to resonate across generations, just as the show has done.