The Musical Legacy of Baek Young-kyu: Incheon’s Folk Icon

Baek Young-kyu (백영규), a celebrated singer-songwriter and DJ, is a prominent figure in Incheon’s music scene. Known for his folk songs like 'Sad Season' (슬픈 계절에 만나요), 'Suni's Thoughts' (순이 생각), and 'Don't Forget' (잊지는 말아야지), he resonates deeply with the Korean middle-aged population, evoking nostalgia with his catchy and poignant lyrics.

Born in Yangpyeong, he moved to Incheon’s Bupyeong district during his childhood due to his father's job as a police officer, ultimately embracing his identity as a 'Jemulpo person.' Over the years, he has composed numerous songs related to Incheon, such as 'Memories of Sinpo-dong' (추억의 신포동) and 'Let's Go to Songdo' (송도로 가자), contributing to the local music culture and earning the 'Incheon Person of the Year' award in 2016 for his efforts in promoting Incheon’s pride through music.

Recently, the folk singer Yang Ha-young revived Baek's song 'Dreamland' (꿈의 나라), which features lyrics penned by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, encapsulating the essence of Incheon’s past, present, and future. The song reflects the struggles and dreams of the city’s residents, highlighting its historical significance.

Baek made a notable comeback in 2021 with his 14th studio album after a 14-year hiatus. His song 'Mrs. Kim' (김여사에요), which humorously critiques the driving skills of a fictional character named Mrs. Kim, unexpectedly gained popularity, especially on social media platforms, leading to a resurgence in his music career.

Despite his success, Baek has decided to step down from his role as a local radio DJ after 16 years to focus more on his music. His latest works showcase a diverse range of genres, including ballads, rock, and trot, revealing his extensive musical versatility.

In an interview, Baek shared his deep connection to Incheon, where he spent his formative years and developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He emphasized the city’s rich folk music heritage, citing other notable musicians from Incheon, and attributed the city’s vibrant music scene to its historical role as a port city that welcomed diverse cultural influences.

Baek’s journey began in 1978 when he debuted as part of the duo 'Mullebanghwa' (물레방아) with Lee Chun-geun (이춘근). Their hit song 'Suni's Thoughts' became a massive success, selling over 100,000 copies. Baek's solo career took off with the release of 'Sad Season,' which won him the MBC Male Rookie of the Year award in 1980.

The song 'Sad Season' is particularly significant, as it resonated with the social climate of the time, reflecting the collective sorrow of the nation. Baek described it as a song about longing and separation, capturing the essence of human emotions.

Baek continues to be an influential figure in the folk music scene, participating in various performances and festivals, including the annual Incheon Folk Festival. He believes that for Incheon to solidify its status as a music city, there needs to be a stronger support system for cultural creators and more opportunities for high-quality performances.

As he approaches his 70s, Baek reflects on his life and aspirations, hoping to leave a lasting legacy through his music while cherishing time spent with family and friends.