Entertainer Johnny Yune to make his way back home

After a long hiatus, veteran entertainer Johnny Yune is making his comeback by hosting the “World Pop Concert in Korea” in August. The concert will be held Aug. 9 and 10 at Yonsei University in Seoul and at the International Convention Center Jeju on Aug. 11.

“It will be a precious moment to gather youngsters and elders together and listen to music and think about the past and future,” Yune said at a press conference on Wednesday in Gangnam. “I have recently regained my Korean citizenship after traveling back and forth overseas for the past 50 years,” he said. 

Several popular pop singers from the 1970s and 1980s will perform at the concert, including Gerard Joling, who is famous for the song “Ticket to the Tropics,” F.R. David of the mega hit “Words,” All 4 One, Anita Ward, and Euro disco band Joy.

At the press conference, Yune also discussed the recent speculation that he may be appointed the next CEO of the Korea Tourism Organization. Current CEO Lee Charm’s term expires in July.

“I don’t know who spread that kind of nonsense. I am not involved in this at all, and there is nothing to talk about. I am not interested in politics,” he said, flatly denying the rumor. “This kind of event is what I like the most,” he continued and claimed that he has decided to spend the rest of his life enjoying being an entertainer.

Yune, who had been living in the U.S. since 1962, got his big break when he was given an unexpected chance to appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” due to a guest not showing up on time. During the show he managed to impress Carson. From 1989 to 1990, he had his own talk show, named after himself, in Korea.

By Suh Hye-rim (sheren6735@heraldcorp.com)