Singer Lee Seung-chul releases ‘The Day’ for free

Singer Lee Seung-chul will release a song he performed on Dokdo in August for free after Japan refused him entry at Haneda International Airport on Sunday.

Lee performed the song “The Day” on the easternmost islet with a choir of North Korean defectors in South Korea on Aug. 14, a day before the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). Its lyrics are about the wish for Korean reunification.

Lee was held at the airport for four hours before being sent back home for an unspecified reason. His management agency speculated that the denial of his entry might be a retaliation for his performance on Dokdo, which Japan also claims as its territory.

“From today, anyone can download, distribute or send the song,” said his agency, Jin&Won Music Works.

Three versions of the song ― the choir, Lee’s solo and English ― are available free of charge.

The agency said Lee would donate proceeds from future reproductions of the music and its copyright royalties to causes toward Korean reunification, publicity of Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo, and peace.

“I want people to know that this song is about reconciliation and restoration, not about conflict, discord or negative interpretation as Japan sees,” said Lee.

“I hope everyone around the world will listen to the song and think about Korean reunification and Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo.”

Earlier, Lee had said that he would protest Japan’s denial of his entry.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)