‘Blues diva’ Kang Hee-dalim to hold first solo concert in three years

Kang Hee-dalim, known as a “blues diva” and a former vocalist with Shin Chon Blues, is returning to the stage under her own name after three years. Her solo concert will take place on the 12th at 5 p.m. at Empot Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

The venue seats fewer than 150 people, making the performance an unusual choice for a singer who has generally appeared in halls holding about 500 people. Kang selected the smaller room because she wanted to breathe and connect with the audience at close range.

The concert was initially planned as a guitar-led acoustic performance. It has since grown into a full-band show featuring drums, bass, keyboards and guitar. Alongside her signature songs, Kang will perform “Everything About Them” and “The Person Who Loves Again,” tracks she does not often include in her regular concerts.

The program will also feature “Memories Sent Away from the Seomjin River” and “Cactus,” songs she will perform on stage for the first time. Kang began working as a vocalist with Shin Chon Blues in the late 1990s before pursuing a solo career in blues. She is known for her distinctive rough voice and intense emotional style, and her music drew renewed attention after SHINee’s Onew and BTS’s V mentioned it.

The concert will include an audience event. Kang will sign one acoustic guitar and one ukulele supplied by Samick Instruments and give them to audience members. Tickets are available through Nolticket.