임정희 “20주년 선물은 아들…엄마 된 후 첫 신곡 냈죠”[인터뷰]

A New Chapter: Motherhood Transforms Her Artistry

After welcoming her first son last year, singer Lim Jeong-hee (age 44) has made her musical comeback with a fresh single titled “At the End of Frozen Time” (DON’T YOU SEE). The experience of becoming a mother has brought unexpected changes to her performances.

“Connecting with emotions has become much easier now,” she shared during a recent conversation. “In the past, stepping onto the stage would make me tense and overly sensitive. These days, I feel more relaxed and present. This shift has made interacting with audiences feel natural and effortless.”

From Novice to Depth

Looking back at her early twenties, she recalled how challenging it was to authentically convey breakup songs without having fully experienced such emotions herself. Producer Park Jin-young once advised her to watch films to better understand emotional nuances. Now, even lyrics that don’t reflect her personal story resonate deeply with her. Marriage and motherhood have clearly expanded her emotional range.

She tied the knot with Kim Hee-hyun, a former principal dancer with the National Ballet, in July 2023. Their son, Haim, arrived in September of the following year.

The New Release

Her latest pop ballad explores the theme of fading romance caused by routine and complacency. After nearly two years away from music due to pregnancy and childbirth, she returns with this melancholic track. “I wanted something uplifting to match my current life phase, but when I first heard this song, it grabbed me instantly. I couldn’t let it go,” she explained.

She laughed while mentioning how people keep asking why she chose a breakup song during such a joyful period of her life. The track shares stylistic similarities with her hit “It Can’t Be Real” and thematic connections to “Clockwork.”

“I tried to sing it effortlessly, but my ambition took over—it ended up being the highest-pitched song I’ve ever released,” she admitted with a smile. “I hope confident singers will take it on as a karaoke challenge.”

Two Decades in Music

After seven years of training under JYP Entertainment, she debuted in 2005 and quickly rose to prominence with beloved tracks like “Music Is My Life,” “No Tears Fell,” “Golden Lady,” and “Don’t Go, My Love.” Before her official debut, she earned the nickname “Street Diva” through busking performances in the Hongdae neighborhood.

Celebrating her 20th anniversary last year, she reflected: “My son was the perfect anniversary gift. Even though I couldn’t be active during that time, I have no regrets.”

Since her return, she’s been moved by messages from fans who remember listening to her music on MP3 players and electronic dictionaries during their school commutes. “I want to stay active consistently from now on, without any more long breaks,” she declared.

Sharing Knowledge, Sustaining Excellence

Currently serving as a visiting professor in the Department of Applied Music at Chung-Ang University, she expressed pride in her enduring vocal abilities. “Teaching students while learning from them keeps me growing continuously. It naturally increases my practice time as well.”

She reflected on her artistic evolution: “Early in my career, I deliberately sang with a raw, explosive quality to capture that authentic R&B feel. Now, my focus is on vocal techniques and conditioning that will support a long-lasting career. I’m committed to being an artist who never stops learning and evolving.”