South Korean Soprano Park Hye-sang Releases Highly Anticipated Album ‘BREATHE’ After 4-Year Hiatus

South Korean Soprano Park Hye-sang Releases Second Album ‘BREATHE’ After 4 Years

Renowned South Korean soprano, Park Hye-sang, has released her highly anticipated second album titled ‘BREATHE’ after a gap of four years. The album features a collaboration with Korean composer Woo Hyo-won, with his song ‘Eoi Gari’ included in the album.

Album Release and Single Premiere

According to Universal Music, Park Hye-sang unveiled the first single from the album, ‘Maseune: Ave Maria,’ on January 19th at Deutsche Grammophon. The album is a concept album that encapsulates Park Hye-sang’s existential contemplations and answers regarding life and death during the pandemic. Inspired by a line from Søren Kierkegaard, “Never be sad, shine while you live,” the album aims to provide hope and courage to listeners.

Inspiration from the Santiago Pilgrimage

Park Hye-sang shared that during her journey on the Santiago Pilgrimage, she felt the morning sunrise embracing her like the vastness of the universe. She stated, “Søren Kierkegaard’s words resonated deeply with me, and it fueled my creative process for this album. I hope that everyone who listens to this work will find the courage to live while experiencing the peace and strength of life.”

Collaboration with Woo Hyo-won

‘BREATHE’ also includes the song ‘Woo: Requiem aeternam (Eoi Gari)’ by Korean composer Woo Hyo-won. This piece combines the sound of the ajaeng (a traditional Korean string instrument) with the solemnity of a requiem. Park Hye-sang explained, “The ajaeng’s melancholic accompaniment gives a resonating silence that remembers the souls of the departed.”

Upcoming Release and Recital

The second studio album, ‘BREATHE,’ is set to be released on February 2nd. Additionally, a recital commemorating the album’s release will take place on February 13th at the Lotte Concert Hall.