Coming to Vietnam three years ago, Kwon has written seven songs that spread the beauty of the S-shaped country to international friends, particularly in South Korea, and therefore help to tighten relations between the two nations.

His latest two songs, entitled Waiting for you, 5,000 years and Butterfly Flakes, were filmed in many famous landscapes across the country, such as Cuc Phuong National Park, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Sa Pa and Hoi An Ancient Town.

A graduate of the National Conservatorio of Firenze, Italy, Kwon is well known as a versatile artist. He works as a musician, composer, singer, music producer of K-pop, as well as a therapist of The Well Hospital Voice Centre, and a conductor of SBS Choir Radio.

He is now based in Hanoi, working as the music director for PNJ Entertainment and a youth choir conductor at the Korean Cultural Centre.

Kwon said his love for Vietnam came to him naturally. Since childhood, he has loved and always been interested in learning about the country.

“What a coincidence that my birthday is on September 2, Vietnam’s Independence Day. I personally studied Vietnamese history and came to admire the people of this country who helped each other through any difficulties,” he said.

“I was fascinated by the images of the conical hats and ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress). I always wanted to come to Vietnam.”

It wasn't until 2018 that he had the opportunity to visit Vietnam for the first time and was taken by surprise.

“Indeed, Vietnam is even more beautiful than what I have seen on TV, books, and newspapers. I was most impressed by the hospitality, friendliness and warmth of the local people, which has deepened my love for the country,” he said.

After that visit, the South Korean songwriter decided to settle in Vietnam three years ago and started to compose songs.

“At that time, the spirit of the whole country was britghtened by the success of the Vietnamese national football team under the guidance of coach Park Hang-seo. Seeing the support and enthusiasm of the locals, I wanted to do something for the country that I have considered my second hometown and for the enthusiastic, hard-working Vietnamese people,” Kwon recalled.

“However, shortly after I came to Vietnam, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. All of us, not just me, couldn't do much. But I was able to understand and learn more about Vietnam while working on music. There were many difficulties, but it was a great opportunity to confirm our love for each other. Now I am grateful for all that time.”

During the pandemic, Kwon wrote five songs about the friendship between Vietnam and South Korea, his love for the country and the local cuisine, prior to the recent release of Waiting for you, 5,000 years and Butterfly Flakes.

Particularly, the song entitled Việt Nam, released in 2021, went viral with over 113,000 views on YouTube and over 50 broadcasts on various television channels.

Kwon added: “All the culture, nature and food of Vietnam have given me great musical inspiration. I have been so charmed by chả cá (charcoal grilled fish) and mắm tôm (shrimp paste) that I have even written a song about it, entitled Chả Cá Hay Peace.

“I believe that the viewers of these videos will love Vietnam as much as I do. Living in Vietnam is like my destiny. I will always do my best as an artist to support this country.”

Ha Van Sieu, deputy director general of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, expressed his appreciation for the South Korean artist’s love for Vietnam and his creativity.

“Vietnamese beauty has shone through Kwon’s music, his love and videos. We hope that his love for Vietnam will fly far and wide around the world,” he noted.

Talking about his future plans, Kwon said: “I want to live here forever.” 

Source: Vietnam News