South Korean singer Bumkey (Kwon Ki-beom), has recently released a collaboration with a flutist Han Jee-hee, the wife of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin.
According to his management agency, BRANDNEW MUSIC on Mar. 22, Bumkey unveiled his first Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) album titled “The Obedient,” on Mar. 21, marking his return after eight years. In this album, Bumkey personally curated CCM songs that many Christians love and reinterpreted them in his unique style to reflect his religious beliefs, spirituality, and reverence for God. The album consists of 10 tracks, including the triple title track, “The Breath of God,” “If He Says So,” and “Just As I Am.”
Bumkey collaborated with Han Jee-hee on “If He Says So”. The agency elaborated, “Han’s participation added vibrant colors to the project.”
Both Bumkey and Han are devout Christians, with Han reportedly being a fan of CCM songs sung by Bumkey. Their collaboration began when Han proposed the idea to him during her year-end recital at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, late last year. The song they performed was “If He Says So,” which is on Bumkey’s latest album.
Their close bond led to him inviting Han to participate in the recording of his worship album, to which she readily agreed.
Han Jee-hee, a highly accomplished musician, graduated from prestigious institutions such as the Preparatory Course at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt in Paris, Oberlin Conservatory of Music in the United States, and Musashino Academia Musicae in Japan learning under the renowned professor. She holds a master’s degree from Ewha Womans University and a doctorate from Seoul National University Graduate School of Music. Han has also served as a visiting professor at Sungshin Women’s University and Sookmyung Women’s University and is currently a member of the chamber music ensemble “PACE”.
Chung Yong-jin has frequently shared photos of his wife’s performances on social media. At Han’s recital last year, he was accompanied by the eldest son, Chung Hae-chan, and their twin children.
