Radio: A Page of Culture from Han Yeong-ae

“How are you, listeners? You’re listening to ‘A Page of Culture from Han Yeong-ae.’”

It has already been five years since Han made her first opening remarks in her gentle voice. She has attended countless music concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, literature gatherings and film screenings while hosting EBS FM’s “A Page of Culture from Han Yeong-ae,” which airs every day from 9 a.m. More than 800 guests have been invited to appear on the show as “cultural figures of action.”

“I used to believe that singers must deliver their messages only through singing, even if the world changes around them. But I could not resist when my producer asked me to make a program dedicated solely to the introduction of cultural content. It has now been five years, even though I initially predicted the show to run for a maximum of only six months. Everyone, including myself, are surprised that the show has run for this long,” Han said.

When asked how much longer she plans to host the show, she answered, “I have to be cool about it. Although it is a big mistake to say that I have no substitute, I will quit even if a ‘single percent of conflict’ arises.”

It was not easy for her to continue both her singing and radio careers. She stopped performing after staging a series of concerts to promote her 2003 album, “Behind the Time.” “I feel guilty as if I have been neglecting my own duties. I guess I have to do something because I now feel the urge to sing from deep within my heart,” Han said.

Although she had to stop her singing career, she has gained a lot while hosting the show. While hearing many short stories from listeners, she has realized that culture is, after all, a message about people.”

“I receive lots of trivial stories such as ‘My business went bankrupt;’ ‘I had an argument with my boy friend;’ And, ‘I only earn this much, but I spend this much on my children’s private tutoring.’ In the beginning, I couldn’t appreciate each listener’s unique situation, but after a while I found myself somewhat relieved while reading such stories,” Han said.

An open broadcast will be aired on August 15 at the Special Hall of the EBS building in celebration of the fifth anniversary of “A Page of Culture from Han Yeong-ae.”

A panel of special guests will participate in a live discussion with the theme, “To Those Who Love Culture.” In addition, she will unveil “Nanppaen,” a rookie group that she recently organized, at a mini-concert. “Nanppaen” is a five member group consisting of five college students, ranging in age from 19 to 23.

“When the rhythm of instruments blends perfectly with vocals, we use the expression, “Nanppaen” to describe that very moment; so we chose this term as the name of the band. I’d like to return to my 20s and re-live moments that I’ve forgotten, or have yet to try, with these young musicians. There is no age limit in music. I guess, we will have to practice hard throughout the winter in order to emerge as a good band.”

salthj@donga.com