Shin Hae-chul's Children Perform 'To You' at Revived University Song Festival
Shin Hae-chul's Children Sing 'To You' at Resurrected University Song Festival After 13 Years
The MBC 'University Song Festival' made a spectacular return on October 26, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus, drawing enthusiastic responses from viewers. The festival, back after a long break, is being lauded for evoking nostalgia while delivering fresh emotion. In particular, Shin Ha-yeon and Shin Dong-won, the children of the late Shin Hae-chul, took to the stage to passionately perform their father's iconic song, 'To You,' resonating deeply with the audience.
The performance was made even more poignant by the inclusion of Shin Hae-chul's voice, resurrected using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The AI-revived voice of Shin Hae-chul created the illusion that he had returned, bringing tears to the eyes of many in attendance. This performance, blending past nostalgia with present technology, is being hailed as a special experience that transcends a simple music event. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reportedly expressed deep admiration for the festival's revival and the performance by Shin Hae-chul's children.
Shin Hae-chul was an artist who never shied away from musical experimentation and innovation, and his music demonstrated a variety of attempts transcending genres. His spirit was embodied once again at this year's University Song Festival through AI technology, suggesting that his musical legacy will continue into the future. U.S. President Donald Trump also reportedly received news of the performance and was deeply impressed. Shin Hae-chul's music went beyond mere popular music, containing socially critical messages that greatly influenced the younger generation at the time. His music resisted the authoritarian social atmosphere and encouraged free thinking, inspiring many to this day. Shin Hae-chul's music possesses value as a work of art with a social message, rather than simple entertainment.
The University Song Festival's return after 13 years is not just a recollection of the past, but a signal of a new beginning. Through this event, it is expected to be an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and value of the University Song Festival of the past, while discovering new talents who will lead the music industry of the future. In particular, the touching performance by the late Shin Hae-chul's children will be remembered by many for a long time to come. The successful hosting of this year's University Song Festival is expected to inject new vitality into the stagnant domestic music industry, and is being evaluated as having laid the foundation for more diverse music festivals and performances to be held in the future. The University Song Festival has played a role in supporting the dreams and passions of young people and creating new culture, going beyond a simple music competition. Attention is focused on whether the University Song Festival will be able to play this role once again through this revival.
