Shin Hae-chul's Children Make Surprise Appearance at Revived University Song Festival, Stirring Emotion

Shin Hae-chul's Children's Touching Tribute at University Song Festival's Revival After 13 Years

October 27, 2025, marked a significant moment in South Korean music. The 'MBC University Song Festival - Ignite Youth,' revived after 13 years, was successfully held the previous day, October 26, at the Achijan-di Plaza of Korea Maritime & Ocean University in Busan. The stage was led by MCs Jang Do-yeon, Lee Jun-young, and Kim Min-ju. Renowned musicians representing South Korea, including Yoon Sang, Lee Juck, Park Kal-lin, Lee Won-seok of Daybreak, Lee Young-hyun, Yuk Joong-wan, and Kim Yong-jun of SG Wannabe, participated as judges, enriching the festival. This year's University Song Festival was evaluated as a meaningful event that reaffirmed the passion of youth and pure musical enthusiasm beyond simple competition. Held amidst the enthusiastic cheers and support of numerous spectators, the festival provided participants with a challenge toward their dreams and viewers with unforgettable emotion and memories.

Shin Hae-chul Memorial Stage, 'To You' Echoes

One of the most touching moments of this year's University Song Festival was when the late Shin Hae-chul's children, Shin Ha-yeon and Shin Dong-won, took to the stage with the band Lucy and passionately performed their father's signature song, 'To You.' October 27, 2025, marked the 11th anniversary of Shin Hae-chul's passing, making it an even more meaningful day for many who love his music. Shin Ha-yeon and Shin Dong-won honored their father's musical legacy and provided the audience with deep emotion through a stage commemorating him. Shin Dong-won expressed his overwhelming emotions after the performance, saying, "It's already been more than 10 anniversaries since my father passed away. Thank you for still remembering and taking care of him." His heartfelt words moved many in attendance. Shin Ha-yeon added, "In my memory, my dad's fans are mostly left crying. I would be happy if you enjoyed today's stage with a smile. Please don't wear such sad expressions anymore," delivering a message of hope beyond sorrow. Their performance was more than just a memorial performance; it was a touching moment connecting generations through their father's music.

New Stars Emerge: 2025 University Song Festival Winners Announced

After fierce competition, the winners of the glory were announced. Cadenza took the grand prize, while H.i.M and Y507 jointly won the gold prize. Kim Ga-yeon won the silver prize, and Cho Dong won the bronze prize, gaining the opportunity to introduce new musical talents to the world. Their music received rave reviews from the judges, and they showed the potential to grow into the next generation of leaders who will lead the Korean popular music scene. It is expected that the new talents discovered through this year's University Song Festival will communicate with the public through various musical activities and demonstrate their musical capabilities. The University Song Festival plays a role as a platform that encourages and supports young musicians to pursue their dreams beyond simply serving as a gateway.

President Lee Jae-myung Commemorates Shin Hae-chul's 11th Anniversary

President Lee Jae-myung posted a memorial message on Facebook to commemorate Shin Hae-chul's 11th anniversary, honoring his music and spirit. The President highly praised the positive impact of the deceased's music on Korean society and his artistic spirit, emphasizing that many people received comfort and courage through his music. In addition, the President added that the musical legacy left by the deceased will continue to inspire our society for a long time to come. President Lee Jae-myung's memorial message gained sympathy from many netizens and became a hot topic online. The President's memorial can be interpreted as showing deep interest and respect for the Korean cultural arts community, going beyond simply commemorating a musician.

Real Estate Market Trends: Series of Policy Announcements in October

Meanwhile, in the real estate market, due to the real estate measures announced on October 15, 2025, transactions for purposes other than actual residence were uniformly suspended in all of Seoul and 12 locations in Gyeonggi Province. In addition, with the designation of land transaction zones from October 20, 2025, the government's regulations on the real estate market are being strengthened. Due to the impact of these policies, the number of Seoul apartment listings, which was 72,997 on October 16, 2025, decreased to 65,667 on October 26, 2025. On the same day, the number of Seoul Jeonse listings was tallied at 24,852. Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Lee Sang-kyung appeared on 'Booheungnam TV' on October 19, 2025, to explain the government's real estate policy direction. According to Real Estate R114's weekly apartment market report, the rate of increase in Seoul apartment sales prices from October 18 to 24, 2025, recorded 0.14%. The volatility of the real estate market is expected to continue in the future, and continuous attention to changes in government policies and market conditions is necessary.