Arirang Alone ***So Hyang*** First reaction Just WOW

Direct link original video: • So Hyang - Arirang Alo...

[@Megl_guhr2ou9v.l]

Thank you for Wonderful reaction♡💗This song is an arrangement of "South Korea's old "traditional folk song". Sohyang's pretty dress is also a "traditional dress" Sohyang is a devout Christian and CCM/"Gospel Singer"

[@ToddSauve]

We all wonder if So Hyang is human or from another planet. Current odds are that she’s from another planet, with an outside chance she’s actually an angel come down from Heaven. 😇 We have never heard anyone sing like her, or be able to hold an audience in the palm of her hand until she lets them go. Her voice is, as one person described it, like liquid gold. Perfection in clarity and pitch, and she doesn’t fade in the upper octaves, which is startling when you hear her hit those 5th and 6th octave notes with such _POWER_ it actually gives everyone goose bumps-and makes us bald guys’ hair stand on end! As she says, her voice “is from God.” She does all the musical arrangements herself (with the input of her musical assistants), teaches vocal technique at a South Korean university and speaks four languages. Korean, English, French and Vietnamese. Let me catch my breath. OK. She is a survivor of uterine cancer from the age of 20, just after getting married, and states very plainly that God saved her life due to the prayers of her church. But this left her without the ability to have children so she decided to dedicate her life to being a Contemporary Christian Gospel singer and has refused recording contracts from the biggest corporations in the world. She only wants to sing for charities, churches and while doing missionary work, to strengthen those suffering through difficult times. David Foster, Josh Groban, Michael Bolton and others have all eagerly worked with her when they were in South Korea or Japan. She contracted hepatitis B from a blood transfusion during her cancer surgery and it clings to her to this day. Because of this she is prone to catching pneumonia but has sang perfectly while suffering from it in her live performance of “You Raise Me Up” before Shane Filan of Westlife on South Korean TV: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpbCfWylm82Iqpo She has asked those who love her singing to pray that God keep pneumonia away from her, she has suffered from it on so many occasions. Imagine how she must feel with this coronavirus floating around everywhere! She just turned 43 on April 5, 2021, though in Korean culture she would be 44 because you are deemed to be one year old when you are born. She was about 37 when she sang this version of “Arirang Alone”, their unofficial national anthem based on a 600 year old folk song expressing their desire to reunify north and south: vimeo.com/308253527 While being sick with pneumonia eight times from 2016 through to 2020, and considering giving up singing altogether, she chastised herself and entered a televised singing contest called “King of the Masked Singers” in 2017 and won six consecutive times, which has catapulted her into international fame from the performances being posted on KZbin. Whitney Houston’s former manager saw her on KZbin and showed her to Oprah Winfrey, who brought her to David Foster’s attention. Foster then contacted So Hyang and arranged for her to share eight concerts with him at Tokyo’s famous Blue Note Club in late-2018. (For those who don't know, David Foster was Whitney Houston's producer for her albums, wrote "I Have Nothing", her most iconic song, and is probably the most famous and influential music producer in the world. He places So Hyang right beside Whitney and the rest of the top tier divas.) Here is the interview where So Hyang related the events: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LIdpJno7Vggc0 (Be sure to turn on English subtitles.) Here is the version of “I Have Nothing” Oprah, David Foster and the rest watched on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imW4qnyDoMmsaq8 She preceded it with this blockbuster: vimeo.com/312061203 She could be an international Super Star if she wanted to be but has decided that it would ruin her spiritually, quoting Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 which both say “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” In a South Korean television interview So Hyang conceded that she struggled with her desire for fame for a number of years, going into the basement in her home numerous times and locking the door so she could complain vehemently to God that He was holding her back from becoming famous due to her health problems and other unforeseeable events. Then she later saw a Korean TV drama where the talented daughter of a very successful businessman was positive she would take over when her father retired. But he left the management of the company to a woman she hated, so she had a fit and lay kicking and screaming on the floor. So Hyang says she saw herself in that young woman and then understood that God was keeping her from developing self-destructive character by withholding international celebrity status from her. By her own admission, she was a miserable person to be around. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ2Qm4tvoKeme9U (Again, turn on English subtitles.) So as a consequence she no longer pursues fame or fortune and actually has no social media presence whatsoever. What can one say about such a person? She is a literal Wonder Woman! And we need about a billion more just like her! And whether she wants it or not, fame has overtaken her, backed up and run her over again! On Oct. 5, 2020, it was revealed that So Hyang turned down _yet another_ contract offer, this time from Sony Music. www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200921000995 “Debuting in [the] US was my utmost goal for the past 20 years. But when I got a call from the US agency, I politely rejected, as I realized that what I wanted most was not becoming famous,” she said. “I think singers are very susceptible to arrogance, especially when they hear the screaming from crowds on stage. It can make you feel like as if you’ve become God.” “And I’m perfectly okay with sharing my music via KZbin, which can reach tens of millions of people all over the world without making me feel stuck up. Maybe that’s why I was born in this era.” So Hyang is just the most amazing singer, Christian and human being. She is beautiful both inside and out, and so humble, open and genuine, with a stage charisma, facial expressions and smile that is off the charts. In Korean dictionaries 소 향 (So Hyang) has several meanings. • First is a type of Korean traditional music. • Second is to burn incense on a burner. • Third is to go toward. But these meanings are rarely used today and hers is a quite uncommon name. 소 향 is also the name of a heroine in a Korean traditional novel. So in retrospect her name was well chosen, and you can take your pick! Please analyze her performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfMeZtqrqeredE Also, please react to her version of “The Power of Love”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqOxnImIp7Bqlas Plus this beautiful duet with her friend Lee Hi where they do Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”: vimeo.com/439148918 And this version of her singing “Oh Holy Night”: vimeo.com/322716334 Here she performs “Lean On Me” before Michael Bolton, who called her a vocal “virtuoso” after her performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fafWmHaiociBhqc This is a wonderful Jazz inflected performance of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmLZoaOspsR5Y5o Wait until you see her duet of David Foster's “The Prayer” with Jeong Ui Geu: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKXIXqRpoNqhppo This song of hers "Everyone" is dumbfounding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmbIaICGp8pqn7s And finally “Will You Be There”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHPHhKObrbqrn80 Here’s an English language interview with her that I’m sure you will enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGPYkKOjpLyroJo Her English is perfect when she sings and almost perfect when she is doing interviews. She actually taught herself to speak English from watching Disney's "The Little Mermaid" about "one hundred times" when she was a kid, has a perfect North American accent and a bubbly personality. OK, I’ll stop gushing now. Well, one more gush. In an interview with a Turkish music producer So Hyang's assistants revealed (a bit to her chagrin, as she is a self-effacing person) that she can hit Eb7 and D7 in practise. However, she never goes above the 6th octave in performances. Since she starts at D3 that is more than a 4 octave range ... so how about them apples???! Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ-zcp6ortesnbM I know, bananas isn’t it? Oh, I just remembered, she has also had several fantasy novels published, as well as a theological treatise on the book of Revelation, and is a very good stage actress, which she proved by playing Julie Andrews’ part in the South Korean production of “The Sound of Music.” Moreover, she sang the “Moana” part in the Korean version of the Disney film, does the musical vocals for many South Korean television dramas, and is a talented artist and cartoonist. She can also play the piano and guitar. Is there anything this genius level woman can’t do? Though she is less than 5' 4" and probably not even 100 pounds, So Hyang simply transcends the thresholds of music and takes you there with her. She becomes the song when she sings it and then re-emerges when she is done. An experience like no other. I don’t know what else to say. I’ve spent _entire days_ listening to her, and shed more than a few tears of joy along the way. She is indeed akin to an addictive substance you can't live without. I really must also compliment the choir, orchestra and audio/video production people So Hyang works with. They are all top notch from what I can see and hear and it is important to note that, as these are _essential_ parts of any great music production. The Korean people are easily as talented as anyone else. As you can see, I am a shameless fan. 😉

[@thisismadness6962]

Good reaction. Sohyang is a Korean gospel singer who has forsaken a commercial career to dedicate her voice to helping people cope with their troubles. This song was recorded on a TV contest between top professional singers -- Immortal Songs. Arirang alone is a Korean folk song, hundreds of years old and with hundreds of versions. Sohyang's version is a story of Korea's history of strife and the yearning to be one nation again (you probably noticed she was leading the audience in singing along with her in the middle part of the song). She has many great performances available from three Korean TV shows: Immortal Songs, I Am A Singer, and King of Masked Singers. It seems to be a very Korean thing for top professionals to battle it out on TV. You should read about her on wikipedia if you are interested.

[@오국헌-g8l]

Whenever I listen to So-hyang's song, my hair is I'm getting goose bumps all over my body. The voice of the must be an angel sent from heaven.

[@akanecortich8197]

A So Hyang video is always my go to videos now days. She will either make you gape or cry, a real master. She does it all, even Rap, duets, jazz, trad, gospel... Did the longest rap sequence I ever saw, by a mile.

[@brittag.pedersen5340]

❤️❤️❤️Simply adore, love and have such deep respect for Sohyang as a person and for her incredible beautiful voice voice and amazing talent. My favorite song of Sohyang is : "Everyone". So so beautiful and incredible. To me Sohyang is the queen of singers and Dimash is the king! ❤️❤️❤️

[@이석현-z5b]

Thank you for the reaction~ Welcome to Sohyang's world^^ Beautiful, pure voice~ Nice reaction~^^

[@ignatiuschua5268]

Picking any song randomly off Sohyang playlist will always give you eargasm. In Arirang Alone, you have a beautifully song coupled with four high memorable moments. Yes, you get all these moments in her other songs as well. Chills, goosebumps and wonders. One of her most iconic song is Mona Lisa. Do not use official KZbin channel for her King Of Mask Singers songs. They are all truncated. Look for them in vimeo and search for English subtitles.

[@riffgroove]

I love watching vocal coaches and reactors re-evaluate their lives while listening to SoHyang.

[@이태리때타울]

Beautiful song and cute SoHyang, it's fantastic ♡♡ I am satisfied for your reaction .. Thank you very much!

[@VolatileSupernova]

I love So Hyang's voice, if you do more reactions of her I think you will appreciate her talent and skill! I suggest Bridge Over troubled Water, it makes me tear up a little.

[@min-hyung-ahn_genius]

7:59 Not chinese song Arirang alone is “Korea song” And also Sohyang is Korean

[@joandsarah77]

Welcome to So Hyang's world. :) Arirang alone is a very old folk song and while the lyrics are symbolic it is mostly sung now about the split between North and South Korea and the longing for unity. It's considered the unofficial national anthem. My next choice of songs would be "Bridge Over Troubled Water" from Immortal Songs 2, but all the ones posted below are great.

[@jiyoon7903]

Sohyang 👸👏👏👏👍👍👍😍😍

[@greenstar7492]

If Dimash is a King , So Hyang is definitely a Queen of singing...thanks for your reaction...

[@tommyo2450]

She is the best in the world..

[@백곰-c6w]

우리 소향님 사랑해 주세요. thank you.

[@razw8200]

Her voice always bring drop of tears to me though i don't understand korean language....

[@tonitaylor5485]

Enjoyed your reaction, know you will enjoy her other performances. I appreciated your comment on just enjoying each artist for their talent. I would recommend her performance of Fate Where are You Hug Me Lean on Me (sung in English) Bridge Over Trouble Water (sung in English) So many more ...

[@SoHyangisMyQueen28]

Wow! Thank you for reacting to her!! I am so happy when more people learn about So Hyang 😍😊

[@geraldpark628]

Thank you for your reaction. buy i would like make sure one important thing. If somebody call "Arirang" Chinese song, It means you want to fight with all of Korean. Please kindly refer

[@bstb1958]

Arriang Alone a korean folk song over 500 yrs old this was her own arrangement she teaches music in Korea and is a Christian . Also a cancer survivor.

[@chauamos1759]

Queen😘

[@alvinalson6966]

A warm welcome to Sohyang world :) she is one of the four S rank female vocalist with Whitney, Celine and Mariah. Try Sohyang “lean on me” “i have nothing” or “bridge over troubled water” :)

[@viniciosf7146]

Nice reaction 👍❤️ react to sohyang Bridge over troubled water plssssss ❤️❤️

[@paulread4886]

great stuff Bob. Lean On Me is a good performance too.

[@skyson6975]

Welcome to So Hyang’s world man!

[@hetache07]

Wow Thank You For Reacting To Queeeennn Sohyang. but its Korean Song cuz shes from S.korea and Its A Immortal Song Variety Show in korea. Pleasee React To Her Bridge Over Troubled Water, lean on me,You Raise Me Up 2019 and I Have Nothing

[@yukuolee3562]

Glad you made your acquaintance with Sohyang and also about your emphasis on staying away from the silly one-upmanship between singers. You apparently know how to pick when choosing Sohyang's Arirang Alone in random but it's hard to pick a bad performance from her. She started out as a gospel singer more than 20+ years ago and in 20 years, now is truly among the elite group of the rare vocalists in the world. Immortal Song 2 is a South Korean competition show that invites established singers to re-intrepret songs with different themes each night. This one happens to be about Korean traditional songs. To know her better, I invite you to check out her exhilarating cover of "Lean On Me" also on Immortal Song 2 for the Michael Bolton Special at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fafWmHaiociBhqc

[@신-w2p]

와 소향은 이제 나메크성에도 알려진 우주적 가수구나~

[@parao99]

하하하~

[@parao99]

대장로 말씀 이시죠? ㅎㅎ

[@nakygeorge3203]

나메크성이래 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@Dtagcity]

Nice reaction! please react to more of her So Hyang is a korean gospel singer who has been in the field for over 2 decades now since her 20s, when she had also survived cancer. Although it left her infertile, she had dedicated her life to reaching out to people and to bring comfort through her music. Here are some of her best in my opinion Everyone vimeo.com/308899835 (Gospel/soul) Where are you vimeo.com/254194327 (Power ballad) Its only my world vimeo.com/277384984 (Rock) I always miss you vimeo.com/263705701 (Jazz) Fate vimeo.com/198161448 (Traditional) Childish adult kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3SrepygqpJsibc (Duet, upbeat/jazz) Hug me kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpSxY4Fmj5KGZ5Y (Ballad) a personal fav of mine Her popular english covers are all on youtube, just pick the ones with the most views You raise me up (2018) Bridge over troubled waters Lean on me I have nothing (DMC festival) Oh Holy Night (I am singer 2) Aegukga (Korean National Anthem) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqvPeGiDhJtgppY The Star-Spangled Banner (US National Anthem) kzbin.info/www/bejne/baipZpuQj55kaZY

[@이태리때타울]

This is a traditional Korean song ^^

[@박대웅-d2m]

GOOD!!

[@jjh76027545]

Pls react to sohyang - you raise me up (immoral song) ver.

[@lasse1106]

Gotta react to Sohyang singing Bridge Over Troubled Water next! Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfMeZtqrqeredE

[@afrojack5689]

please react to so hyang Bridge over troubled water

[@user-gl3qm6bq8c]

1989 -- TOTAL RECALL

[@mariaaracelimontalvanarand6981]

I had the same reaction

[@piyagi0705]

미미인줄...

[@tating7417]

프리저 닮음...

[@CaryanLee]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ빵!

[@sean1849]

Hello just subscribed can you please react to pentatonix cover of the sound of silence please

[@koala20001]

when you react, you should do a basic research on the song and the singer.

[@asiastraineddogwillleaveyou]

Bridge over troubled water - SoHyang please