🤩👍Sohyang's in the House. Heard that local media dubbed her Korea's Mariah, but I truly believe She has her own flavor. Like other South Korean artists I've listened to, She's World Class. Awesome Reaction, as always. More Power, Much Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭💖
김소향 (Kim, So-hyang) is a South Korean singer who uses 소향 (Sohyang) as her stage name. She's up there with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Céline Dion, according to David Foster, who worked with all of them, plus other big names in the music industry, such as Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson. In fact, many vocal coaches and critics call her the Queen, and Dimash the King. Here are several links to excellent performances by Sohyang. Many are from competitions where she pulls out all the stops and goes into vocal beast mode. The last 5 are more restrained. You can alternate between the styles, just to experience the contrasts and see her range of abilities. All are live, except for a music video of "Never Enough" (since we can never get enough of Sohyang). DMC Festival: ruclips.net/video/T4UyIMkdy4M/видео.html "I Have Nothing" [Whitney Houston] ruclips.net/video/CFtRUSPxcas/видео.html (camera only on Sohyang) ruclips.net/video/n71eIWRmEtY/видео.html "꿈 (Dream)" [소향 (Sohyang)] {Korean} Immortal Songs 2: ruclips.net/video/C6iHh4yBxCo/видео.html "Bridge Over Troubled Water" [Simon & Garfunkel] ruclips.net/video/zFyndK9VOCk/видео.html "홀로 아리랑 (Arirang Alone)" [traditional Korean folksong, lyrics adapted for reunification of North & South Koreas] {Korean} ruclips.net/video/GvsgCllcNPE/видео.html "Lean On Me" [Bill Withers, Jr.; Michael Bolton guest] ruclips.net/video/te_L9ofhUt8/видео.html "You Raise Me Up" [Secret Garden; Shane Filan (Westlife) guest] ruclips.net/video/H5e7MPre7iY/видео.html "여러분 (Everyone)" [윤복희 (Yoon, Bok-hee)] {Korean, English} I Am A Singer 2: ruclips.net/video/YwgF3Gylu-0/видео.html "O Holy Night" [Adolphe Charles Adam] King of Masked Singers: ruclips.net/video/a_lOAgti7XQ/видео.html "모나리자 (Mona Lisa)" [조용필 (Cho, Yong-pil)] {Korean, English} ruclips.net/video/0qBSPPi3ESM/видео.html "Home (집)" [박효신 (Park, Hyo-shin)] {Korean, English} Begin Again Korea: ruclips.net/video/lSzb6a0PkQU/видео.html "Flashlight" with Lee Suhyun [Jessie J] ruclips.net/video/_ivvpK3UMlw/видео.html "Misty" [Ella Fitzgerald] ruclips.net/video/DO845EqU3eE/видео.html "I Will Always Love You" [Dolly Parton] ruclips.net/video/k5WqGIPjqtc/видео.html "Never Enough" [Loren Allred] Open Concert: ruclips.net/video/vZyIdoRRKFo/видео.html "The Power of Love" [Jennifer Rush] BTW, Whitney's former manager saw the DMC Festival video of Sohyang singing "I Have Nothing", and contacted Oprah Winfrey, who in turn, contacted David Foster. They were all amazed. He invited her to sing on his tour in Asia. She did 8 shows in 4 days in Tokyo. Foster co-wrote that song. He arranged and produced it for Whitney for her album, and her performance in "The Bodyguard". Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards, including 3 for Producer of the Year, and has been nominated a total of 47 times.
I will hold back on subscribing for just a bit as i want to see if you commit to Sohyang,if you do i will be very happy to commit to your channel,so i wait with interest and hope to see more soon,much love from Scotland x
I just love it when someone "Finds" Sohyang. One of the best vocalist on the planet without a doubt. You are on a real journey with her. She is technically superb and treats EVERY note as if its special. Check out "Bridge over Troubled Waters" Next.
So Hyang is a devout Christian and gospel singer from South Korea. In her early 20's and newly married, she was diagnosed with early stage uterine cancer, which left her unable to have children. After receiving a healing from God (and her surgeons), her goal has been to use her voice to bring comfort to people who are experiencing difficult times. So Hyang IS NOT motivated by either money or fame, and she has rejected numerous offers from major record labels. In addition to being a published author of several fiction books, she lectures about singing and vocal techniques at a South Korean university. So Hyang, her husband, and several assistants arrange every aspect of her live performances; the music, backing vocals, staging, lighting, etc. With the exception of several sessions with Seth Riggs (Michael Jackson's vocal coach), So Hyang is primarily self-taught as a singer. New subscriber.
Thank you for your genuine reaction to Sohyang's epic "I Have Nothing" cover. The conversion from the initial skepticism in wondering "What the heck am I going to hear here?" to the sense of befuddlement of "What did I just hear? Is this for real?" is so representative of many who reacted to this performance by Sohyang. And I can only confess empathy as someone who went through a similar path. I should add that even after you have witnessed the incomparable vocal phenomenon delivered by Sohyang here, be ready for the surprise to continue each time you listen to Sohyang's performance.
Everyone be like: "No one can sing this song like Whitney did!" Sohyang be like: "Hold my mic!" Sohyang is one major rabbit hole for you to explore next do Upon This Rock and/or Everyone they will both blow you away!!
We all wonder if Sohyang 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 in-law family and musical assistants, teaches vocal technique at a South Korean university and speaks four languages: Korean, English, Vietnamese and Chinese, as well as reading French and Greek! Let me catch my breath. OK. She is a cancer survivor from uterine cancer at 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 Asia. 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: ruclips.net/video/te_L9ofhUt8/видео.html 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 45 on April 5, 2023, though in Korean culture she would be 46 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 decided to enter a televised singing contest called “King of the Masked Singers” in 2017 and won six consecutive times, which has catapulted her into international attention from the performances being posted on RUclips. Whitney Houston’s former manager saw her on RUclips and showed her to Oprah Winfrey, who brought her to David Foster’s attention. Foster then contacted Sohyang and went to Japan in order to have her perform 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 some of her songs, wrote "I Have Nothing," her most iconic song, and is the most famous and influential music producer in the world. He places Sohyang right beside Whitney and the rest of the top tier divas. Here is the interview where Sohyang related the events: ruclips.net/video/EqeE_1nP-Kk/видео.html (Be sure to turn on English subtitles.) Here is the version of “I Have Nothing” Oprah, David Foster, Whitney's former manager and the rest watched on RUclips: ruclips.net/video/T4UyIMkdy4M/видео.html 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 16:25 “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” In a South Korean television interview Sohyang conceded that she struggled with her desire for fame for a number of years, going into the basement in her home numerous times and closing 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. Sohyang 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. ruclips.net/video/rl-jX9kBsEs/видео.html (Again, turn on English subtitles.) So as a consequence she does not pursue fame or fortune and actually has no interactive 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 Sohyang likes it or not, fame has found her, run her over and then backed up and run over her again! On Oct. 5, 2020, it was revealed that Sohyang turned down _yet another_ contract offer, this time from Sony Music US. 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 RUclips, 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.” Sohyang is just the most amazing singer, Christian and human being. She is beautiful both inside and out, and so humble and genuine, with a stage charisma, facial expressions and smile that is off the charts. In Korean dictionaries 소향--Sohyang--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. Sohyang is also the name of a heroine in a Korean traditional novel. Yet for the definitive answer Sohyang has stated in an interview that her name means "enjoy the light." Her grandmother named her. Please analyze her performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: ruclips.net/video/C6iHh4yBxCo/видео.html Also, please react to her version of “The Power of Love”: ruclips.net/video/LrNkVRrK7_I/видео.html 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: ruclips.net/video/GvsgCllcNPE/видео.html Wait until you see her duet of David Foster's “The Prayer” with Jeong Ui Geu: ruclips.net/video/rte-q3kunp8/видео.html Her performance of "Fate" in Korean requires no translation: vimeo.com/198161448 And finally “Will You Be There”: ruclips.net/video/nBdSpexUxik/видео.html Here’s an English language interview with her that I’m sure you will enjoy: ruclips.net/video/N2u_pmoWxj8/видео.html Her English is perfect when she sings and almost perfect when she is doing interviews. OK, I’ll stop gushing now. Well, one more gush. In an interview with a Turkish music producer Sohyang'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: ruclips.net/video/VnPAkryrygQ/видео.html I know, bananas isn’t it? Oh, I just remembered, she is also a published fantasy novelist and has a theological treatise on the Book of Revelation in print. In addition, she is a very good stage actress, which she proved by playing Julie Andrews’ part in the South Korean stage 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 taught herself English by watching Disney's "The Little Mermaid" 'about one hundred times' when she was just a kid, speaks English with a _perfect_ North American accent and has an outgoing and bubbly personality. She can also play the piano and guitar. Is there anything this genius level woman can’t do? Ironically, Sohyang stated in another interview that both she and her in-law family were surprised to discover that she could sing so excellently! Though she is maybe 5' 4" and only about 100 pounds, Sohyang 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. I really must also compliment the choir, orchestra and audio/video production people Sohyang works with. They are all top notch from what I can see and hear, and that is important to note as these are _essential_ elements of any great musical production. The Korean people are easily as talented as anyone else. As you can see, I am a shameless fan. 😉
Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such am amazing and informative comment. I really do appreciate it. I will check out your suggestions and do some more Sohyang reactions soon...copyright pending. Thanks again, all the best and a big hello from Oz 🇦🇺👋🙏
@@SwiftReactions You are welcome Swift, from Calgary in Western Canada near the Rocky Mountains! Yes, Sohyang is clearly something else altogether. We don't even know where to place her she is so above anything we have heard before. You are in for the treat of your musical life! 💖💖💖
If you continue to react to So Hyang, at your earliest convenience, please react to So Hyang performing "You Raise Me Up" from Immortal Songs 2 in 2018. The event nearly ended So Hyang's singing career. There is a very interesting back story.
The extent of this Ladies talent, take awhile to explore! She is also a published fantasy Novelist, as well as a University Voice and Performance coach, when time permits! What makes me huge Fan is her Character,
A warm welcome to the amazing world of Sohyang. Hope to see more reactions to her on your channel. Check out her rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water next, make sure its the Immortal Songs 2 performance from 2015. Thank you for the reaction.
As far as I know, the life of this singer was not easy. She struggled with a serious illness for a long time and doctors forbade her to sing. Western labels like Sony pursued and pestered her for many years, wanting to sign a contract with her, but in vain. She always emphasized that she sings exclusively for people, and not for her own or anyone else’s benefit. Besides, as far as I know, she is also a professor and singing teacher. And one more thing - she also did the arrangements for most (or maybe all) of her performances herself ♥♥♥♥♥
Absolute WORLD CLASS performances are always guaranteed (👍😁) from this stunning young lady. I can mention 3 songs she performs that will leave you “mesmerised with a capital M” & they are: 1) - Bridge over Troubled Water 2) - You raise me up, and; 3) - Lean on Me …Her performance of “Lean on Me” is especially impressive because it features a guest appearance from the very artist who wrote the song & even he is blown away by her performance 💖🤪💖.
I understand your excites and enthusiasm with this Fantastic Artist ! However ,Micheal Bolton did not write, “Lean on Me”, it was Bill Withers back in 1972! He did however a huge hit with it in the early 1990’s ! SoHyang give the song new life ! What a great Artist she is and will be greater in the future!
@@tomsawyer2768 … Oops!! 🫢. My apologies on that one. I just always associated the song with Michael Bolton but didn’t think to “go further back” & check on the songs’ origin 😬😬😬
THANK YOU!!, BEAUTIFUL LADY, for your FANTASTIC/AWESOME reaction to the PHENOMENAL So Hyang. I love your priceless facial expressions throughout the song, which spoke volumes. :)😊 This event was in 2015, when she was 36 years old. So Hyang is now 45 years old (46 in a few months). Not only is she aging in reverse; ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!, she sounds better than ever, if that's even possible. Her vocal range is still RIDICULOUS, and her breath control remains INSANE.
It alright we all do it, just though I would give you a heads up bride someone tries to embarrass you! Have a great day ! I will I am listening to lots of SoHyang, she make me feel Happy and so Hopefully!
Welcome to Sohyang's world. The critic of music rates her as an S for Star next to Whitney. The reason she isn't as well known is simply because she remains an independent artist -so no large label backing. This is due to her faith and health as a cancer survivor. But once you find Sohyang you will discover there is a whole other world of music.
@@joandsarah77 Hi to you too, Jo! I was just about to go to bed here since it is 1:25 am! Too late for an old guy like me, LOL! But not for a youngster like you! Ha, ha! 💖🙃
The only other artist currently alive that I know of who could match the “Whitney magic” that So Hyang resurrected here is Glennis Grace, who hails from The Netherlands. Please check out ALL available options for videos you get for So as she will have you captivated in mere moments each time 💖🥰💖
Hey Gerald, thanks for that. I have never heard of Glennis Grace but I'm 1/4 dutch so I'll definitely check her out and I might do another Sohyang at some stage. Cheers 👋🇦🇺🙏
@@SwiftReactions … If you ever get the chance, take a look at Glennis in her AGT audition where she sings Whitney’s classic “Run to You”. To say she leaves the audience spellbound is an understatement ☝️😜 If you close your eyes for a few seconds, you could honestly swear it was Whitney herself. THAT’S how great Glennis is. She even nails Bon Jovi’s hit “Always” but in a truly unusual way. You’d have to watch the video to see what I mean. Glennis is a national treasure in The Netherlands & she was in fact the last artist I saw live before the pandemic hit & that was only by chance as a friend I flew to Amsterdam to visit just happened to have a spare ticket for a concert Glennis was giving a few days later. As soon as I found out, I got over my jet lag in SECONDS 👍😁💖
@gerardroll6468 wow. How lucky you were to get to see her. I will definitely check those out. I'm curious about the Bon Jovi one in particular. You have me intrigued. Cheers Gerald. Your a legend as always. 🙏🇦🇺😀
@@SwiftReactions … To quote famous Aussie vernacular… “It’s a mate helping a mate” 🇦🇺👍🇦🇺. Yes, Glennis performs the Bon Jovi song in a way I’ve never seen anyone do before… Band or solo artist. She’s one of just a few artists alive that I would happily fly anywhere in the world to see & when you get to see & hear her perform… You’ll know WHY 👍😁
Helo Pretty lady could you include to your list to a reaction? Could you please do also a reaction to LIMUEL LLANES and his friends singing of THATS WHAT FRIEND ARE FOR after the done the dinner and you can hear this is in original key . Thanks and GOD BLESS as always and the whole family around. ❤ from Philippines 🙏
🤩👍Sohyang's in the House. Heard that local media dubbed her Korea's Mariah, but I truly believe She has her own flavor.
Like other South Korean artists I've listened to, She's World Class.
Awesome Reaction, as always. More Power, Much Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭💖
Welcome to The Forces of Heaven from Sohyang 🎉😅
Thanks from Perú 😊
She is amazing. Such a talent. A big hello fr Oz 👋🇦🇺🙏
THE QUEEN
김소향 (Kim, So-hyang) is a South Korean singer who uses 소향 (Sohyang) as her stage name. She's up there with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Céline Dion, according to David Foster, who worked with all of them, plus other big names in the music industry, such as Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson. In fact, many vocal coaches and critics call her the Queen, and Dimash the King.
Here are several links to excellent performances by Sohyang. Many are from competitions where she pulls out all the stops and goes into vocal beast mode. The last 5 are more restrained. You can alternate between the styles, just to experience the contrasts and see her range of abilities. All are live, except for a music video of "Never Enough" (since we can never get enough of Sohyang).
DMC Festival:
ruclips.net/video/T4UyIMkdy4M/видео.html "I Have Nothing" [Whitney Houston]
ruclips.net/video/CFtRUSPxcas/видео.html (camera only on Sohyang)
ruclips.net/video/n71eIWRmEtY/видео.html "꿈 (Dream)" [소향 (Sohyang)] {Korean}
Immortal Songs 2:
ruclips.net/video/C6iHh4yBxCo/видео.html "Bridge Over Troubled Water" [Simon & Garfunkel]
ruclips.net/video/zFyndK9VOCk/видео.html "홀로 아리랑 (Arirang Alone)" [traditional Korean folksong, lyrics adapted for reunification of North & South Koreas] {Korean}
ruclips.net/video/GvsgCllcNPE/видео.html "Lean On Me" [Bill Withers, Jr.; Michael Bolton guest]
ruclips.net/video/te_L9ofhUt8/видео.html "You Raise Me Up" [Secret Garden; Shane Filan (Westlife) guest]
ruclips.net/video/H5e7MPre7iY/видео.html "여러분 (Everyone)" [윤복희 (Yoon, Bok-hee)] {Korean, English}
I Am A Singer 2:
ruclips.net/video/YwgF3Gylu-0/видео.html "O Holy Night" [Adolphe Charles Adam]
King of Masked Singers:
ruclips.net/video/a_lOAgti7XQ/видео.html "모나리자 (Mona Lisa)" [조용필 (Cho, Yong-pil)] {Korean, English}
ruclips.net/video/0qBSPPi3ESM/видео.html "Home (집)" [박효신 (Park, Hyo-shin)] {Korean, English}
Begin Again Korea:
ruclips.net/video/lSzb6a0PkQU/видео.html "Flashlight" with Lee Suhyun [Jessie J]
ruclips.net/video/_ivvpK3UMlw/видео.html "Misty" [Ella Fitzgerald]
ruclips.net/video/DO845EqU3eE/видео.html "I Will Always Love You" [Dolly Parton]
ruclips.net/video/k5WqGIPjqtc/видео.html "Never Enough" [Loren Allred]
Open Concert:
ruclips.net/video/vZyIdoRRKFo/видео.html "The Power of Love" [Jennifer Rush]
BTW, Whitney's former manager saw the DMC Festival video of Sohyang singing "I Have Nothing", and contacted Oprah Winfrey, who in turn, contacted David Foster. They were all amazed. He invited her to sing on his tour in Asia. She did 8 shows in 4 days in Tokyo. Foster co-wrote that song. He arranged and produced it for Whitney for her album, and her performance in "The Bodyguard". Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards, including 3 for Producer of the Year, and has been nominated a total of 47 times.
Thank you such for such an amazing comment. I will check out all your suggestions and post some more reactions soon. 🇦🇺🙏❤️
I will hold back on subscribing for just a bit as i want to see if you commit to Sohyang,if you do i will be very happy to commit to your channel,so i wait with interest and hope to see more soon,much love from Scotland x
I just love it when someone "Finds" Sohyang. One of the best vocalist on the planet without a doubt. You are on a real journey with her. She is technically superb and treats EVERY note as if its special. Check out "Bridge over Troubled Waters" Next.
ILove you❤❤❤❤❤
So Hyang is a devout Christian and gospel singer from South Korea. In her early 20's and newly married, she was diagnosed with early stage uterine cancer, which left her unable to have children. After receiving a healing from God (and her surgeons), her goal has been to use her voice to bring comfort to people who are experiencing difficult times.
So Hyang IS NOT motivated by either money or fame, and she has rejected numerous offers from major record labels. In addition to being a published author of several fiction books, she lectures about singing and vocal techniques at a South Korean university. So Hyang, her husband, and several assistants arrange every aspect of her live performances; the music, backing vocals, staging, lighting, etc.
With the exception of several sessions with Seth Riggs (Michael Jackson's vocal coach), So Hyang is primarily self-taught as a singer.
New subscriber.
Thank for your comment. I appreciate her even more now. And I'm so glad you joined our little community of music lovers. Welcome to the club. 👋🇦🇺🙏
Thank you for your genuine reaction to Sohyang's epic "I Have Nothing" cover. The conversion from the initial skepticism in wondering "What the heck am I going to hear here?" to the sense of befuddlement of "What did I just hear? Is this for real?" is so representative of many who reacted to this performance by Sohyang. And I can only confess empathy as someone who went through a similar path. I should add that even after you have witnessed the incomparable vocal phenomenon delivered by Sohyang here, be ready for the surprise to continue each time you listen to Sohyang's performance.
Sohyang is seriously one of the best singers alive!
❤️ ...Sohyang is my Queen of female singers!! 😊❤️
Everyone be like: "No one can sing this song like Whitney did!" Sohyang be like: "Hold my mic!" Sohyang is one major rabbit hole for you to explore next do Upon This Rock and/or Everyone they will both blow you away!!
When passion comes to play .... Sohyang ALL the way. 👍👍👏👏👏
A warm welcome to Sohyang world
Welcome to the world of Kim So Hyang. She is a South Korean gospel singer and one of the best vocalists on the planet.
We all wonder if Sohyang 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 in-law family and musical assistants, teaches vocal technique at a South Korean university and speaks four languages: Korean, English, Vietnamese and Chinese, as well as reading French and Greek!
Let me catch my breath. OK.
She is a cancer survivor from uterine cancer at 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 Asia.
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: ruclips.net/video/te_L9ofhUt8/видео.html 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 45 on April 5, 2023, though in Korean culture she would be 46 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 decided to enter a televised singing contest called “King of the Masked Singers” in 2017 and won six consecutive times, which has catapulted her into international attention from the performances being posted on RUclips.
Whitney Houston’s former manager saw her on RUclips and showed her to Oprah Winfrey, who brought her to David Foster’s attention. Foster then contacted Sohyang and went to Japan in order to have her perform 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 some of her songs, wrote "I Have Nothing," her most iconic song, and is the most famous and influential music producer in the world. He places Sohyang right beside Whitney and the rest of the top tier divas.
Here is the interview where Sohyang related the events: ruclips.net/video/EqeE_1nP-Kk/видео.html (Be sure to turn on English subtitles.)
Here is the version of “I Have Nothing” Oprah, David Foster, Whitney's former manager and the rest watched on RUclips: ruclips.net/video/T4UyIMkdy4M/видео.html
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 16:25 “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
In a South Korean television interview Sohyang conceded that she struggled with her desire for fame for a number of years, going into the basement in her home numerous times and closing 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. Sohyang 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. ruclips.net/video/rl-jX9kBsEs/видео.html (Again, turn on English subtitles.)
So as a consequence she does not pursue fame or fortune and actually has no interactive 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 Sohyang likes it or not, fame has found her, run her over and then backed up and run over her again!
On Oct. 5, 2020, it was revealed that Sohyang turned down _yet another_ contract offer, this time from Sony Music US. 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 RUclips, 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.”
Sohyang is just the most amazing singer, Christian and human being. She is beautiful both inside and out, and so humble and genuine, with a stage charisma, facial expressions and smile that is off the charts.
In Korean dictionaries 소향--Sohyang--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. Sohyang is also the name of a heroine in a Korean traditional novel. Yet for the definitive answer Sohyang has stated in an interview that her name means "enjoy the light." Her grandmother named her.
Please analyze her performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: ruclips.net/video/C6iHh4yBxCo/видео.html
Also, please react to her version of “The Power of Love”: ruclips.net/video/LrNkVRrK7_I/видео.html
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: ruclips.net/video/GvsgCllcNPE/видео.html
Wait until you see her duet of David Foster's “The Prayer” with Jeong Ui Geu: ruclips.net/video/rte-q3kunp8/видео.html
Her performance of "Fate" in Korean requires no translation: vimeo.com/198161448
And finally “Will You Be There”: ruclips.net/video/nBdSpexUxik/видео.html
Here’s an English language interview with her that I’m sure you will enjoy: ruclips.net/video/N2u_pmoWxj8/видео.html Her English is perfect when she sings and almost perfect when she is doing interviews.
OK, I’ll stop gushing now.
Well, one more gush. In an interview with a Turkish music producer Sohyang'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: ruclips.net/video/VnPAkryrygQ/видео.html I know, bananas isn’t it?
Oh, I just remembered, she is also a published fantasy novelist and has a theological treatise on the Book of Revelation in print. In addition, she is a very good stage actress, which she proved by playing Julie Andrews’ part in the South Korean stage 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 taught herself English by watching Disney's "The Little Mermaid" 'about one hundred times' when she was just a kid, speaks English with a _perfect_ North American accent and has an outgoing and bubbly personality.
She can also play the piano and guitar. Is there anything this genius level woman can’t do? Ironically, Sohyang stated in another interview that both she and her in-law family were surprised to discover that she could sing so excellently!
Though she is maybe 5' 4" and only about 100 pounds, Sohyang 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.
I really must also compliment the choir, orchestra and audio/video production people Sohyang works with. They are all top notch from what I can see and hear, and that is important to note as these are _essential_ elements of any great musical production. The Korean people are easily as talented as anyone else.
As you can see, I am a shameless fan. 😉
Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such am amazing and informative comment. I really do appreciate it. I will check out your suggestions and do some more Sohyang reactions soon...copyright pending. Thanks again, all the best and a big hello from Oz 🇦🇺👋🙏
@@SwiftReactions You are welcome Swift, from Calgary in Western Canada near the Rocky Mountains! Yes, Sohyang is clearly something else altogether. We don't even know where to place her she is so above anything we have heard before. You are in for the treat of your musical life! 💖💖💖
If you continue to react to So Hyang, at your earliest convenience, please react to So Hyang performing "You Raise Me Up" from Immortal Songs 2 in 2018. The event nearly ended So Hyang's singing career. There is a very interesting back story.
Yes! You found our Queen So Hyang. She will leave you feeling blessed every time. Great reaction and take care.
The extent of this Ladies talent, take awhile to explore! She is also a published fantasy Novelist, as well as a University Voice and Performance coach, when time permits! What makes me huge Fan is her Character,
A warm welcome to the amazing world of Sohyang. Hope to see more reactions to her on your channel. Check out her rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water next, make sure its the Immortal Songs 2 performance from 2015. Thank you for the reaction.
As far as I know, the life of this singer was not easy. She struggled with a serious illness for a long time and doctors forbade her to sing. Western labels like Sony pursued and pestered her for many years, wanting to sign a contract with her, but in vain. She always emphasized that she sings exclusively for people, and not for her own or anyone else’s benefit. Besides, as far as I know, she is also a professor and singing teacher. And one more thing - she also did the arrangements for most (or maybe all) of her performances herself ♥♥♥♥♥
the incredible world class sohyang love from the uk
Absolute WORLD CLASS performances are always guaranteed (👍😁) from this stunning young lady. I can mention 3 songs she performs that will leave you “mesmerised with a capital M” & they are:
1) - Bridge over Troubled Water
2) - You raise me up, and;
3) - Lean on Me
…Her performance of “Lean on Me” is especially impressive because it features a guest appearance from the very artist who wrote the song & even he is blown away by her performance 💖🤪💖.
I understand your excites and enthusiasm with this Fantastic Artist ! However ,Micheal Bolton did not write, “Lean on Me”, it was Bill Withers back in 1972! He did however a huge hit with it in the early 1990’s ! SoHyang give the song new life ! What a great Artist she is and will be greater in the future!
@@tomsawyer2768 … Oops!! 🫢. My apologies on that one. I just always associated the song with Michael Bolton but didn’t think to “go further back” & check on the songs’ origin 😬😬😬
I love Sohyang ❤❤❤kisses from Italy 😘😘😘
Queen Sohyang
Fantastic reaction again ❤
Cheers Cris!😀
THANK YOU!!, BEAUTIFUL LADY, for your FANTASTIC/AWESOME reaction to the PHENOMENAL So Hyang. I love your priceless facial expressions throughout the song, which spoke volumes. :)😊
This event was in 2015, when she was 36 years old. So Hyang is now 45 years old (46 in a few months). Not only is she aging in reverse; ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!, she sounds better than ever, if that's even possible. Her vocal range is still RIDICULOUS, and her breath control remains INSANE.
Actually, this was at the DMC Festival in 2015 when Sohyang was 37. Pretty close though! 😉
@ToddSauve
Thank you. 😊 I don't know where I got 2014 from. I will correct my error.
@@t.lucalake8963 Sohyang's best performances from 2014 were Lean On Me and The Prayer. You probably were thinking of one of them.
It alright we all do it, just though I would give you a heads up bride someone tries to embarrass you! Have a great day ! I will I am listening to lots of SoHyang, she make me feel Happy and so Hopefully!
Welcome to Sohyang's world. The critic of music rates her as an S for Star next to Whitney. The reason she isn't as well known is simply because she remains an independent artist -so no large label backing. This is due to her faith and health as a cancer survivor. But once you find Sohyang you will discover there is a whole other world of music.
How right you are Jo! Both you and Swift are sharing the land down under, so she is a compatriot of yours! 🤯🙃💖
@@ToddSauve Good to see someone from OZ reacting to Sohyang. Also hi Todd, been awhile. :)
@@joandsarah77 Hi to you too, Jo! I was just about to go to bed here since it is 1:25 am! Too late for an old guy like me, LOL! But not for a youngster like you! Ha, ha! 💖🙃
@@ToddSauve LOL! Well unless you are past 60 which you very well could be, I guess I might just be a 'youngster at that'.
@@joandsarah77 I am now 65 and will be 66 in a couple months. Good grief, eh?
The only other artist currently alive that I know of who could match the “Whitney magic” that So Hyang resurrected here is Glennis Grace, who hails from The Netherlands. Please check out ALL available options for videos you get for So as she will have you captivated in mere moments each time 💖🥰💖
Hey Gerald, thanks for that. I have never heard of Glennis Grace but I'm 1/4 dutch so I'll definitely check her out and I might do another Sohyang at some stage. Cheers 👋🇦🇺🙏
@@SwiftReactions … If you ever get the chance, take a look at Glennis in her AGT audition where she sings Whitney’s classic “Run to You”. To say she leaves the audience spellbound is an understatement ☝️😜 If you close your eyes for a few seconds, you could honestly swear it was Whitney herself. THAT’S how great Glennis is. She even nails Bon Jovi’s hit “Always” but in a truly unusual way. You’d have to watch the video to see what I mean. Glennis is a national treasure in The Netherlands & she was in fact the last artist I saw live before the pandemic hit & that was only by chance as a friend I flew to Amsterdam to visit just happened to have a spare ticket for a concert Glennis was giving a few days later. As soon as I found out, I got over my jet lag in SECONDS 👍😁💖
@gerardroll6468 wow. How lucky you were to get to see her. I will definitely check those out. I'm curious about the Bon Jovi one in particular. You have me intrigued. Cheers Gerald. Your a legend as always. 🙏🇦🇺😀
@@SwiftReactions … To quote famous Aussie vernacular… “It’s a mate helping a mate” 🇦🇺👍🇦🇺. Yes, Glennis performs the Bon Jovi song in a way I’ve never seen anyone do before… Band or solo artist. She’s one of just a few artists alive that I would happily fly anywhere in the world to see & when you get to see & hear her perform… You’ll know WHY 👍😁
Helo Pretty lady could you include to your list to a reaction? Could you please do also a reaction to LIMUEL LLANES and his friends singing of THATS WHAT FRIEND ARE FOR after the done the dinner and you can hear this is in original key . Thanks and GOD BLESS as always and the whole family around. ❤ from Philippines 🙏
I have done a reaction to that. Hopefully that will be posted soon so stay tuned. 🙏🇦🇺👋
They are just Morrisette and Sohyang today.