[The Korea Times] A Little Music to Boost Romantic Air

<STYLE>P{margin-top:2px;margin-bottom:2px;}</STYLE>  A Little Music to Boost Romantic Air   By Han Eun-jung What is it about that chocolate that hooks so many ? like love at first taste ? leaving them craving for more in its absence? Usually sweet, but sometimes bitter, chocolate is the perfect analogue for love, perhaps explaining why chocolate is so often exchanged on the year’s most romantic day. But how about giving your loved one the gift of music to pump up the romance on Valentine’s? A pair of tickets to any one of a number of concerts could be just the thing and there are many concerts of various different colors to choose from. To start off the series of Valentine’s Day concerts, MC the MAX has the weekend before the 14th already reserved to get fans in the romantic mood. The group is the first pop group to perform at the Hoam Art Hall and they’ve called their concert, “Valentine Hope.” Well known for their signature rock ballads, MC the MAX will surely play all their hits, such as the current number one, “Poem of Love.” A limited number of special couple seats can be reserved and for those lucky enough to get a hold of them, special Valentine’s Day cookies will be given out. On top of that, all proceeds are going to children battling cancer. If you’re into New Age, check out the “Love Episode Concert,” which will be held from Feb. 12 to 14. Promoters have brought together two of the most popular new age artists from South Korea and Japan, Yiruma and Isao Sasaki, who hails from Hokkaido on the north end of Japan. Part 1 tells the story of people in love while Part 2 offers a selection of pieces where the two artists tell their own stories through their music. Feb. 12’s concert will held at the Hyundai Arts Center in Ulsan, at the Seoul Arts Center on Feb. 13 and at the Shilla Cheju on Valentine’s Day. For those who want a romantic trip, the Cheju Island show is the perfect excuse to get away. On Feb. 13, pop diva Mariah Carey comes to perform live at BEXCO in Pusan for the concert she promised her fans last year but cancelled due to SARS. One of most successful new artists to step out into the local music scene, Vibe holds “Remember Valentine” on Feb 13-14 at Sungkyunkwan University 600th Anniversary Building. Known for his preference for live concerts over television performances, the R& B trio will perform their own love songs in their trademark sweet and smooth voices. Just to listen to last year’s hit “Miwododasianun” and their title track from their latest album “Oreore” is a good enough to reason to go to Vibe’s concert. Soft rock artist Lee Seungchul has a busy day ahead of him with two concerts scheduled for the 14th, one at 4 p.m and 8 p.m. “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE - Have We Ever Talked About Love” is the place to listen to an artist who also prefers live performances singing melodies of love. Lots of other events are planned for the concert, such as free chocolate and wine tasting for all couples, provide yet another reason to spend the day with Lee. Olympic Hall will be specially decorated with pictures of couples that have been selected from the concert’s Internet bulletin board, creating an even more romantic atmosphere. With his ninth album coming out today, the “king of ballads,” Shin Seung-hun, makes his comeback with the start of a nationwide tour. Shin’s concerts will start in Seoul on Feb. 14 at Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium and, along with songs from his new album, the crooner has prepared several classics such as My Funny Valentine. Made possible by a staff of over a hundred and a budget of over 500 million won going into the concert, Shin？ “2004 Live Tour” is set to write a whole new chapter in the history of concerts.