Ahn Chi-hwan Wrote a Song for His Late Mother After Clearing a Fallen Persimmon

Singer Ahn Chi-hwan said that clearing a persimmon that had fallen on the ground one day made him think of his late mother, and the thought led to his new song "This Lump of Persimmon...". He told the story on episode 47 of MBN's "Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night," which aired on the 17th.

Songs from a wife's daily life and a mother's writing

"This Lump of Persimmon..." carries his feelings for his late mother, and he said he built it on "A Letter to Mother," a piece she wrote while she was alive. He turned his memories of her and her writing into a song, and said it helped him come to terms with losing her. "Making the song let me work through my feelings about parting from my mother," he said.

Another new song, "TV Remote Control," began, he said, with a scene he noticed in the ordinary daily life he shares with his wife. He said he put what he saw of her in everyday life into the song.

Forty years of music and a 15th album

Ahn released his 15th album to mark the 40th anniversary of his debut, and the broadcast introduced it along with the new songs. He is known for singing about his times and about life. He wrote and sang "Workers of Steel" and "Pine Tree, Pine Tree, Evergreen Pine Tree," which reflected the reality of their era, and later won wide affection with songs such as "If I Were" and "People Are More Beautiful Than Flowers."

According to a reference report, a preview of the broadcast also covered criticism that he had changed after releasing lyrical songs and becoming widely known. Ahn called "If I Were" and "People Are More Beautiful Than Flowers" beautiful, good songs as well. He explained that the content of songs can change as the world changes. He said he has worried about what songs to sing as times shift, while widening the range of his music.

The broadcast also covered his work and daily life. He said he comes across as a professional in music and on stage but is clumsy and unpolished in everyday life.

Letters in middle school, and a wife who stayed

Ahn's wife is an elementary school classmate. The two began dating in the second year of middle school by exchanging letters, and they married after a long courtship. "We have shared most of my life," he said. He said that over the years she has understood him, helped him and made up for his shortcomings: "My wife has been with me for a long time, understanding my heart, helping me and filling in where I fall short." He repeated his thanks to her for staying by his side during his illness.

Rectal cancer that changed how he sees the world

Ahn named the cancer treatment he went through more than ten years ago as the decisive turning point for his music and life. He was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, and the treatment was so grueling that he lost more than 15 kg. According to a reference report, the diagnosis came in 2014, and on the broadcast he recalled that the disease was already fairly advanced when it was found. He said he was greatly shocked, having received the diagnosis before realizing that he needed to look after his health.

The reference report also detailed the treatment: two operations, six weeks of radiation therapy and 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

Ahn said people around him used to tell him he was sharp and strict, and that the cancer treatment made him reflect on himself. "I used to hear a lot that I was sharp and strict. After the cancer treatment, I thought, 'I need to be more generous, more broad-minded,'" he said. He explained that his attitude toward those around him and his view of life changed. Kim Joo-ha, who appeared on the show with him, said she was surprised to see old photos and mentioned the weight he had lost at the time.

He also spoke about his current health. According to the reference report, he said this may be the best condition of his entire life, and added that aging is a natural thing.

A poet's advice and a debt of courtesy

Recalling the diagnosis, Ahn described a remark from the late poet Kim Nam-joo, whom he respects. According to the reference report, when the two toured together for many performances, Kim Nam-joo said in essence that people who have work to do must take good care of their own bodies. Ahn said his cancer was already advanced before he understood those words. The poet was also mentioned as an influence on Ahn's music.

Ahn said he regards living healthily after treatment as courtesy toward the people who cheered him on and toward the world. The reference report quotes him as saying, "This may be the best body of my whole life." Someone who has had a warning about their health once, he said, must look after themselves, and he vowed to live healthily with gratitude. He also mentioned that nuns prayed for him during his illness, and he thanked his wife for staying by his side through treatment.

"Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night" airs every Saturday at 9:40 p.m.

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