Yang Gukshin’s Sincere Heart in Daegu’s Suseong District: “The Joy of Sharing Is a Blessing in Old Age”

Filming and Gifting Music Videos for Customers
Celebrating Birthdays at His Own Expense
Mini "Oldies But Goodies" Concert Held at Suseong Lake on May 3
Treating All Concertgoers to Full Meals
Combining Public Donations with His Own Funds

Recently, this newspaper introduced the 45-year musical journey of veteran musician Yang Gukshin (age 72), who, after making a name for himself as the “boy from Jongno, Daegu embracing the Beatles and becoming a legend of Suseong Lake,” is now living his second act in Suseong District, Daegu, sharing warm inspiration with the local community through music.

Yang’s musical career began in the 1950s and 1960s along Jongno Street in Daegu.

He first discovered the world of sound through the rhythm of chopsticks playing in his mother’s restaurant and later became captivated by Beatles songs drifting over the walls, which inspired him to step onto the underground music scene.

Talented singer Jiwoo Kim is also dedicating herself to producing high-quality videos under the meticulous guidance of Yang Gukshin, the leader.

Since then, he has walked a single path for 45 years, establishing himself as an all-around musician in the Suseong Lake area of Daegu.

Recently, he has been practicing a unique act of generosity by personally filming and gifting videos of customers enjoying music at his live café, “Good Time.”

In particular, for customers celebrating their birthdays, he spends his own money to provide celebratory music, creating unforgettable memories for his neighbors.

He shared his thoughts, saying, “Being able to stay healthy and active at the age of 72 is a blessing,” adding, “But since health can fail at any moment, I am simply doing my best in this moment.”

A scene of celebrating a customer's birthday and presenting a heartfelt gift.

However, behind the beautiful melodies lies a significant weight of life.

He sometimes bears hidden wounds from unruly customers who, after drinking, resort to violence and verbal abuse.

The sense of despair deepens especially when a younger customer he has known for decades hurls insults and resorts to violence.

Yang tries to endure, telling himself, “Everyone must have their own stories,” but confessed that he finds it difficult to restrain his anger when such abuse is directed at his wife, Eo Yunhee (age 64), who has loyally managed the kitchen and serving duties by his side throughout his life.

In those moments, it was always his wife’s kind words that kept him grounded.

His wife would always comfort him by saying, “Honey, let’s endure,” and this one phrase became his anchor, calming even the roughest situations.

Despite these hardships, Yang has never stopped sharing through music.

After his 45-year musical journey and confessions to his family were featured in this newspaper, encouragement and support poured in from those around him, motivating Yang and his wife to expand their musical volunteer activities even further.

As part of these efforts, the “Oldies But Goodies” band led by Yang held a meaningful “mini concert” at Suseong Lake in Daegu on May 3.

On that day, Yang generously added his own funds to the donations raised by the audience and treated everyone who came to the concert to a full meal, sharing his abundant warmth.

They also organized a charity performance to raise funds for local neighbors in need, delivering a high-quality sound experience together with veteran musicians with 40 to 50 years of experience, on a stage equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system worth 200 million won—the highest level in the Yeongnam region.

Local businesses, organizations, and acquaintances voluntarily joined in to help, and all proceeds from the well-attended performance were donated to the Suseong District Office of Daegu, adding a touch of warmth to the community.

Yang stated, “Since the article was published, I’ve received so many messages of support that I’ve gained great courage,” and expressed his ambition: “Although this is just a live café, I want to make this place a cultural space where anyone can enjoy quality music and a place for sharing.”

Kim Jaesung, a former police officer who was in charge of organized crime at the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency’s Major Crimes Unit, said, “Even after retirement, I keep coming back here because of Yang Gukshin’s unwavering character,” adding, “For someone like me who once worked rough field assignments, this place has been a sanctuary that gave me memories, relaxation, and a sense of romance.”

On the stage of Suseong District in Daegu, where the joys and sorrows of life intersect, Yang continues to embrace his and his wife’s wounds and lives a life dedicated to recording the happiness of others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.