"The 'stage with my mom' that I've dreamed of has finally come true. As a reward for my 25 years of hard work in Japan, my mom stood on stage with me. I am so grateful that it brings tears to my eyes." (Jeong Jae-eun)
"I don't know what to say because my emotions are overwhelming. This is a truly thrilling stage and a heart-fluttering moment. Thank you so much for the great love you have given to my Jae-eun, who has worked hard in Japan for 25 years. I will never forget this." (Imija)
The 'Jeong Jae-eun Imija Dinner Show' held on the 4th floor banquet hall of the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku, a bustling area of Tokyo, on the 8th and 9th was a 'drama filled with emotion and joy.'
The dinner show celebrating singer Jeong Jae-eun's 25th anniversary featured lyricists and composers who contributed to her success, as well as former Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio and popular enka singer Godai Natsuko, among other fellow artists. Lee Ja-yeon, president of the Korean Singer Association, also attended to add to the occasion.
Above all, the stage with her mother, 'Queen of Elegy' Imija, captured everyone's attention. This was the first time the mother and daughter performed together on stage.
The dream of the two, with daughter Jeong Jae-eun celebrating her 25th anniversary and mother Imija marking her 65th anniversary this year, was realized in December 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.
The performance began with Jeong Jae-eun's hit song in Japan, 'Tokyo Twilight.' During the middle of the show, Jeong Jae-eun addressed the audience, who were eagerly waiting for someone, saying, "That person will be coming out soon, so please wait a little longer. I still have some songs left to celebrate my 25th anniversary," which brought laughter from the audience.
Jeong Jae-eun expressed, "If this performance with my mother, which I longed for so much, is a miracle after 25 years, then from now on, it marks the grand opening of a new beginning," and concluded the first part with 'Autumn in Tokyo,' composed by Hama Keisuke.
After finishing the last song of the first part, Jeong Jae-eun, with a trembling and nervous voice, said, "Today, I feel like I am standing in the middle of a dazzling and warm spring day that I have long awaited during a long, cold winter. Perhaps I have lived for this moment. I would like to invite my great senior and my mother, Imija, who has brightened my life, to the stage," and as Imija appeared, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.
On stage, Imija said, "I don't know how to express my gratitude, but this is truly a thrilling stage and a heart-fluttering moment. Without the love and grace of all of you, this stage would not have been possible for my daughter, who has worked hard in Japan for the past 25 years. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude once again," she greeted the audience.
When Jeong Jae-eun said, "It's my first time singing in front of my mom, so I'm nervous," Imija playfully replied, "It's my first time singing in front of my daughter, so I'm also nervous."
Imija passionately sang her hit songs such as 'Camellia Lady,' 'A Woman's Life,' and 'There is a Reason for My Life,' receiving a warm round of applause from the audience from both Korea and Japan.
Imija also sang the famous songs of 'Japan's Legend' Misora Hibari, 'Midare-gami' (Disheveled Hair) and 'Kanashii Sake' (Sad Sake) in Japanese, moving the audience to tears.
As the performance approached its climax, the mother-daughter duo sang a duet of Patty Kim's 'Farewell.'
"You might think of me sometimes~ Though you are a cold person, you can't forget the memories of the love we shared~"
The two held hands tightly and continued singing, with the audience also joining in hand-holding. They concluded the performance with the ending song 'I Love You' and successfully wrapped up the '2024 Emotional Christmas Dinner Show.'
Kim Seong-hoon, president of TLS Entertainment, who attended the event, shared, "When Jeong Jae-eun said, 'I will invite my great senior and my mother, Imija,' I couldn't help but shed tears," expressing his emotions.
Japanese audience member Yoshida Maiko (entertainment industry worker) commented, "The dinner show by Imija and Jeong Jae-eun was a truly happy performance that will remain in my heart for a lifetime."
