In recent years, cultural exchanges between Korea and Europe have continued to flourish, bringing together artists, designers and audiences through shared creative experiences. One initiative that embodies this spirit is Milan Loves Seoul, a cultural project that celebrates the meeting point between Korean and Italian creativity while highlighting innovation in fashion, music and contemporary design.

Held in Milan—one of the world’s leading fashion capitals—the event explores the dialogue between Seoul and Milan, bringing together designers, performers and audiences through exhibitions, talks and live performances. Since its launch during Milan Fashion Week, the project has gradually established itself as a platform connecting two vibrant creative scenes while introducing global audiences to Korean artistic voices.

The 2026 edition of Milan Loves Seoul once again gathered fashion designers, cultural figures and international audiences for a program dedicated to creativity and cross-cultural exchange. Among the highlights of the event was the special appearance of Korean singer-songwriter Gaho, whose distinctive voice has become familiar to global listeners through numerous K-drama soundtracks.

On March 1, the artist met fans at Gate Milano for an intimate concert and fan meeting, delivering a performance that combined powerful vocals with emotional storytelling. Following his participation in the event, Gaho shared his reflections on the experience, his artistic journey and his connection with international audiences in this exclusive email interview with Korea.net's Honorary Reporter.

A stage shaped by emotion

Best known for chart-topping OSTs such as “Start Over” from Itaewon Class, “Running” from Start-Up and “Memories” from Jirisan, Gaho has built a strong global following thanks to the emotional depth and intensity of his voice. Yet beyond the world of drama soundtracks, he has steadily developed his identity as an all-round musician, writing, composing and producing his own music while exploring genres ranging from pop and rock to R&B.

Looking back on his appearance at Milan Loves Seoul, the artist described the experience as something deeper than a simple overseas performance: “This project felt like more than just a performance… it felt like a moment where different emotions blended together. Korea and Italy are culturally different, but there was something that strangely connected us. I felt naturally placed within that space. Rather than simply showing my songs, it felt like breathing together within the same flow. At this point in my life, it was a very meaningful stage for me. It felt like something was expanding.”

For Gaho, performing has always been less about vocal strength and more about emotional storytelling. Reflecting on what he hoped audiences in Milan would experience, he explained that “I often hear that my vocals are powerful, but more than that strength, I hope people can feel the emotions inside them. In the end, I’m someone who tells stories. A song is sound, but it’s also emotion. On stage, I wanted those emotions to feel alive and moving. That’s what matters most to me.”

The Milan stage also presented a unique challenge. Unlike many of his previous concerts, he performed without a full band, relying solely on his voice and presence to carry the performance: “This time, I had to fill the stage alone, without a band, so I prepared a lot. Not just musically, but I thought deeply about how to fill the moments when language doesn’t connect. Honestly, I was a little nervous. But the moment I went on stage and looked into the audience’s eyes, I felt at ease. Even without words, it felt like we understood each other.”

The evening included both live performances and a fan meeting segment, allowing the artist to connect with listeners in a more personal setting. Looking back on the experience, he described the moment as particularly meaningful: “A fan meeting feels very different from a concert. If a concert is energy, a fan meeting feels like warmth. Looking at each person’s face and talking together—it was simply beautiful. Even though we were far apart physically, I felt that we had always been connected. That time was truly precious to me.”

The Milan audience itself left a strong impression on him. Known for their attentiveness and refined taste in art and fashion, the crowd brought a distinctive atmosphere to the performance. As Gaho recalled, “I heard that Milan audiences are very delicate and sensitive—and it’s true. But at the same time, they really dive deep into the music. The energy was incredible. It felt like the stage might break. In that heat, I was completely immersed, and at some point, it didn’t even feel like a concert anymore—it felt like an explosion. It was a very intense night.”

Music beyond language

For many international listeners, Gaho’s voice first became familiar through Korean drama soundtracks. While grateful for that recognition, the artist views his work as a much broader musical landscape. Speaking about performing abroad, he explained that “many people first heard my voice through OSTs, and I’m truly grateful for that beginning. But I didn’t want to stay there. If an OST is one scene, I see my music as a much wider world. That’s why on international stages, I intentionally mix different colors—quiet and then rough, building emotions and then breaking them apart. I want to show the full spectrum of who I am.”

These overseas experiences have also influenced how he approaches live performances. As he explained, performing for international audiences requires a different kind of storytelling: “When language doesn’t fully connect, music itself has to explain everything. How emotions build, where they burst, how much space to leave. So my arrangements have become more refined and flow-oriented. It feels closer to telling stories through music rather than words. Those experiences have made me stronger.”

Meeting audiences across different countries has also revealed how universal emotional responses to music can be. Reflecting on these encounters, he noted that “reactions vary slightly from country to country. But the moment people fall into the music—it’s always the same. The quiet focus in the air, and then the explosion of energy when the song ends. That contrast is very powerful. I still can’t forget those moments.”

Music, fashion and visual identity

Because Milan Loves Seoul also highlights fashion, visual identity naturally became part of the artistic conversation surrounding the event. For Gaho, however, music and style have always been closely connected. As he explained, “I don’t separate fashion from music. They are always connected. The moment I step on stage, everything becomes part of one story. I like when classical sensibility coexists with rock energy—calm yet powerful, restrained yet leaving a strong presence. That balance. Whether it’s music or style, they ultimately move in the same direction.”

When working with his creative team on stage concepts, authenticity remains the most important factor. As he described his approach to styling and visual direction, “I talk a lot with my team about visuals. But in the end, the most important question is, ‘Does it feel like me?’ More than looking cool, it has to match my emotions. Rather than decorating myself, it feels closer to expressing myself.”

He also sees fashion as an extension of the emotional world of his music. “I like when a classical mood carries a rock-like tension within it,” he explained. “Clean and composed, yet slightly sharp. Quiet on the outside, but with energy alive inside. I always prepare stage outfits to align with where the music is heading. I want emotions to be visible, even without explanation. In the end, everything is connected.”

Looking ahead, he hinted that the visual concept surrounding his future performances will continue to evolve alongside his music. Reflecting on the direction of his artistry, he said that “until now, I’ve shown many different colors of my voice. From here on, I think you’ll hear a more refined version of my music. The emotional density will grow deeper. There will also be many more dimensions I can show through live performances. Musically, I think more R&B elements and the emotions from my early days will return. I want to move closer to the essence.”

Sustainability—an important theme of the Milan Loves Seoul project—also resonates with his creative philosophy. As he explained, “these days, I think a lot about what lasts. Rather than something that’s instantly powerful, I want emotions that remain even after time passes. In music and on stage. So when I work, I ask myself more questions. Even if it feels good now, will it still remain years later? I want to create music that endures—not something that simply shines for a moment.”

A connection that crosses borders

As Korean culture continues to gain popularity around the world, Gaho has witnessed his music reach listeners in countries he has yet to visit. When I asked about my country, Romania - where Korean culture and music have found a warm reception - he expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support. “Romania doesn’t feel unfamiliar to me,” he said, adding that “thanks to the fans who always leave supportive comments, it already feels close. I’m truly grateful for the love you’ve sent from afar. I really want to come meet you in person—on stage, through music.”

For the artist, the deepest connection with audiences still happens during live performances. Reflecting on the role of concerts in building that connection, he explained that “we’re connected through social media now, but I believe the strongest connection is when I stand there and sing in front of you—the same space, the same air, the same vibration. I believe in that. That’s why I’ll keep coming to meet you.”

Looking ahead

Over the years, Gaho feels that his artistic mindset has matured while remaining rooted in the emotions that shaped his early music. Reflecting on that evolution, he explained that “the raw emotions from my debut days are still there. But now they feel more organized—clearer. Stronger. I don’t think my essence has changed.”

His current focus lies in creating music that resonates long after the performance ends. As he described his artistic priorities today, “now, more than ‘power,’ I want to create music that leaves a resonance. Big explosive moments are great, but emotions that stay with you longer have become more important to me.”

As both a singer and a producer, the creative process itself remains a constant source of inspiration. Speaking about songwriting, he shared that “the moment a song first comes alive—that’s what excites me most. It’s like something that didn’t exist suddenly begins to breathe. But protecting that feeling until the very end is still difficult. Still, I keep going.”

Looking toward the year ahead, he plans to continue expanding his musical world. As he summarized his ambitions for 2026, “this year, I want to expand even more. New sounds, new collaborations, new emotions. I have no intention of staying in a familiar place. I’ll keep moving.”

A message to fans around the world

Before concluding the interview, Gaho shared a message for the fans who continue to support him across borders—even those who have not yet had the chance to see him perform live. “To everyone supporting me from afar—thank you, sincerely,” he said. “Even if we speak different languages, I believe we’re already connected through music. The love you’ve sent is reflected in my songs. And I will come see you again—with deeper music. Until that day, please stay healthy and warm. We’ll meet again.”

As his career continues to evolve, Gaho remains focused on what he considers the most important element of music: connection. Whether through the emotional storytelling of a K-drama OST or the intimate atmosphere of a live performance, his goal remains the same—to create songs that resonate beyond language and distance. His appearance at Milan Loves Seoul 2026 offered yet another glimpse into an artist who continues to expand his musical world while staying true to the emotions at the heart of his work.

I would like to sincerely thank Gaho and PLAN-G Entertainment for their kind support and cooperation in making this interview possible.