On November 7th, London’s Fire Nightclub hosted an intimate concert by South Korean R&B powerhouse G.Soul.
G.Soul, also formerly known as Golden, delivered a masterclass performance that celebrated a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of his career. Revered for his raw emotionality and impeccable vocal control, G.Soul’s talent was honed through an incredible 15-year training period before his official debut with the EP, Coming Home, in January 2015 under JYP Entertainment. Having since navigated labels like H1GHR MUSIC and Warner Music Korea, his critically acclaimed discography is defined by soulful tracks, including his charting debut hit “You” and fan-favorites like “Hate Everything” and his smooth 2025 single, “Surreal”. Let’s also not forget the milestone of winning The Voice of Korea in 2020.
This London stop offered UK fans a deeply personal look at his decade-long contribution to global R&B.
The night opened with an opening act, Sun’stroll, a talented indie singer and songwriter, which recently released his first album the past February. Accompanied by his guitar, Sun’stroll warmed up the fans with the right r&b vibe for the night. After the opening it was the turn for G.Soul which opened the stage with Tequila and Circle, which are both some of my favourites. It was incredible seeing them live.
G.Soul definitely brought his soul and r&b from the very start. The night continued with the celebration of his 10-year repertoire.
Between songs he interacted with fans and he expressed his appreciation and happiness to be finally in London.
The show continued with his hits songs like Dirty, Crazy for u and hate everything. He then wrapped up the night closing his set with Need U.
G.soul is a voice of our generation and the blend of soul and R&B with a modern twist really make him a one of a kind.
But the night wasn’t over yet, I had the pleasure to chat briefly with him and reflecting on this past 10 years, here what he had to say.
Davide: You have one of the most unique origin stories in K-Pop, training for 15 years, much of it in NYC’s underground scene. What single piece of wisdom or defining skill did you take from those 15 years that still grounds your music today?
G.Soul: When I debuted I didn’t really like being called a 15 year trainee because he put lots of pressure on me, but I’m very thankful for the experience. Everything happens for a reason and the fact that I’m still able to do a shower after 15 years of training and 10 years from my debut, I can’t put a price on it, I feel very blessed and very thankful.
Davide: Your first EP was called Coming Home. After years in the US and the long journey, what does the term ‘Home’ mean to you now, artistically?
G.Soul: home to me feels wherever I am at the time. It can be everywhere, as long as I feel right in my heart. You know I feel home in London right now today, and I’ll go to another city tomorrow I’ll feel right at home. And of course Seoul, my hometown city.
Davide: As a singer-songwriter, you’ve mastered blending R&B/Soul with a modern Korean sound. When you sit down to write a new song, does the lyric or the melody/vocal line come to you first?
G.Soul: I usually start with melody first, but sometimes I put down some ideas for lyrics, when you know I already have some structure or rhymes or just some concept. So it depends on my mood of the day.
Davide: Winning The Voice of Korea must have felt like a full-circle moment. What did that experience—performing your art under intense public pressure—teach you about your own vocal strength that you didn’t know before?
G.Soul: I was so nervous when I joined the auditions for compete because you know I really don’t like competitions, just in general to be honest and especially when it comes to singing. It was very challenging, the all process was so extreme but I’m so thankful to be in front of those legendary Korean artists, especially the coaches.
Davide: What is the deepest, most honest feeling you hope a new listener takes away after hearing a GSoul song for the very first time?
G.Soul: Definitely emotions like vulnerability. I’m trying to learn different things ways to express my emotions with less and more.
Davide: Thanks for your time, last question. Are you working on new music? Can you give us some spoilers maybe?
G.Soul: I’m actually trying different genres, so many different genres. I was working on this Afro Beat song recently, there was also some acoustic songs that we just pulled out called Surreal, and #Love and of course I love Deep House music, so yeah I’m working on different type of songs and sounds. Many different genres, but trying to stay authentic on what they mean to me.
The lasting impression of the night, from the intimate, guitar-driven soul of Sun’stroll to G.Soul‘s powerful 10-year retrospective, is one of genuine connection. Having spoken with him, it’s clear that his voice—that unmistakable, emotionally resonant instrument—is guided by a deeply personal commitment to his craft. G.Soul isn’t just making music; he’s building a legacy rooted in authentic R&B while pushing the genre forward. If this London night is any indication, both G.Soul and the rising talents like Sun’stroll will continue to define the sound of soul music for the next decade and beyond.
DAVIDE K-POP 