RAINRAIN Company

In 2006, Rain staged the biggest U.S. concerts for Korean artists at the time, sang in Pepsi’s ads for the FIFA World Cup in Germany, sold over one million albums across Asia, and joined The TIME 100 list as one of the most influential people in the world. All before the term “K-pop” had found its place in the modern music lexicon, Rain was not only making mainstream inroads but standing alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment upon establishing himself as a top South Korean performer by mixing intricate hip-hop sounds with a slinky, stimulating display of showmanship.

Christina Aguilera starred alongside him in the Pepsi ads while Diddy shouted him out during his New York concert. One of Rain’s most visible moments came after Stephen Colbert playfully challenged him to an on-air dance battle when the Korean star beat him in the 2007 TIME readers’ poll and the stars filmed a skit together the following year. As Rain went on to new accolades like Hollywood movie roles, setting audience records in Japan, and performing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, his star constantly shined bright at home. Rain launched and mentored boy bands under self-started labels, acted in film and television dramas across languages, and became a beloved variety TV star, particularly with 2020’s charity supergroup SSAK3 with comedian-host Yoo Jaesuk, Lee Hyori and fellow K-pop legend Lee Hyori that scored a Billboard chart hit with “Beach Again.”

While his reign never let up, the star’s last big moment in the U.S. was filming Lionsgate film The Prince with castmates Bruce Willis, John Cusack and 50 Cent in Alabama during the 2013 holiday season. Yet a decade later, Rain returned stateside as the most senior star performing at the 2023 KCON Los Angeles festival in August ahead of two concert dates as part of his STILL RAINING world tour in November. Rain performs in Atlantic City for the first time at the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on November 22 before returning for his first show in Las Vegas since 2009 with a November 25 show at the MGM Grand Arena.

With help in production from Infinite Prospects Entertainment, the production and management company that launched the We Bridge Music Festival and Expo in Vegas earlier this year, STILL RAINING is not just Rain’s first tour in seven years but a time to celebrate and honor the star’s 25 years in the game at a time of heightened awareness and appreciation in Korean music and culture. And for Rain, the shows will spotlight an artist who is happier, wiser, and, finally, able to immerse himself in the moment.

“When I was much younger, I used to have this determination that I must succeed,” he shares via a translator in a casual Zoom call from Korea. “If I’m doing a concert, it must be a sold-out show. But nowadays, I just want to be able to enjoy my music with my fans.” Reflecting on everything from the K-pop industry titans who mentored him then and now to his new tour, music and focuses, Rain explores the scope of his career below.

Jeff Benjamin:

What’s special about this year to return to the U.S. and hold performances once again? And how are you feeling coming back to see your U.S. fans after all these years?

RAIN:

It’s been over 10 years since I’m returning to perform in the States and, specifically, Las Vegas. I worked really hard over the past decade and a lot has transpired since then, but it feels new again. I’m grateful to K-pop fans and my fan club for this opportunity to be able to return and perform in the States. There’s so much I want to show.