The highly respected veteran singer-songwriter-pianist You Hee-yeol is slated to host his first solo concerts in more than seven years, commemorating his recently released seventh full-length album, “Da Capo.” 

You, who performs under the name Toy, will put on three concerts at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium next year from April 2 to 4. As of Friday morning, Toy was ranked No. 1 in the country in terms of ticket sales. 

Toy’s latest album marked a monster comeback for You last month, with the album’s 13 tracks dominating the first 13 spots on most of the local major online music charts. The lead single, “Three People,” featuring fellow ballad singer Sung Si-kyung, reached the top of the charts just hours after the album was unveiled on Nov. 18.

The duo-turned-solo act Toy debuted in 1994 and featured the ballad vocal styles of You and Yoon Jeong-oh. Since they parted ways in 1996, You has been the sole member of Toy.

You’s new album was the first Toy release since “Thank You” came out in 2007. The release included a number of collaborative singles featuring big-time artists such Sung Shi-kyung, Kim Dong-ryul, Lee Juck, Dynamic Duo, Lee Su-hyun of Akdong Musician and even Kwon Jin-ah of “K-pop Star 3.”

As the CEO of Antenna Music, You has also managed to stay in the spotlight over the years outside his role as Toy by appearing regularly on a number of TV programs. On top of his musical career, You is currently hosting the popular TV music program “You Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook” and serving again as a judge on the fourth season of the singing audition program “K-pop Star.”

Ticket prices for the ballad singer’s upcoming solo concert series range from 77,000 won to 121,000 won and can be purchased online at interpark.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)