
Now, I’m not one to wish away the summer (or more accurately – the lack of) but let’s face it: candle-lighting, leaf-crunching, pumpkin-spice-latte season is very nearly upon us and with it, comes the return of the K-Music Festival – for its ten-year anniversary, might I add.
The festival will be marking its momentous milestone with seven live shows across London between October 1 and November 12, showcasing a diverse and eclectic line-up of Korean artists.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave has become increasingly popular over the past decade – not only in K-Pop, but in film, video games, TV, fashion and food. This year’s festival lineup is filled with boundary-pushing performances that will showcase the very best of Korean pop culture, and offer a unique opportunity to hear some of the most exciting and dynamic Korean artists performing live.
The K-Music Festival will kick off at the Barbican Centre with a performance from award-winning composer Jung Jaeil, the brains behind some of Korea’s best-loved film scores. Having worked on titles such as Parasite and Squid Game, Jung Jaeil will be performing some of his renowned scores alongside the London Symphony Orchestra.
Other highlights of the festival will include accomplished solo performer, Dasom Baek, impressing audiences with mastery over the daegeum (a large bamboo flute) and all-female groups groove& and DUO BUD joining forces to deliver a captivating performance that will explore the enchanting realm of Korean percussion music.
The festival will come to an close at the Southbank Centre with the highly anticipated return of Soojin Suh, who previously impressed with saxophonist Camila George. She will once again captivate the audience through improvisation – this time, alongside her fellow ECM artist Kit Downes and her Cordless Quartet. This particular concert will be presented by the EFG London Jazz Festival in partnership with K-Music Festival.
Artistic Director, Jaeyeon Park, comments: “we are thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the K-Music Festival this year. We have been organising the festival in partnership with Serious, the founder of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Throughout the past nine years, the festival has left a lasting impact, infusing the vibrant music scene of London with delightful Korean musical flavours. This year’s line-up continues to push the boundaries of musical artistry, incorporating film scores, alternative K-Pop, and electronic music, while still embracing traditions.”
Find out more about the full line-up of events and book your tickets here.
And, of course, if you loved the festival enough that you instantly booked a trip to Korea, why not check in with our friends at Secret Seoul for the best recommendations out there?