As the leaves begin to change and Autumn slowly sweeps in, a symphony of sounds is set to fill the air as the K-Music Festival marks its 10th anniversary. This annual event unites cultures through contemporary and traditional Korean music. With seven live shows slated across London during the months of October and November, this year’s edition presents a superb lineup of artists. 

The Korean Wave is an extraordinary phenomenon. While K-pop has taken the world by storm, films, traditional music, video games, television, fashion, and cuisine, made their mark on Western society as well. K-Music Festival will open at the Barbican Centre Hall on October 1st and it will take the form of an illustrious concert featuring the iconic film scores from Parasite and Squid Game, marking the beginning of the festival’s landmark edition. Among the stars illuminating the stage is Jung Jaeil, the virtuoso composer behind acclaimed Korean film scores. His symphonic talents, known for gracing works like Okja and the aforementioned film Parasite, and the Netflix show, Squid Game, will be brought to life alongside the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra.

The festival will also introduce Dasom Baek, a composer, improviser and lecturer, who is well known for being a sublime performer of traditional instruments, including Daegeum and Sogeum. Furthermore, the alluring strains of Korean percussion music will reverberate as groove& and DUO BUD take the stage, delving deep into the rich artistry of Korean musical heritage.

Elevating the sensory experience to new heights is HAEPAARY, a female alt-electronic duo poised to deliver an immersive fusion of traditional Korean ritual music with rave and trance elements. Acclaimed drummer Sun Mi Hong and Soojin Suh will unveil a collaboration alongside fellow European musicians, bridging the gap between jazz, improvisation, and the Daegeum.

The festival’s peak lies in the double bill featuring LEENALCHI and JAMBINAI, two powerhouse bands synonymous with redefining Korean music. Merging traditional roots with innovative styles, their harmonious synergy will definitely make people groove to their music.

As the Korean Wave continues to push forward with more content, the Western audience seems to be hungry for more. K-Music Festival will surely enhance one’s knowledge when it comes not only to traditional music but also to the contemporary tune. Whether you’re a fan of K-Pop, film scores, electronic music, or simply a lover of musical experiences, the K-Music Festival is poised to bring an unforgettable celebration of artistry, culture, and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this event that connects the past, present, and future of Korean music.

Spotify Playlist: K-Music Festival

K-Music Festival live show dates:

Jung Jaeil + London Symphony Orchestra: Music from Parasite & Squid Game – Sunday 1st October – Barbican Hall 

CelloGayageum + Dasom Baek – Friday 6 October – Kings Place Hall 2 

groove& x DUO BUD – Thursday 19 October – Kings Place Hall 1 

Haepaary – Tuesday 24 October – The Lower Third  

Sun Mi Hong Quartet – Wednesday 1 November – Milton Court, Barbican  

LEENALCHI x JAMBINAI – Friday 10 November – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre 

Soojin Suh Chordless Quartet + Kit Downes – Sunday 12 November – Purcell Room, Southbank Centre

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}