Korea's premier blues festival is set to take place in Seoul next month. The 2024 Seoul International Blues Festival, which brings together top-tier blues musicians in Korea, will be held from Sept. 20 to 22 at CKL Stage in Jung-gu, Seoul. Now in its 7th year, the festival will feature blues musicians representing every generation, from the first wave of Korean blues to millennials and Gen Z. The first day of the festival presents a special collaborative performance titled "All-Star Bl

This fall, Seoul will see a captivating artistic duel, as two leading ballet companies stage their productions of “La Bayadere,” a timeless ballet masterpiece. The Universal Ballet will perform the piece from Sept. 27 to 29, while the Korean National Ballet’s production will go onstage Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Both productions will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera House. “La Bayadere,” which translates to “The Temple Dancer” in French, is set a

Danish singer-songwriter Christopher and Korean rapper Lee Young-ji are set to release their new song "Trouble" in September. Christopher revealed the collaboration news during his solo concert, to which he had invited Lee Young-ji as a guest, held Sunday at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. The two first met in 2022 on Lee Young-ji's YouTube variety show "Nothing Much Prepared." Their candid and humorous conversation garnered attention and the two have maintained their co

Whether you are a fan of electronic dance music, rock or jazz, this fall promises to be full of rich experiences with music festivals set to take place across different venues. EDM fans will not want to miss Mega DJ Festival Korea, taking place at Wave Park in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 7 and 8. The festival will feature a lineup of world-class DJs, including Sebastian Ingrosso, DJ R3HAB, DJ Quintino, Bassjackers, Wiwek, Sikdope and Moksi. Popular DJs from Korea -- Glory & Vandal Rock

The National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s comical and provocative changgeuk, “Madam Ong,” a long-standing favorite, is set to return to the stage this September, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Changgeuk is a Korean form of opera that combines elements of pansori, a traditional narrative singing style. "Madam Ong," the first changgeuk to be rated for adults only, has garnered attention for its bold themes and vibrant portrayal of human vitality. This year's pro

As the hot summer slowly comes to an end, several international artists announce their concerts in Korea. On Aug. 28, Emotional Oranges, a California-based duo, will hold their first concert in Korea at the Yes 24 Live Hall, Seoul. Emotional Oranges was formed in 2017 in California, by audio engineer Azad Right and vocal coach Vali. The group has gained a large following in Korea, particularly for tracks from their second album, such as "West Coast Love" and "Sundays," which

Choreographer Ahn Ae-soon, a leading figure in contemporary dance in South Korea, is set to premiere her latest work with the National Dance Company of Korea later this month. The company will present "Hang PlusMinus" at the Haeoreum Grand Theater from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, in their first joint production. "Hang PlusMinus" draws from the royal court dance "Chunaengmu,” the only solo dance among court dances, which captures the minimalistic essence, according to Ahn.

A memorial concert will be held to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary rock star Shin Hae-chul. The concert, titled “Mawang 10th: Ghost Stage,” will take place on Oct. 26-27 at Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. The upcoming concert is a tribute concert prepared by musicians who remember Shin, where his music and philosophy will be reinterpreted through various genres, music and performances. The event organizers stated that the production team and participating m

The 27th Seoul International Dance Festival, presented by the Seoul section of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), is set to captivate audiences from Sept. 1 to 14 across Seoul. This year’s festival will showcase 35 performances from eight countries, including Canada, Australia and Luxembourg, at various locations including Sogang University’s Mary Hall, Samil-ro Changgo Theater, Daehakro Arts Theater, Eunpyeong Arts Center and Seoul Namsan Gukakdang. In a departure from pr

K-pop boy band Lun8 has returned with another ode to youth, this time capturing the free spirit of young people. "Our previous song was a warm spring tune, but this one brings a cool summer vibe,” said leader Jinsu during a press conference for their third mini album, “Awakening,” on Wednesday. Since their debut, Lun8 has consistently explored themes of youth in their music. The new album continues that journey, but with a focus on a more rebellious and dynamic image. &ldq

The Changmu International Performing Arts Festival, dedicated to exploring international exchanges with traditional Korean dance, is set to hold its 30th edition this month. Organized by the Changmu Arts Center, the dance festival will be held Aug. 21-31 at various locations, including Sejong Arts Center in Sejong City, Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno and Seoul Namsan Gugakdang. Founded in 1992 by the esteemed choreographer and dancer Kim Mae-ja, affectionately known as the "mother of Korean

From classic vocal music to traditional Korean music and pop, crossover groups present fresh interpretations

On Aug. 15, 1945, Korea achieved independence after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. Many fought for the country’s liberation from the Japanese Empire, with many losing their lives. August seems to be a perfect time to reflect on the stories of those who endured tremendous hardships and their legacies in Korean music today. "Women’s March" sung by Ahn Ye-eun In 1919, after the nationwide March 1st Independence Movement, seven female independence activists — Yu Gwan

The Royal Opera House's 2017 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Otello" will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center from Aug. 18 to Aug. 25, featuring conductor Carlo Rizzi and top opera singers Lee Yong-hoon and Teodor Ilincai as Otello. This is the first time the Seoul Arts Center is presenting "Othello" since 2002. It also marks Korean tenor Lee Yong-hoon’s first time performing in “Otello” in Korea. “I had always dreamed of making my

Kim Sung-kyu, the leader of veteran boy band Infinite, thrilled fans with a stand-alone concert last weekend, his first in 18 months. The singer's “LV3: Let's Vacay” concert took place over the weekend at Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul. Following 2022's "LV1 : Light & Voice" and last year's "LV2: Like Your Vibes," the third iteration of the singer's branded concerts embraced the theme of summer vacation in steaming heat, subtitled &