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The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents innovative Korean “newtro” (new-retro) group bob as they redefine traditional folk music with contemporary style in a free ticketed concert at Capital One Hall in Tyson Corner, Va. on Sunday May 5 at 6:00 p.m., plus outdoor public performances in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 4 at the KCCDC during cultural festivities for Passport DC.
This first showcase of the KCCDC’s performing arts series OnStage Korea kicks off the 2024 Season with an eye-opening look at recent trends in Korean creative music—often inspired by but not bound by tradition—including new takes on K-Pop and Korea’s most beloved classic folk song, Arirang.
In addition to the public performances, bob members will make special visits to two DC Public Schools, King Elementary School and Houston Elementary School, on May 3 to introduce their music to American students participating in the Embassy Adoption Program with the KCCDC.
Tickets to the May 5 concert are available free with online registration. The annual Around the World Embassy Tour open-house event on May 4, part of city-wide Passport DC festivities presented by Events DC, will include free casual performances by bob on the KCCDC outdoor stage at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., among other cultural activities throughout the day. Information about Embassy Adoption Program visits can be found on the KCCDC website, or by contacting KCCDC staff.
RSVP UPDATE
Due to a strong response, this event has reached full capacity and we're unable to accept additional RSVPs at this time. We appreciate your understanding. While we will do our best to accommodate walk-in guests, please note that admission and seating cannot be guaranteed. We look forward to welcoming you to our future events. Thank you for your support.
About the Performers
Known for their cross-generational appeal and original compositions that fuse traditional melodies with contemporary style, bob has become one of Korea’s beloved folk ensembles, appearing on national Korean broadcasts. The group’s clever moniker is derived from a playful and literal twist on the word “pop” that reflects their vibrant and infectious sound. With a skillful blend of intricate instrumentation and authentic folk elements, bob creates a dynamic musical experience steeped in Korea’s rich history of retro pop genres. Their repertoire includes lively adaptations of the iconic Arirang and other folk songs (known in Korean as minyo) transformed into upbeat, modern arrangements. Founded in 2016, bob earned the silver prize in the Gugak Broadcasting Company’s 21C Korean Music Project in 2020.
Suwan Lee | Vocals
Suwan Lee is a graduate of the National High School of Traditional Korean Arts, Chugye University for the Arts, and the Graduate School of Chugye University for the Arts. She won the Overall Grand Prize in the Master Singer category at the National Folk Song and Gyeongchang Contest in Guri-si (Minister of Culture Award), the Gold Prize in the Master Singer category at the Gisan National Gugak Contest, Second Prize in the Master Singer category at the Grand Reading Sound Contest, First Prize in the Korea Hanbok Model Contest 2019, and the Participation Prize at the 21st Century Korean Music Project for "Swan."
Yesul Kim | Keyboard
Yesul Kim is a graduate of Seoul Institute of the Arts with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Music and the Graduate School of Performing Arts at Ewha Womans University with a Master's Degree in Film Music. She won the Grand Prize at the 29th Baekma Singing Contest, Gold Prize at the 29th SWBS University Singing Contest, and First Prize at the 5th National Applied Music Contest of Dong-eui University. She joined the Im Chang-jeong Concert and the national tour of the SHOWComedian Concert, and played for the Kim Bo-kyeong (NEON) Concert.
Seoyon Hong | Haegeum
Seyon Hong is a graduate of the Gugak National High School and the Postmodern Music Department of Kyung Hee University. She won the Silver Award at the Sixth Gugak Chamber Music Festival and the "K-bridge" Participation Award at the 21st Century Korean Music Project in 2014 and 2015. She appeared in Gugak Scandal: Kkun for TVN, served as the chief Haegeum player for the Seoul Youth Gugak Group at Sejong Center, and completed major training at Thailand Superstar College of Asia.
Minsoo Jung | Bass
Minsoo Jung, a distinguished graduate of Berklee College of Music with a scholarship, has cultivated a rich career collaborating with a diverse array of local musicians. Despite initially lacking a musical background, his dedication and passion have propelled him to excel across various genres, including gospel, funk, CCM, pop, and jazz. Noteworthy collaborations include his work alongside esteemed Christian artists, such as YWAM Worship, Anointing, MyungSik Kang, and more.
Boreum Kim | Drums
Boreum Kim is a graduate of Seoul Institute of the Arts’ Department of Applied Music. He was invited to perform by the Korean national team in Kanazawa, Japan, played and has played drums in the orchestra for the musical Hamlet, for Yoo Jae-hwan, on the JTBC program Maknaga Show (Gyurangdan), and for singer CHEETAH on SBS's Midnight Entertainment Show.
About the Performance
Program
Kkaekkijeogori (깨끼저고리)
Arirang, Your Song (아리랑 너의노래)
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁타령)
Summer Time (섬머타임)
“Today’s youth” Nilniliya (“오늘, 청춘” 늴리리야)
Drink Magic (주술)
Dreaming with a Love Song (몽련가)
Real to Reel
Twinkle (트윙클)
Kwaejina Ching Ching Nane (쾌지나 칭칭나네)
Pyeongchang Arirang (평창아리랑)
Performers
Suwan Lee | Vocals
Yesul Kim | Keyboard
Seoyon Hong | Haegeum
Minsoo Jung | Bass
Boreum Kim | Drums
About OnStage Korea
OnStage Korea presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. seeks to discover brilliant Korean and Korean-inspired artists and groups performing around the world, giving them an opportunity to showcase their creativity on stage for the American public in the Capital region. The program also fosters international cultural exchange by expanding the visibility of Korean performing arts and artists in mainstream America. Featuring a diverse range of new artists each year, OnStage Korea presents unique, exceptional performances free to the public in and around Washington, D.C.
