By Honorary Reporter Nandini Iyengar from India

Photo = Second Moon

The folk fusion band Second Moon comprises (from left) bassist Park Jin-woo, guitarists Lee Young-hun and Jo Yun-jeong, guest vocalist Kim Jun-su, keyboardist Choi Jin-gyeong, guest vocalist Ko Yeong-yeol, former drummer Baek Seon-yeol and mandolinist and leader Kim Hyun-bo.

K-dramas like "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" and "The Legend of the Blue Sea" have featured the music of the Korean fusion band Second Moon. I've been a fan of their music ever since I heard it in dramas.

Known for eclectically mixing traditional and contemporary music, the group gave a contemporary spin on the pansori (solo lyrical opera) work "Chunhyangga" in its 2017 album and collaborated with aspiring sorikkun (pansori singers) Kim Jun-su and Ko Yeong-yeol. Second Moon seeks to give young people the opportunity to experience "Chunhyangga," the classic Korean love story.

Now in its 17th year, the band began its journey by playing traditional Irish music with modern instruments. Its members are mandolinist and leader Kim Hyun-bo, bassist Park Jin-woo, guitarist Lee Young-hun, keyboardist and accordionist Choi Jin-gyeong, drummer Park Jeong-son and violinist Jo Yun-jeong.

The following are excerpts from an interview with the band.

What is the meaning of the band's name?
The name started with a slightly outlandish idea of what the world would look like if Earth had two moons. In a world where the boundaries between day and night are blurry, wouldn't music be more diverse than it is now? We pursue such music.

What inspired you to play folk music with modern instruments?
Modern interpretations of folk music have existed in various forms. We thought that such attempts were wonderful and wanted to follow them. Our influences include Pat Metheny, Sting, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, and Remember Shakti. What they play are quite far from the music we're doing, but that was our dream and musical inspiration at the time.

How would you describe your music-making process?
Each member is an experienced music producer, so we use a wide variety of methods. Arrangements are done through the ensemble process with ideas in the form of sketches prepared by each person. At the recording stage, we normally complete the tracks for each part and mix them in each studio. In addition to originality, what we care about is the results of collaboration through a combination of elements.

Which album or song do you recommend to someone listening to your music for the first time?
"On the West Sky" and "Ice Pond" from our first album "2nd Moon." These two songs are still loved by many.

What is the most challenging aspect when fusing modern and folk music?
One advantage of modern music is that it can be freed to an extent without being restricted by format. But most folk music of each country has deep roots, and certain forms and rules are inevitable. To fully utilize the traditional aspect, we usually use the strengths of modern music and this is the most difficult part of the fusion process.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.