United StatesWashington, D.C.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. successfully hosted the opening reception of Perhaps, All of Us on June 17, 2026. Presented by the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) as part of Korea’s Touring K-Arts Project, the exhibition brings together works by 13 contemporary artists exploring themes of identity, memory, diversity, and coexistence. Through a wide range of artistic perspectives and media, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the ways individuals and communities connect within contemporary society. Perhaps, All of Us remains on view at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. through August 11, 2026. Admission is free and open to the public.

On June 8, 2026, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, hosted The K-Sool Table 2026, a special event introducing the diversity and excellence of Korean traditional liquor. Designed for professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, the program featured a curated selection of 36 varieties of Korean traditional liquor. Through guided tastings and food pairings, participants had the opportunity to explore the unique flavors, aromas, and cultural significance of Korea’s traditional alcoholic beverages.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) and the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) invited guests to a series of hands-on workshops exploring traditional Korean crafts and cultural practices, presented in partnership with the National Folk Museum of Korea (NFMK). Led by Youngjae Kim, former Senior Curator at the National Folk Museum of Korea, each session offered a unique opportunity to learn about Korean traditions while handling or creating their own handcrafted items including the daenggi (댕기) decorative hair ribbon, jangmyeongru (장명루) five-colored longevity bracelet, and bojagi (보자기) wrapping cloth. Participants explored traditional materials, embedded symbolism, and crafting techniques through engaging, hands-on activities. This program is supported by and presented in cooperation with the National Folk Museum of Korea.  

Visitors experienced two curator video lectures on the evolution of Korean contemporary art courtesy of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) at the KCCDC on May 22 and 29. The videos explored how Korean art developed in the 20th century to become one of the world’s hottest art scenes today. Inside Korean Art highlighted key examples from current MMCA exhibitions in Korea and features MMCA experts as they outline major trends and changes in the past century of Korean art, from the early twentieth century to the postwar emergence of abstraction and experimental art. Also join an in-person introduction and Q&A with the KCCDC’s own art curator while browsing the contemporary art exhibition Connecting Lines after the screenings. Presented here for the first time with full English subtitles, the talks provide valuable context for all Korean art. 

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), in collaboration with the Asian Arts & Culture Center (AA&CC) at Towson University and the Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP), hosted the “K-Movie Screening at Asia North” event on May 19, 2026 followed by a K-Food Experience: The Art of Kimbap on Friday, May 29.  Organized in connection with the 2026 Asia North exhibition theme, “hospitality,” the event featured a screening of the Korean film Our Season to promote greater understanding of Korean culture, particularly the meaning of family and the value of hospitality in Korean society. The program was presented for college students and local residents in the Baltimore area. Special guest chef and restaurateur Des So also shared stories about Korean cuisine and his journey building Korean food businesses in the DC area before enjoy a live kimbap-making demonstration and tasting experience.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) presented A Window into K-Culture: Focus on Korean Literature, a special two-day event organized in collaboration with the National Museum of Korean Literature (NMKL) as part of the global Touring K-Arts program supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE).

2026 K-Pop Academy – Apply to join the FREE two-week intensive class or try a special one-day class!  Calling all K-Pop fans! Ready to dance like your favorite idols? Join the 2026 K-Pop Academy and bring your stage dreams to life! This year, we are offering both a two-week intensive course and several one-day classes to make the program even more accessible to all. Please choose the option that best fits your interests. Please note: applicants may apply to only one program option! Duplicate applications may be disqualified.  There is no cost to apply or participate, but space is highly limited for all program options. The application process is competitive for the two-week intensive program, and participants will be selected based on their application; the one-day K-Pop dance programs are not competitive, but and participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please see below for full details and application instructions. Inquiries: For more information, please visit the KCCDC website for updates or email us at soh24@mofa.or.kr. Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM!  Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Application Link  ●Dates/Schedule: July 20 – August 1, 2026 (6 two-hour sessions plus a final showcase on Saturday, August 1) ●Application Period: June 10 - June 17 ●Selection Results Announced: June 23 ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants will be selected each for the Beginner Class and Intermediate Class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate!  ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Instructor & Class Format   A professional K-Pop dance choreographer from Korea with experience training well-known K-Pop idol groups will lead the program, providing high-quality instruction tailored to participants' levels across two groups. This year’s academy will focus on dance training without a separate vocal training group.   [Beginner] ●For those who are interested in K-Pop but have little or no dance experience ●Focuses on basic choreography, performance understanding, teamwork building [Intermediate] ●For those with prior experience in K-Pop dance at an intermediate level ●Focuses on choreography creation, effective practice techniques, role sharing, and leadership skills Not sure which level to choose? No worries! Just upload a 1-minute dance video in the application form, and our instructor will help determine the best level for you.   One-day K-Pop Dance Classes Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM! (first-come, first-served)  One-day Dance Class Application Link  July 21, 7PM July 28, 7 PM July 30, 7 PM ●Dates: July 21, July 28, July 30 (7 - 9 PM) Please choose just one date option! ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants for each class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate! ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Participants can select only one class from the three options below. The choreography will be original choreography created by the instructor. ●July 21, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Love, Maybe by MeloMance (멜로망스), Beginner Level ●July 28, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Free from KPop Demon Hunters, Intemediate Level and up ●July 30, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Heaven by Taemin (태민), Intermediate Level and up    

Click HERE to RSVP Overview: - K-Food Experience at Asia North: The Art of Kimbap - Date&Time: Friday, May 29, 6:30 - 8:00 PM - Location: Motor House (120 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD) Join us for an engaging evening exploring the art and culture of kimbap with special guest chef and restaurateur Des So. Participants will hear stories about Korean cuisine, Des So’s journey building Korean food businesses in the DC area, enjoy a live kimbap-making demonstration, and take part in a delicious kimbap tasting experience. Small Korean souvenir giveaways will also be available for attendees!   About Asia North: Asia North is an Asian arts and culture festival in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District that celebrates the Charles North–Station North neighborhood’s evolving identity as a Koreatown, arts district, and creative hub. The festival is co-produced by the Asian Arts & Culture Center and the Central Baltimore Partnership.   About the Instructor: Des So (서대석) - Born in Seoul, South Korea; immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 - Studied Film/Video at Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) - Has owned and operated more than 30 restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1992 - Currently operates four restaurants in Washington, DC, including Soho Cafe & Market, Met Cafe the Venue, and Met Cafe Lite @ DOI - Specializes in breakfast & lunch cafeterias, catering, venues, events, and modern Asian & American cuisine   About Kimbap: Kimbap is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its balance of flavors, vibrant presentation, and versatility. Often enjoyed for picnics, travel, and family gatherings, kimbap reflects the creativity and warmth of Korean home-style cooking. Through this program, participants will learn more about Korean food culture, traditional ingredients, and the enduring popularity of this iconic dish.

Explore the evolution of Korean contemporary art!   The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) present two special 30-minute screenings of MMCA curator talks that explore how Korean art developed in the 20th century to become one of the world’s hottest art scenes today.   Inside Korean Art highlights key examples from current exhibitions in Korea and features MMCA expert curators as they outline major trends and changes in the past century of Korean art, from the early twentieth century to the postwar emergence of abstraction and experimental art. Guests can also join an in-person introduction and Q&A with the KCCDC’s own art curator while browsing the contemporary art exhibition Connecting Lines after the screenings.    Presented here for the first time with full English subtitles, the MMCA talks provide valuable context and are a complement to understanding Connecting Lines, currently on view at KCCDC. Each screening is designed to provide a broader picture of the history and development of modern and contemporary Korean art that forms the foundation of these artists’ innovative practices.   Part 1 on May 22 presents a conversation between the curators on MMCA’s permanent exhibition collection, introducing key artists and major artistic movements across different periods from the early 1900s to today. Part 2 on May 29 explores influential post-war Korean artist collectives such as the Modern Art Association (1957–1960), one of the first independent artist groups in Korea which helped shape the abstract visual language of future generations. After each screening, guests are invited to browse Connecting Lines and chat with the curator.   Experience Inside Korean Art and the exhibition Connecting Lines in concert and gain a profound new appreciation for the modern and contemporary art of Korea.   Inside Korean Art: Screening & Curator Talks May 22 & 29 at 6:00 PM (both days) Korean Cultural Center Washington, DC Part 1: Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Korean Art (May 22) | RSVP Part 2: Focus on 1950 – 1960s Korean Art (May 29) | RSVP Timeline (both dates): 6:00 PM: Introduction to Korean Art and Connecting Lines 6:10 PM: Inside Korean Art (screening) 6:40 PM: Connecting Lines exhibition self-guided tour and Q&A   All screenings are presented in Korean with English subtitles. Part 1: Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Korean Art May 22 at 6:00 PM RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! Modern and contemporary Korean art is often divided around the period following the Korean War in the 1950s, and MMCA’s Gwacheon branch has organized its permanent exhibition around the year 1950. This talk by MMCA Curators Yi Soojung and Lee Hyunju discusses both works from before the 1950s, in chronological order, and Korean art post-1950, organized by both historical periods and artistic themes, highlighting the characteristics of different artists and movements. In this screening, two MMCA curators guide viewers through the branch’s exhibition galleries and introduce their overall structure and themes.   Part 2: Focus on 1950 – 1960s Korean Art May 29 at 6:00 PM RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! Korean modern art underwent significant changes following the 1950-53 Korean War, particularly through the emergence of artist collectives formed in the late 1950s and the 1960s. MMCA’s Cheongju branch presents an exhibition exploring these groups, including the Modern Art Association (1957–1960), one of the first independent artist groups in Korea.   The exhibition introduces artists who challenged the realism-centered National Art Exhibition of Korea (Kukjeon) and experimented with abstraction and modernist practices while developing their own distinctive visual language. This talk by MMCA Curator Lee Hyojin will help viewers explore how these artist collectives contributed to the development of Korean abstract art and laid the foundation for future contemporary Korean art.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) presents A Window into K-Culture: Focus on Korean Literature, a special two-day event organized in collaboration with the National Museum of Korean Literature (NMKL) as part of the global Touring K-Arts program supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE).   Researcher Young-in Seo of the National Museum of Korean Literature will speak in-person about how Korean literature offers the chance to go beyond simply enjoying K-Culture to gaining a deeper understanding of it. By connecting familiar Korean Wave content such as K-dramas and K-Pop with literary traditions, this program explores the cultural narratives and context embedded within contemporary Korean culture.   The first of two sessions focuses on Tradition and the Present in Korean Literature, while the second session examines Contemporary Korean Literature and the Diversity of the Korean Wave.   Each evening presents distinct themes and will introduce notable Korean literary works and authors for curious readers to discover. A curated on-site exhibition of works featured in the lectures will also be available for viewing in both Korean and English, and a special quiz will offer participants the chance to win copies of select books.   Newcomers and avid fans alike are invited to take a deep dive into Korean literature and culture through this special event.   [K-Culture: Explore More, Enjoy More]  A Window into K-Culture: Focus on Korean Literature Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Session 1: Tradition and the Present in Korean Literature Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00–7:30 PM Session 2: Contemporary Korean Literature and the Diversity of the Korean Wave Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:30–8:00 PM Session 1 (May 18, 6:00–7:30 PM) RSVP LINK Session 2: (May 19, 6:30–8:00 PM) RSVP LINK PLEASE NOTE: participants may attend either one or both sessions, but separate registration is required for each. Free with registration.  Speaker Biography & Featured Exhibited Books    Young-in Seo is a researcher at the National Museum of Korean Literature, where she is engaged in the collection, management, and research of Korean literary materials. She holds a Ph.D. in Korean Literature. Since her literary debut in 2000 through the publisher Changbi (창비), she has worked as a literary critic and has lectured on Korean literature at various universities in Korea. Seo’s published works include collections of literary criticism, essays, and academic research.  

  The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) and the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) invite you to a series of hands-on workshops exploring traditional Korean crafts and cultural practices, presented in partnership with the National Folk Museum of Korea (NFMK). Led by Youngjae Kim, former Senior Curator at the National Folk Museum of Korea, each session offers a unique opportunity to learn about Korean traditions while handling or creating your own handcrafted items including the daenggi (댕기) decorative hair ribbon, jangmyeongru (장명루) five-colored longevity bracelet, and bojagi (보자기) wrapping cloth. Participants will explore traditional materials, embedded symbolism, and crafting techniques through engaging, hands-on activities. This program is supported by and presented in cooperation with the National Folk Museum of Korea.     PLEASE NOTE: An RSVP is required for each session and space is limited. Participants are asked to kindly RSVP for only one session (at either the KCCDC or NMAA) to maximize overall participation. Two additional sessions on May 26 and 27 are by invitation only and not listed below.    Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Main Public Session Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 – 7:00 PM RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! NEW! Family-Oriented Session Wednesday, May 27, 2:00 – 4:00 PM RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! These two sessions will focus on introducing and crafting the daenggi (댕기) decorative hair ribbon and jangmyeongru (장명루) five-colored longevity bracelet. ●Sew and decorate a traditional daenggi using gold foil ●Make a jangmyeongru, symbolizing health and protection ●Optional: Try on traditional Korean hanbok clothing   National Museum of Asian Art 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. Thursday, May 28, 1:00 – 3:00 PM RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!   This session will focus on introducing and crafting the bojagi (보자기) wrapping cloth and jangmyeongru (장명루) five-colored longevity bracelet. ●Learn six different traditional bojagi wrapping techniques, each with unique artistic appearance ●Make a jangmyeongru, symbolizing health and protection ●Optional: Try on traditional Korean hanbok clothing About the Instructor and Crafts Youngjae Kim is a former Senior Curator at the National Folk Museum of Korea with over 20 years of experience in Korean traditional attire and cultural heritage. She currently leads research and cultural programs through the Hansan Research Institute.     Daenggi (댕기)   This traditional Korean ribbon is used to adorn a traditional Korean hair braid for women and is often made of silk and with gold or silver foil patterns. Participants will complete stitching, apply decorative motifs, and learn how to wear the daenggi. See an example video here!    Jangmyeongru (장명루) This five-colored braided bracelet symbolizes health, protection, and longevity. Participants will create their own bracelet that integrates this traditional color symbolism. See an example video here!         Bojagi (보자기) Bojagi is an icon of traditional Korean culture. This versatile and beautiful wrapping cloth is rooted in women’s domestic culture, where many everyday household objects were carefully crafted with both form and function in mind. Influenced by royal traditions of the Joseon Dynasty, bojagi reflects both practicality and aesthetic refinement. Reusable and eco-friendly, it embodies flexibility, creativity, and the beauty of thoughtful wrapping without waste. In this workshop, participants will explore a variety of bojagi fabrics, colors, and patterns while learning how different wrapping styles can create unique forms and expressions. Each participant will discover their own style through hands-on practice and creative experimentation. Participants will receive a mystery box to create their own magical bojagi, with each result offering a unique surprise. See example videos here and here!  

Join us to celebrate Korean pottery artist Yeonsoo Kim's participation in the 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show with a special K-Culture Talk about this timeless art and craft.  This in-depth exploration of onggi (옹기), Korea's traditional “breathing” earthenware vessel, traces the journey of onggi from its historical function as a practical fermentation and storage container to its contemporary reinterpretation as fine art, highlighting both its functional purpose and evolving aesthetic forms.  Kim will detail his creative process and the cultural context behind his work, offering insight into the evolution of his artistic practice. The program will feature an artist talk and a brief live demonstration with selected participants. On-site, attendees will have the opportunity to view his unique onggi works, along with selected pieces to be showcased at the Smithsonian Craft Show. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience both the tradition and modern possibilities of onggi in one engaging event!   Onggi: A Journey from Ancient Breath to Modern Form Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Program: Introduction to the history and culture of Korean onggi & live demonstration   Thanks for your interest! This event is currently full and no longer accepting RSVPs, but please look out for more K-Culture Talk events coming soon!  Yeonsoo Kim is a South Korean ceramic artist currently based in the United States. His work has received both national and international recognition, including being named by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) among its Emerging Artists in 2020. Most recently, he won Best in Show at the 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show and was honored as Featured Artist and Best in Show winner at Richmond Art and Design (2025).   Kim has participated in prestigious residencies, including the Archie Bray Foundation, where he was awarded the Matsutani Fellowship and the Etchart-Satre Fellowship, as well as at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the Korea Ceramic Foundation. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics at Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia in Athens, GA, and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and glass from the Hongik University located in Seoul. Kim has held apprenticeships with onggi masters in Korea’s Jeolla Province (Hayngjong Oh) and Gyeongsang Province (Jinkyu Huh).   His practice continues to explore the dialogue between traditional and contemporary form, focusing on the evocative "breathing volume" and the visceral presence of clay. For more, visit his website at www.yeonsooceramics.com.     Above, center: This piece features diverse characters and lines that interact and communicate with each other conveying their relationships to viewers. Formally the work suggests implied images and stories. The shape of the images represents my own relationships (red clay, white slip, underglaze, 2023).

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents the Korean Women in Jazz Series in collaboration with DC’s historic Blues Alley Jazz club, July 6 – 8, highlighting exceptional New York-based Korean talent in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.   Aimed at broadening cultural ties between Korea and the United States by spotlighting one of the two countries’ most longstanding and influential genres of artistic exchange – jazz music – this series presents exceptional Korean talent currently performing at the top of their game in the United States. Jazz pianists Dabin Ryu, Hayoung Lyou, and Jihee Heo have each embraced their unique artistic voice within the contemporary jazz scene and will present music from their latest individual albums, each in a unique piano-drums-bass trio format, in DC’s most storied and revered Jazz club: Blues Alley.   Blues Alley Jazz, established in 1965, is one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic jazz clubs with a 60-year history and is widely recognized as a landmark venue that has hosted numerous world-renowned jazz musicians. Known for its intimate performance setting and excellent acoustics, the venue offers audiences a distinctive live music experience in close proximity to the artists. Since 2025, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) has partnered with Blues Alley Jazz to regularly present Korean jazz artists to local audiences. This series continues that cultural exchange and collaboration between the two institutions with deep local roots.   On Monday, July 6 award-winning pianist Dabin Ryu presents selections from her latest album Trio! that showcase her refined and intricate sound in a contemporary jazz piano trio format. She will be joined by acclaimed drummer Jimmy Macbride and bassist Walter Stinson.   On Tuesday, July 7 internationally recognized jazz pianist and composer Hayoung Lyou performs works from her album The Myth of Katabasis, exploring a musical journey that bridges classical sensibilities and modern jazz expression. She will be joined by drummer Steven Crammer and bassist Walter Stinson as part of a trio.   On Wednesday, July 8 acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Jihee Heo concludes the series with a trio performance that highlights the intersection of Korean musical sensibility and jazz tradition, inviting listeners into a narrative and expressive musical world. She will perform with renowned bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Chris Beck as part of her trio ensemble.   Each evening features two performances, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show, available through the Blues Alley Jazz website. For more information, visit the websites of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and Blues Alley Jazz.   TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA BLUES ALLEY JAZZ:  Monday, July 6: Dabin Ryu Tuesday, July 7: Hayoung Lyou Wednesday, July 8: Jihee Heo About the Artists   Dabin Ryu Trio Dabin Ryu | Jazz Pianist Dabin Ryu is an award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Seoul, South Korea, currently based in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School. She has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Ralph Peterson, Billy Harper, Randy Brecker, Johnathan Blake, Joe Martin, Anat Cohen, David Virelles, Godwin Louis, Rodney Jones, and Jaleel Shaw, among others. As a versatile performer, she has led her own ensembles and participated in projects such as Ralph Peterson’s Next Generation Big Band and David Virelles’ Nosotros Ensemble. Ryu is the winner of the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition and the 2025 Jazz Gallery Residency Commission. She currently serves as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music.   Walter Stinson | Bass Walter Stinson is a bassist, educator and composer currently based between Brooklyn, NY and Montréal, QC. After graduating from Purchase College in 2012, he moved to New York City where he has been working steadily ever since. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Adam O’Farrill, Kevin Sun, Max Light and Aaron Quinn. He has shared stages all over the world with Billy Hart, John Hollenbeck, Caroline Davis, Kenny Werner, Roy Nathanson, Arturo O’Farrill, Anna Webber, David Binney and Jean-Michel Pilc. In 2025, Stinson, along with pianist Evan Main and drummer Steven Crammer, released their eponymous collaboratively-led piano trio “Prawntail” on Endectomorph Records. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Stinson began studying the upright bass at the age of 10. His first exposure to music came from his mother, a pianist who would sing and play jazz standards. While growing up in Ithaca, he also had the good fortune of being mentored by two unsung heroes of the New York City jazz scene, bassist Bernie Upson and drummer George Reed as well as being under the tutelage of Nicholas Walker, a protégé of Francois Rabbath. Along his educational journey, Stinson also studied privately with Doug Weiss, Todd Coolman, Kermit Driscoll, Scott Colley, Stephan Crump, Greg August, and William Parker. Walter continues to tour worldwide, devoting himself to a variety of improvised and creative music.   Jimmy Macbride | Drums Since moving to New York in 2009, drummer Jimmy Macbride has established himself as one of the most exciting and creative young voices on his instrument. Named as one of “25 For the Future” by Downbeat Magazine, Macbride is an extremely in-demand and highly regarded sideman, valued for his musicality, versatility, and adept touch on his instrument. Coming from an artistic family (his father was a composer and mother is a visual artist), Jimmy began playing drums at age 3 and gravitated toward jazz music at an equally young age. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied with Carl Allen, Billy Drummond, and Kenny Washington. Since finishing his studies, Macbride has worked some of the most important voices in jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jimmy Greene, Kevin Hays, and Steve Nelson. He regularly performs throughout New York City, at venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, and The Blue Note. In addition, Jimmy’s musical skills have also taken him worldwide, affording him the opportunity to perform at clubs and festivals on five continents, including the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. A testament to his artistic range and willingness to be part of any musical situation, Jimmy can be seen performing and touring regularly with a wide variety of artists and groups, encompassing a vast array of styles. Some of these include Manuel Valera, Samuel Torres, Troy Roberts, Michael Rodriguez, Marshall Gilkes, Mike Moreno, Dave Kikoski, Nir Felder, Eldar Djangirov, and his wife and frequent collaborator Miki Yamanaka, among many others. He is also noted for his powerful and supportive drumming in a big band setting, appearing with the Mingus Big Band, Ryan Keberle’s All Ears Orchestra, and the Terraza 7 Big Band regularly. An active recording artist, Macbride has appeared on over 70 albums as a sideman to date.   Hayoung Lyou Trio   Hayoung Lyou | Jazz Pianist Hayoung Lyou (b. 1992, Seoul, South Korea) is a pianist and composer based in New York City. Her latest album, The Myth of Katabasis (Endectomorph Music), featuring Thomas Morgan and Steven Crammer, has received critical acclaim from publications including DownBeat and Il Manifesto. Her music explores the intersections of bebop, free improvisation, and modern classical idioms, creating a sonic language that expresses the complexity of human emotion beyond words. She performs actively across the New York and New England regions and is also a member of Elijah Shiffer’s Dada bebop ensemble featuring James Paul Nadien and Dmitry Shenko/Anna Abondolo.   Steven Crammer | Drums Steven Crammer is an in-demand drummer based in Brooklyn, NY. His uniquely flexible musicianship has led to a rising stature on the jazz scene, since moving to NYC in 2018. Steven has released two albums, both with co-led projects. His debut album Nortonk was released on Biophilia Records in 2021. The album received praise in multiple publications including Pop Matters, Jazz Trail, Jazzwise, and All About Jazz. In November 2025, his piano trio Prawntail released their first record on Endectomorph Music. He is also a highly active sideman, having performed and/or recorded with a broad range of artists including Max Light, Cecil Alexander, Marty Ehrlich, Brian Krock, Matt Pavolka, Chris McCarthy, and many more. You can catch Steven regularly playing in NYC in a wide variety of settings as well as on tour across the US, Canada, and Europe.   Walter Stinson | Bass See artist biography above.   Jihee Heo Trio   Jihee Heo | Jazz Pianist Jihee Heo is a South Korean pianist and composer based in New York City, recognized as a distinctive voice in the contemporary jazz scene. Over the past 15 years, she has developed a unique musical identity that bridges Korean musical sensibility with the traditions of jazz, soul, and gospel, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. Heo has performed at major venues and festivals including Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland, the Guggenheim Museum, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Zinc Bar, The Django, and Sunset Sunside in Paris. She has been praised by saxophonist Vincent Herring as “a promising voice at the piano, pointing to the future of jazz.” She studied in Amsterdam before earning her Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Her work explores themes of identity, migration, and artistic evolution, offering emotionally rich and narrative-driven musical expression.     Boris Kozlov | Bass Moscow born, three-time Grammy Award winning acoustic and electric bassist, composer and arranger Boris Kozlov has been on the New York & international jazz scene for the past 35 years. In addition to his own projects and co-leading OPUS 5, he has been serving as a bassist, arranger & musical director for the Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty and The Orchestra for 22 years, winning a Grammy in 2011 for their Live at The Jazz Standard album. Boris has also been a first-call bassist for the likes of Michael Brecker, John Blake, Ray Barretto’s New World Spirit, Lew Tabackin, David Kikoski, Alex Sipiagin, Jean-Michel Pilc, John DiMartino, The Manhattan Transfer and many others. His playing & arranging can be heard on nine Grammy nominated albums plus Eddie Palmieri’s Grammy-winning Simpatico (in addition to 160+ other albums). In 2019 he recorded on another Grammy winning album, Brian Lynch’s The Omni-American Book Club. Boris also performs solo bass and teaches masterclasses around the world.   Chris Beck | Drums With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. Born into a musical family, Chris Beck, a native of Philadelphia, PA has been exposed to music from a young age. Deciding to make music a career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University in 2004. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis. Chris Beck currently performs with talented musicians such as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid. He has also been blessed to share the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and many others around the world.  

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is pleased to partner with the Trump-Kennedy Center to present fusion ensemble Korean Fever on February 19 for The Legacy of Light, Korea!, a dynamic music, dance, and DJ showcase celebrating the Lunar New Year on the Millennium Stage.   Korean Fever, a diverse ensemble of world music artists led by gayageum zither master Rami Seo, fuses traditional Korean music with contemporary creative compositions, offering a distinctly immersive cultural experience. The Legacy of Light, Korea! weaves together K-Classic, K-Pop, K-Jazz, and Korean traditional performing arts with global styles, transforming five millennia of Korean cultural heritage into a powerful artistic narrative of resilience, hope, and emotional depth.   This event also marks the Lunar New Year, an important traditional holiday of communion celebrated in Korea and elsewhere in 2026 officially on February 17. For their debut at this prestigious venue, Korean Fever will showcase the uniqueness of creative Korean music in a 60-minute performance that blends traditional Korean and Western instruments with live K-Pop inspired dance and DJ sets.  The ensemble features Rami Seo (gayageum, Korean Fever founder), guitarist Ho-Kyung Choi, contrabassist Jeong-Hwan Park, drummer Peter Manheim, vocalists Rina Kim and Eun-Ki Park, DJ Larry Jung, K-pop dance group ALLNIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Seunga Park, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva), and media artist Sunghyun Jang. Featured Performers Rami Seo | Gayageum Hokyung Choy | Guitar Ian Kang | Bass Peter Manheim | Drum Rina Kim | Vocals Eunki Hera Park | Vocals Guest Performers | Abigail Sieun Lee, Ariana Siel Lee, Antonio Camardi, Ayoung OliviaPark, Bomi Kim, David Hanju Youk, Dayeon Lee, Ellis Jinyoung Park, Gianluca Camardi, Hanniel Kim, Lime Park, Marcello Camardi, Minji Kim, Nathanael Siyoo Lee, Nayun Lee, Raham Park West1ne (Larry Jung) | DJ ALL NIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Christina Lee, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva) | Dance Sunghyun Jang | Media Arts The Legacy of Light, Korea!  A Lunar New Year Celebration featuring World Music Ensemble Korean Fever  Thursday, February 19, 6:00 PM  Millennium Stage, The Trump Kennedy Center Tickets are free, with advance reservations available beginning Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via the Kennedy Center website: RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! About the Artists   Korean Fever began in 2019 with Korean Fever: Returns and carrying the hope that Korea—having experienced remarkable economic growth and a cultural renaissance from the 1988 Seoul Olympics through the 2000s—would once again enter a new season of prosperity following the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Although the pandemic brought significant challenges, Korean Fever views this as an opportunity for Korea to reveal its potential as a future global leader in economy, culture, and other fields. Since its launch, Korean Fever has completed tours across Korea, East Africa, and three states in the United States, as well as performances throughout Europe (France, Italy, Belgium, Germany), Uzbekistan, Mexico, Israel, Indonesia, and India. Continuing this momentum, Korean Fever is embarking on a world tour aiming to inspire dreams, share Korea’s artistic legacy, and bring healing to audiences across Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and South Africa. Korean Fever provides opportunities for not only Koreans, but also people from all over the world who love Korean culture and Koreans to experience a variety of music genres, from Korean traditional music to K-pop. By sublimating the lives and sufferings unique to immigrants into performing arts, Korean Fever aims to deliver comfort and hope to Koreans and immigrants worldwide. Korean Fever takes as its mission to support the lives of immigrants and inspire pride as Koreans and in Korean culture.   Rami Seo | Leader of Korean Fever, Gayageum Player Rami Seo is an internationally acclaimed gayageum artist whose work bridges ancient Korean traditions with contemporary global music. She trained in Seoul under world-renowned masters, including several holders of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage titles. She graduated with top honors from the National Gugak High School and the Seoul National University of Traditional Arts, and later served as valedictorian at Chung-Ang University. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at Hunter College. With more than 3,000 performances across Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, India, Uzbekistan, Israel, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico, Ms. Seo has appeared on many of the world’s most prestigious stages. Her credits include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center (as the first Korean artist to perform), the United Nations, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, Flushing Town Hall, Symphony Space, La MaMa, and major international theaters and festivals. Since 2007, she has led Rami Seo’s World Music Ensemble and GEMiNY as founder and music director. She is also a prominent radio host on AM1660 K-Radio. Her ongoing world tour project, Korean Fever, continues to share Korea’s artistic legacy and inspire audiences around the globe.   Ho-kyung Jesse Choy | Guitar Jesse Choy is a highly versatile guitarist known for his natural lyricism, fluency across diverse musical languages, and refined technical command. Equally respected as a performer and educator, he has built an international career grounded in musical depth and integrity. Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Jesse began his musical training in classical guitar and composition before discovering jazz through the music of Wes Montgomery. After gaining recognition through numerous competitions, he quickly established himself as one of Korea’s most in-demand guitarists. He later received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, completing his undergraduate degree in just two and a half years, followed by a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from New York University. He has completed all coursework toward a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree and is currently finishing his dissertation. Now based in New York City, Jesse remains an active presence on the jazz scene, performing at leading venues and collaborating with distinguished musicians. His compositions and performances have been presented throughout the United States and Europe. As a faculty member at multiple universities, he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians.   Peter Manheim | Drums & Percussion Peter Manheim is a drummer and percussionist from Evanston, Illinois. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with acclaimed drummers Billy Hart and Jamey Haddad. Currently based in Brooklyn, Peter performs regularly throughout New York City as well as nationally and internationally with a wide range of ensembles. His debut EP, In Time, was released in 2023 on Northern Spy Records, followed by a full-length album, Early Waves, released in 2025 on his own label, Nü Bossa Recordings. Rina Kim | Soprano Soprano Rina Kim is a New York–based performer and vocal educator active in both classical music and musical theatre. She holds degrees from Ewha Womans University, the Mannes School of Music, and Teachers College at Columbia University, and is also a full-scholarship graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). She made her musical theatre debut in The King and I alongside Lou Diamond Phillips and has since performed in productions and concerts across the United States as a member of Actors’ Equity Association. As a classical soprano, she is a winner of the Artist International Competition and has appeared in recital at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Concert Hall. Ms. Kim currently serves on the voice faculty at Poly Prep Country Day School and is completing coursework in voice science at New York University. She is preparing the release of her debut album following a recording collaboration with the Hungarian MAV Orchestra.   Eunki Hera Park | Vocals Eunki Hera Park is a versatile vocalist based in New York and New Jersey, known for her expressive style and strong command of Korean popular music. She won first place in a major pop vocal competition in New York and previously received top honors at a collegiate music festival in Korea. As the lead vocalist of a live band and a beloved radio personality for three years, she has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and engaging stage presence. Hera continues to promote Korean music and connect with listeners through her distinctive voice.   Larry Jung (west1ne) | DJ & Music Producer Larry Jung, professionally known as west1ne, resides in New Jersey and is originally from Queens, New York. He has been an active music producer for over 15 years, working across a wide range of genres. His career includes a platinum record with artist Joji and widespread respect from peers and mentors within the industry. In recent years, Larry has expanded his artistic practice to DJing and audio engineering, curating music for live performances and producing large-scale events. He has also been involved in producing cultural events such as Manse, which explore and celebrate Korean American identity. He is passionate about sharing his experience in music production and continuing to contribute to the cultural and creative community.   ALLNIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Seunga Park, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva) | Dance Crew ALLNIGHTERS is a New York City–based K-pop dance team founded by Clara Kim. The group is known for its high-energy dance covers and signature one-take performance videos filmed in Times Square. Blending expression, musicality, and group synchronization, the team aims to bridge fan culture with professional performance. Under Clara Kim’s leadership and creative direction, ALLNIGHTERS has built a strong digital presence, with their YouTube channel surpassing 120,000 subscribers and performance videos averaging over 300,000 views. Notable performances include K-Pop Club Night, Korea Fest, and the Annual Korean Parade & Festival hosted by KAAGNY. In 2025, the team earned first place at both the NJKACC K-Pop Dance Contest and the Skyview High K-Pop Cover Competition.

Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) for a K-Art Song Storytelling Workshop: Re-imagining Peace and Humanity, a performance, discussion, and workshop at the intersection of traditional Korean music and poetry, presented in partnership with the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project.   Experience live performances of Korean art songs, a genre known in Korean as gagok (가곡), that synthesize music and poetry with lyrical storytelling that reflects the complex modern history of the Korean Peninsula. Through collaborative narrative discourse with participants, this workshop intends to not only introduce the genre’s unique artistry but to awaken a collective sense of compassion and shared moral imagination, inviting listeners to re-imagine global peace together.   Art songs, also known as Lied music, are a traditional form of sung poetry. In Korea, this operatic, classically-minded genre adapts a European concept with Korean aesthetics, expression, and musicality, often integrating works by influential 20th century Korean poets like independence activist Yun Dong-ju (1917-1945) and others.   Through the “K-Art Song” medium, this event aims to evoke sound- and emotion-based dialogues and lyric-centered conversations. Participants are invited to join in this collaborative process by sharing their own experiences, co-creating stories of empathy and cultural solidarity on the path toward peace.   K-Art Song Storytelling Workshop: Re-imagining Peace and Humanity Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Free with an RSVP (below) RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!   About the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project   The K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project, affiliated with the Narrative Transformation Lab at the Carter School, seeks to cultivate shared experiences of the narratives embedded in Korean art song through storytelling and collective narrative discourse with international audiences. As a nexus model that interweaves live performance with participants’ narrative exchanges, the project aims to evoke empathy, foster moral imagination, and contribute to peacebuilding and community building—bridging intercultural narratives through creativity and imagination.   By integrating artistic expression with dialogue-based methodologies, the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project explores how Korean art songs can be not only a cultural treasure but also a medium for cross-cultural communication—advancing empathy, fostering intercultural understanding, and contributing to sustainable peace. The K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project connects emerging young professionals, composers, researchers, and storytellers across Korea, the United States, and a wider global community, cultivating a network dedicated to creative peace advocacy, collaborative learning, and inclusive global engagement. For more about the organization, visit www.k-artsongculturalbridgeproject.org.   Program   Part 1: Fostering Imagination through Sound and Emotion Live Performances and Open Dialogue   Self-portrait (Written by Yun Dong-ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Baritone David Maeng, Pianist Austin Reed   Prologue (Written by Yun Dong-ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Bass Josh Slutsky, Pianist Austin Reed   A Night for Counting Stars (Written by Yun Dong-Ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Soprano Nancy McClain, Tenor Ross Calvin, Pianist Austin Reed   Part 2: Storytelling and Interweaving a Peace Narrative Storytelling, Live Performances, and Open Dialogue   Bimok (Written by Hahn Myung Hee, Composed by Sungeun Jo) Soprano Nancy McClain, Soprano Julianne Kim, Mezzo-Soprano Rebecca Rock, Pianist Austin Reed   Dream Road (Written by Kim Sowol, Composed by Sungeun Jo) Tenor Jiheon Sung, Tenor Ross Calvin, Soprano Nancy McClain, Soprano Julianne Kim, Pianist Austin Reed   Part 3: Sharing Takeaways & Narrative Transformation Activity Closing Remark & Networking  

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly welcomes the Korea National Opera to the Capital region for a performance of Opera Voyage, a dynamic showcase of classical arias, art songs, original creative works, and Korean tradition-inspired opera, free and open to the public with registration on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Va.   This performance, jointly organized by the KCCDC and the Korea National Opera under Artistic Director Choi Sang-ho, is part of the Touring K-Arts program that highlights diverse aspects of traditional and popular Korean culture globally and is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The esteemed national opera company’s North American tour includes stops in New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Ottawa, Canada.   Opera Voyage will feature a dynamic and passionate operatic stage performance led by the young artists of the Korea National Opera, showcasing the excellence of Korean classical vocalists while fostering deeper artistic exchanges between Korea and the United States. This concert represents an important opportunity to elevate mutual understanding through art.   The program will blend Korean operatic tradition with Western classical opera arias, offering a diverse musical journey in one evening that includes performances from the company’s acclaimed original opera Cheonsangyeonbun. The performance will combine traditional Korean folk music with a modern classical sensibility, incorporating Korea’s most famous songs and folk tunes with the goal of sharing the captivating qualities of Korean music with local audiences.   The company’s tour features seven distinguished Korean artists: sopranos Kim Hee-jeong and Koo Na-woon, tenors Kim Seong-hyun and Kim Jae-yeol, baritones Kim Young-hoon and Park Seung-bin, and pianist Park So-hong. For more about the company, visit the official website of the KNO.  Korea National Opera: Opera Voyage  Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.  The Vault at Capital One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102) RSVP Coming Soon!    About the Company Founded in 1962 and established as an independent foundation in 2000, the Korea National Opera (KNO) is Korea’s leading opera company. As a national arts organization, KNO presents world-class productions and plays a central role in the development of opera in Korea. The company is committed to making opera accessible through its programs such as Regional Touring Opera, the KNO Vocal Concours, and the KNO Studio, nurturing new talents and providing educational opportunities for both professionals and the public.   The KNO operates an on-site training program to foster emerging opera professionals: the Korea National Opera Studio – Young Artist Program. Each year, young graduates in vocal performance, directing, coaching, and stagecraft are selected for intensive training in music, languages, acting, humanities, and stage techniques. Through international partnerships—most notably with the Deutsche Oper Berlin—participants gain invaluable global experience.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! FREE ADMISSION!  Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 PM   |   Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM Maximum of 4 reservations per person. Both dates feature the same program.  Please note that our registration form has been updated, but all previous RSVPs will be honored!  The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Melodies of Peace, a spectacular two-day joint concert event celebrating the enduring friendship and vibrant history of cultural exchange between the Republic of Korea and the United States featuring groups POET and G-Hwaja at the Kennedy Center on September 19 and 20.   As Korean culture continues to captivate audiences around the world, this special event held in honor of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day has been thoughtfully curated to delight and inspire, showcasing the culture of innovation that defines Korean arts and entertainment.   Headlining the concert are Korea’s acclaimed “popera” (pop opera) group POET and the renowned New York–based fusion band G-Hwaja—two pioneering ensembles that masterfully blend musical genres and styles from both countries. The evening will feature stirring tributes inspired by themes of freedom and resilience, selections from the celebrated musical Hero, popular K-pop hits, and beloved songs from Korean films and television dramas.   National Liberation Day, celebrated annually on August 15 and known in Korean as Gwangbokjeol, meaning “restoration of light,” is a national holiday commemorating the end of colonial rule in Korea in 1945 at the close of World War II. The year 2025 marks Korea’s 80th National Liberation Day, a particularly auspicious occasion.   Melodies of Peace will feature an extraordinary fusion of musical expressions, highlighting the richness of collaboration between Korean and American performers. Audiences can look forward to a one-of-a-kind cultural experience and a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the energy and excitement of the multi-genre Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu.   Through this performance, the KCCDC aims to not only commemorate the legacy of Korean independence and the Korea-US Alliance, but to further deepen societal cultural connections, foster mutual understanding, and showcase the unifying power of music in the spirit of cultural diplomacy. This event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.   Melodies of Peace: A Commemorative Concert Marking 80 Years of Korean Liberation Friday, September 19 & Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. each day Terrace Theater, The Kennedy Center (2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566)   About the Performers: POET   POET, a four-member male “popera” (pop opera) group from South Korea, was formed in 2013. Their music combines classical vocal techniques with delicate yet powerful harmonies, delivering each song as if a poet were reciting a heartfelt work. Through their performances, POET aims to give audiences “the strength to live another day.”   POET has performed extensively in Korea and internationally, including in Japan, China, Thailand, Iran, Vietnam, and Indonesia, leading a new wave of K-Popera beyond Korea. Their appearances include national events, award ceremonies, commemorative ceremonies, concerts, and broadcasts such as the KBS Open Concert and Immortal Songs. POET was awarded the Korea Culture and Arts Awards for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. Their four released albums are Dream, I Love You, The Prayer, and CACTUS.   Artists   Hwang Hojung | Team Leader, Tenor Hwang Hojung has led POET since 2013 as the team’s leader. With outstanding emotional delivery and a soulful tone, he primarily guides the melody line and is responsible for the distinctive color of POET’s music with his dramatic high notes.   Song Seunghoon | Tenor Song Seunghoon is a lyric tenor with a sweet voice and a wide range, responsible for the high part in the group. He graduated from the Vocal Music Department at Korea National University of Arts and completed his master’s degree in the United States, earning the nickname “Andrea Bocelli of Korea” for his exceptional talent.   Kim Yongsung | Lyric Tenor Kim Yongsung is a powerful lyric tenor whose passion and dedication to music are evident, despite starting his musical journey later than others. He is an all-around tenor capable of performing across diverse musical genres.   Roheon |  Baritone Roheon is the youngest member of POET and serves as the group’s mood maker. With model-like visuals and a grand baritone tone, he is beloved by many female fans and is regarded as the prince of popera. About the Performers: G-Hwaja   G-Hwaja performs creative music through a combination of Western and Korean traditional instruments, blending diverse tones and styles. The group seeks to express the emotions of the times dramatically by utilizing the uniquely expressive characteristics of Korean traditional music—particularly the sense of excitement known as heung, and its bittersweet sense of grief, known as han—to deliver familiar music with new emotional dimensions. G-Hwaja strives to popularize Korean traditional music by presenting a dynamic and vivid image of Korea to the modern world. Following the group’s founding, G-Hwaja had its first performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.   Artists   Junghee Oh | Team Leader, Gayageum Byeong-chang, Pansori Junghee Oh is a certified trainee of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Gayageum Sanjo and Byeong-chang. She earned her Master’s degree in Korean music from Chung-Ang University and teaches at Seoul Institute of the Arts and Sangmyung University. She serves as music director of G-Hwaja and actively performs in the NY/NJ metropolitan area.   Grace Leekyung Kang | Haegeum, Vocal Dr. Grace Leekyung Kang graduated from Korea National High School of Traditional Arts and Yong-In University, and earned her Ph.D. in traditional Korean music from Hanyang University. She is a gold prize winner at the Nan-Gye Korean Traditional Music Competition and a certified successor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage “Gasa.” She performs with G-Hwaja and promotes traditional Korean music worldwide.   You Shin Kim | Composer, Arranger, Keyboard You Shin Kim graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring. He co-wrote “Mother” for singer Seung Chul Lee and composed and arranged music for the musical King David. He serves as composer, arranger, and keyboardist for G-Hwaja, blending classical, pop, jazz, and traditional Korean music in his work.   Song Eun Shin | 25-string Gayageum Song Eun Shin graduated from Korea National High School of Traditional Arts and Chung-Ang University. She is an award-winning 25-string gayageum player who has performed internationally, including at the Shanghai Expo and the G20 Summit, and is an active member of G-Hwaja.   Woosung Jung | Daegeum & Wind/Percussion Instruments Mr. Woosung Jung is a designated practitioner of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage “Daegeum Jeongak” and a versatile performer of wind and percussion instruments. He has performed in Korea, China, and the United States, including at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center, and teaches traditional Korean music to students worldwide.   Daseul Kim | Bass Daseul Kim holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Jazz Bass from William Paterson University and currently performs as a bassist with the U.S. Navy Band. He has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.   Olivia Kim | Cello Olivia Kim, a Korean-American cellist, was raised in Chile and graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She earned her Artist Diploma from Montclair State University and performs as a cellist and teacher in ensembles including the Adelphi Orchestra.   Whanho Oh | Drums Whanho Oh studied jazz performance at the City University of New York and is a New York-based drummer. He explores a wide musical spectrum centered on jazz, performing with refined sensitivity and dynamic expression.   Sungwon Kim | Guitar Sungwon Kim earned his M.A. in Jazz Studies from NYU and has performed in Broadway musicals including Wicked, Hamilton, and Frozen, and with top K-pop artists. He has collaborated with numerous international musicians and continues to perform and teach actively.     About the Program   Melodies of Peace brings together an extraordinary range of music on one stage. Audiences will journey from the dramatic highs of musical theater courtesy of POET, with songs like This is the Moment from Jekyll & Hyde and Let It Go from Frozen, to the infectious rhythms of global pop and classic rock, including Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and hits by Queen. Korean traditional folk songs such as Arirang, Saetaryeong, and Sukdaemori are reimagined with modern arrangements by G-Hwaja, performed in collaboration with artists who bridge Eastern and Western styles. The program also weaves in medleys from The Beatles, popular K-pop songs, and cherished Korean classics, Experience Korea’s rich tapestry of music, where tradition and contemporary sounds, East and West, will all come together in a single, unforgettable performance.   The same program will be presented on September 19 and 20, including two acts featuring both groups each day.   Act 1 (POET)   1.The Danji Pact (from the musical theater production Hero) 2.This is the Moment (Jekyll & Hyde) 3:32 3.Let it Go, Into the Unknown (Frozen) 4:37 4.Summer Night (from POET’s third album) 3:10 5.Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars) 4:29 6.This is Me (The Greatest Showman) 3:54 7.Queen Medley (We Will Rock You, The Show Must Go On, & We Are the Champions) 6:01   Act 2 (POET & G-Hwaja)   1.Sae-Nal (Fusion Korean Traditional Song) 3:30 2.Fly Me to the Moon (Jazz Standard) 4:00 3.Liber Tango (Tango) 3:00 4.Saetaryeong (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 3:00 5.Sukdaemori (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 4:00 6.Arirang (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 4:00 7.Cinema Paradiso / Perfect (Film Music & Korean Traditional Fusion) 6:00 8.The Beatles Medley (Let it Be, Imagine, & Hey Jude) 6:00 9.K-pop Medley (covers of APT & Golden) 5:00 10.The Day (K-Drama Mr. Sunshine OST) 5:00 11.The Beautiful Land (Composed by Tae-su Han) 5:00

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) and the DC Jazz Festival proudly presents acclaimed Korean drummer and bandleader JK Jongkuk Kim and his quintet on Sunday, August 31, at 4:00 PM on the renowned festival’s main stage at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. Part of the DC Jazz Festival’s full lineup August 27-31, this performance highlights the extraordinary talent of Korean jazz artists and collaborations with international counterparts. JK Jongkuk Kim, a drummer, composer, and electronic musician from Incheon, Korea, is recognized as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. A full scholarship graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Kim has performed with world-renowned artists including Dave Santoro, Hal Crook, George Garzone, Darren Barrett, John Clayton, Robin Eubanks, Maria Schneider, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and Terence Blanchard. He has appeared on major international stages including at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club, and Toronto Jazz Festival. His music blends traditional jazz with electronic music, rock, and improvisation. Collaborations with artists such as BTS’ RM, Aaron Parks, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dayna Stephens, Eric Nam, and So!YoON! have solidified his presence on the global music scene, and he has been featured in leading publications including Billboard, Grammy, and Vogue, earning recognition as one of the most prominent jazz drummers of his generation. The August 31 performance will feature JK Jongkuk Kim as drummer and bandleader, accompanied by Simon Moullier on vibraphone, Tommy Holladay on guitar, Chris McCarthy on piano, and Dana Hawkins on bass, from 7000 Miles Management. The DC Jazz Festival, since its founding in 2005, has been a premier annual event in Washington, D.C., providing a platform for jazz artists worldwide and promoting the growth of jazz music. The festival offers also workshops and masterclasses, fostering artistic exchange and education. The KCCDC has helped present numerous Korean artists at the festival, including the Song Youngjoo Septet (2017), music group SEUM (2018), and Lee Ji-hye Orchestra (2019). The KCCDC also co-presented JK Jongkuk Kim for a DC Jazz Festival Embassy Series concert and reception in June 2025, introducing Kim’s exceptional skill and the richness of Korean jazz and culture to the greater DC jazz community. Ticket purchase is required for this event. See the DC Jazz Festival website for more information.  DC JazzFest: JK Jongkuk & his Quintet Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. Transit Pier at The Wharf DC (760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024) Tickets & More Information: https://www.dcjazzfest.org/