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. Disclaimer: 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) RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!  Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 PM    |    Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM Please note that both dates feature the same program.   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.Danjidongmaeng (Musical & Pop Hits) 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.Newly Released Songs (Fusion Korean Traditional Fusion 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 (APT) 5:00 10.The Day (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/

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents innovative Korean fusion band GONIA Performance Group for the first OnStage Korea performance of 2025! GONIA will showcase their unique blend of Korean traditional music and jazz fusion in a free concert at Capital One Hall’s The Vault.   GONIA is a distinctive “K-jazz” fusion group combining percussion and vocals rooted in Korean traditional music with guitar and bass musicians who have extensive jazz experience. Their music, though a simple combination on paper, is surprisingly captivating in practice. The energetic interplay of bass lines over the rhythms of the traditional Korean Janggu percussion instrument, vibrant improvisations on guitar, and the expressive stage presence of the traditional vocalist has left audiences mesmerized both in Korea and internationally. GONIA has performed at prominent world music festivals including Seoul Music Week, England’s English Folk Expo, Morocco’s Visa for Music, Chile’s Fluvial Festival, and Denmark’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Their international tours and festival appearances have earned them critical acclaim and a growing global fan base.   A Tension is GONIA's 60-minute performance that immerses audiences in a dynamic soundscape where Korean traditional and creative music converge. This tour features four talented members: Minsung Kim (Bass), Hyunjeong Kim (Janggu), Youjung Lee (Vocal), and Hyungtaek Kim (Guitar).   Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the vibrant fusion of Korean tradition and modern jazz in a captivating live performance. Join us for an unforgettable evening with GONIA to kick off the On Stage Korea 2025! 2025 OnStage Korea: GONIA Performance Group Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 7:00pm Venue: The Vault at Capital One Hall 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102 RSVP UPDATE: This event has reached full capacity and is no longer accepting additional RSVPs. We appreciate your understanding. Walk-in guests may still be admitted if space is available, but please note that admission and seating cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you at future events!  About the Performers   GONIA (고니아) Performance Group is a unique quartet that pioneers an original genre called “K-Jazz” by blending traditional Korean rhythms with modern jazz. Through musical experimentation and cultural fusion, they showcase both artistic innovation and the depth of Korean culture.   The group creatively combines traditional Korean rhythmic patterns such as Gutgeori, Jajinmori, and Hwimori with jazz improvisation, forging a new musical language that offers fresh and captivating experiences to audiences both in Korea and internationally. At the heart of GONIA’s sound is the Janggu, a traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drum. This iconic double-sided instrument transcends percussion and serves as a vital medium to express a distinct Korean rhythmic identity within jazz.   GONIA’s dynamic bass performances, brilliant guitar improvisations, and the traditional vocalist’s expressive stage presence have impressed audiences worldwide. Their 2020 album A Tension, received widespread critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Crossover Album at the Korean Music Awards, demonstrating the group’s musical excellence and originality. The group has performed at major international music festivals such as Seoul Music Week (Korea), English Folk Expo (UK), Visa for Music (Morocco), Fluvial (Chile), and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Denmark), earning positive reviews and promoting Korean cultural music on the global stage.   Members   Hyungtaek Kim (Leader / Guitar) Minsung Kim (Bass) Hyunjeong Kim (Janggu) Youjung Lee (Vocals) Yuri Jeong (Producer)   Performance History   Seoul Music Week (Korea) — 2018, 2019 Journey to Korean Music (Korea) — 2019 Japan Tour (Japan) — 2019 Colombia & Costa Rica Tour — 2021 Hidden Kingdom World Music Festival (Bhutan) — 2021 Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Denmark) — 2022 Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark) — 2022 English Folk Expo (UK) — 2023 Visa for Music (Morocco) — 2023 Fluvial Festival & Chile Tour (Chile) — 2023   About the Program   GONIA’s 2020 album A Tension showcases their innovative blend of traditional Korean rhythms and modern jazz improvisation. The album highlights the dynamic interplay between the janggu drum, bass, and guitar, creating a fresh sound that bridges cultural and musical boundaries. Recognized for its originality and artistry, A Tension was nominated for Best Crossover Album at the Korean Music Awards, cementing GONIA’s reputation as pioneers of the K-Jazz genre. Run Time: 60 minutes.   A Tension, 7:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Daseureum, 5:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Green Bee, 4:50 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Deongideok, 4:40 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Goeum, 5:10 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal) Dancing the Fan Dance, 3:20 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal) Baeksong, 4:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Penance, 5:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu) Sirirung, 3:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal) Baedal Song, 4:20 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal) East Sea, 3:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal) Ongheya, 3:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)   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.

Alfred Yun at Blues Alley (June 23) Emerging Artist Mondays Series Monday, June 23, 2025 Blues Alley Club 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007 *This event is in collaboration with Blues Alley Jazz   Alfred Yun is a composer, pianist, producer, audio engineer, and music teacher. In 2019, Alfred Yun composed a score for Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea. The video was featured on national television, movie theaters, subways, and airports. Alfred Yun was honored to be chosen by the Music Center At Strathmore as an Artist-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 season. This includes featured concerts at Strathmore’s prestigious AMP club in January and participating in programs hroughout the season. As a leader, Alfred Yun has led groups at venues like the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Strathmore AMP, Blues Alley, The Arts Barn, An Die Musik Live, and Franklin Park Arts Center. Alfred Yun has had the fortune of performing at festivals like the KORUS Festival, Lake Anne Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Country Festival, Crossroads Festival, the Yellowdoor Concert Series, and Nowon Festival in Seoul, South Korea. Last but not least, Alfred Yun is a music teacher. Several of his students were accepted by the Chantilly Jazz Program and the National Jazz Workshop at Shenandoah Conservatory.   To learn more about, visit his website: https://www.alfredyun.com Monday, June 23, 7:00 & 9:30 PM Blues Alley (1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007) Note: Ticket and $15 minimum food/beverage purchase is required for this event.  Purchase tickets for this event here: 7:00 p.m. performance | 9:30 p.m. performance

Experience the electrifying debut of The Empress, an all-female saxophone quartet led by award-winning saxophonist Pureum Jin. Celebrating the release of their album Square One (March 21, 2025, via Cellar Live), the group redefines jazz with fresh takes on standards and originals. Don’t miss this powerhouse ensemble featuring fellow saxophonists Lauren Sevian, Erena Terakubo, and Chelsea Baratzas as they bring swing, spontaneity, and extraordinary musicianship to DC’s renowned Blues Alley!   The Empress pays homage to jazz legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane while making a powerful statement about representation and artistry in jazz. The album delivers a collection of jazz standards and originals with unmatched artistry, breathing new life into timeless compositions while channeling the energy and spontaneity of New York’s vibrant jazz scene.   For Jin, Square One is more than just an album—it’s the culmination of over a decade of inspiration. Having been the only female member of Michael Lutzeier’s Supersax Korea project in the early 2010s, she dreamed of recreating that music with an all-women ensemble. Now, with Lutzeier’s stunning arrangements and her own reimagining of classics like Everything Happens to Me, The Empress brings a fresh perspective to traditional jazz.   This performance co-presented by Blues Alley and the KCCDC marks The Empress’s debut at the storied DC venue. From the energy of swing to dazzling interplay and rock-solid teamwork, you will witness the powerful artistry of four exceptional bandleaders like never before. To learn more about The Empress' members and previews of the new album music, visit the group's website.  Pureum Jin and the Empress: Recording Release Performance Monday, March 24, 7:00 & 9:30 PM Blues Alley (1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007) Please note: ticket and $15 minimum food/beverage purchase is required for this event.  Purchase tickets for this event! 7:00 p.m. performance | 9:30 p.m. performance