The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. showcased the Korean "newtro" (new retro) folk group 'bob' to the Capital region audience on Sunday, May 5 at Capital One Hall's The Vault in Tysons, Virginia. 160 people attended the show which kicked off the 2024 season of the KCCDC's ongoing performing art series OnStage Korea. 

OnStage Korea 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 performance, particularly focused on audience participation, featured a repertoire of 11 mesmerizing songs including original compositions, Korean pop music with a retro twist, and reinterpretations of traditional Korean folk music, minyo. The five members of the group included Suwan Lee (vocals), Yesul Lee (keyboards), Seoyon Hong (Haegum), Minsoo Jung (bass), and   Boreum Kim (drums). They performed "Kkaekkijeogori," "Arirang, Your Song," "Gyeongbokgung Palace," "Summer Time," "Today's youth, Nililiya," "Drink Magic," "Dreaming with a Love Song," "Real to Reel," "Twinkle," "Kwaejina Ching Ching Nane," and "Pyeongchang Arirang."

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.