BBC World Service : Global Beats - South Korea

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea is famous for K-pop, slick girl and boy bands with millions of fans around the world and now a multi-million dollar industry. But South Korea also has a vibrant independent music scene, with bands playing every genre of music you can think of, and, as Global Beats discovers, increasingly seeking their own distinctly Korean sound.

Presenter Bernie Cho introduces our pick of the freshest, most exciting artists in Korea right now, including rapper Yoonmirae who is giving Beyonce a run for her money with gorgeous R&B anthems and has collaborated with husband Tiger JK to produce some of her country’s biggest hip hop hits.

Danpyunsun and the Sailors (pictured) are as different from a perfectly coiffed and polished K-pop act as it’s possible to imagine, with a wild haired frontman making prog-folk magic on guitar, accompanied by a furious violinist and off-piste percussion. Jambinai and Jeong Ga Ak Hoe bring traditional Korean instruments roaring into the future, playing them with the gusto of a rock bass guitarist.

Neon Bunny samples old Korean songs, turning them into hypnotic, electronic melodies. Goonam have a vintage, trippy sound, which is winning fans at home and at festivals overseas, and last, but not least, 3rd Line Butterfly are an award winning indie band who perform a stripped down version of one of the their most beautiful songs, exclusively for Global Beats, which you can watch on this site.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ENTIRE RADIO BROADCASTYoonmirae's father is African-American, her mother Korean. She explains how her song Black Happiness celebrates this heritage and how it has struck a chord with young Korean"Growing up I experienced racism and bullying" says Yoonmirae

Yoonmirae's father is African-American, her mother Korean. She explains how her song Black Happiness celebrates this heritage and how it has struck a chord with young Koreans.

Release date : 18 November 2016 

Duration : 3 minutes



Yeom Yangchun performed on traditional Korean instruments

Jeong Ga Ak Hoe from South Korea perform with traditional instruments like the Saeng-Hwang (pictured). Recorded at the BBC's Maida Vale studios.

Release date : 18 November 2016
Duration : 7 minutes



3rd Line Butterfly: Today the Day of Separation

"I'm dumped, and I want to spit on your face" sings lead vocalist Nahm Sang-ah. Today the 
Day of Separation is a song of lost love.

Release date : 18 November 2016
Duration : 6 minutes



Jeong Ga Ak Hoe perform Wolsun's Folding

Korean group Jeong Ga Ak Hoe recorded for Global Beats at the BBC's Maida Vale studios

Release date : 18 November 2016

Duration : 6 minutes

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Radio Show Producer : Catherine Fellows
Radio Show Presenter : Bernie Cho