Go beyond K-pop at the K-Music Festival

South Korean music is more than just record-breaking K-pop acts, and this festival proves it.

K-Music Festival is an annual showcase of South Korean music that aims to highlight the depth and creativity of contemporary Korean music. In 2023, the festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary and, like in previous years, has put together a fascinating line-up of boundary-pushing artists, eclectic genre fusions, in-depth conversations, and more. 

The festival's music programme kicks off on Sunday, 1 October, at the Barbican Centre, with a performance by award-winning composer Jung Jae-il, who'll be joined by the London Symphony Orchestra. Together, they'll perform his music from the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” and the global phenomenon “Squid Game”. The evening before, Jae-il will also discuss his career at BFI Southbank.

K-Music Festival will end on 12 November with a performance by the Soojin Suh Chordless Quartet and Kit Downes, presented in partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival. A number of intriguing Korean acts, including Jambinai, groove&, and Haeparry, will perform at different venues around London in the intervening time, so make sure to check out the full line-up here.