Frederic Chopin took the piano and transformed it into the ultimate vehicle for the Romantic imagination. There’s a burning fire beneath the poetry of his music, or as one contemporary put it ‘cannons hidden in flowers’. In the hands of Yunchan Lim – who in 2022 became the youngest-ever winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition … [Read More]
Music
Welcome to LKL’s Music section, where we cover Korean music from K-pop to P’ansori and beyond. Here you will find news of concerts as well as featured content such as our live music reviews, recorded music reviews, and music-related interviews and features. You can also find Dr Colette Balmain’s K-pop essays featuring BTS and more.
Seong-Jin Cho: A Ravel-athon, at the Barbican
A sold-out hall greeted Seong-Jin Cho’s Barbican debut in 2023. His much-anticipated return navigates a scintillating all-Ravel programme, saluting the composer in his 150th anniversary year. Bookended by the early serenade and the last piano suite, which honours his inheritance, Ravel’s piano music is laid before us, from the wistful Pavane that made his name, … [Read More]
Kollab – an evening of Korean music and culture
Experience the rich sounds of Korea in a spectacular live performance. From the deep resonance of tradition to the energy of modern sound, our stage has something for everyone. Lets Kollab! Gayageum: Jung Ji-Eun Korean Traditional Percussion: Lee Kangsan Piri: SEAYOOL Piano: Yoo Ka Youn [Read More]
The Black Skirts: Songs to Bring You Home tour
Korean rock band sensation The Black Skirts is taking their global acclaim to new heights with their first-ever European tour, the “Songs to Bring You Home” EU Tour 2025. With over 1.5 billion plays across their tracks, and the hit single “EVERYTHING” amassing well over 250 million streams alone, The Black Skirts has cemented their … [Read More]
Jooyoung performs in London
Don’t miss this unforgettable night with South Korea’s soulful R&B sensation, Jooyoung, live in London! Experience his smooth vocals, captivating stage presence, and hit tracks in an intimate setting at the Mirror Arch. This is your chance to see Jooyoung up close, enjoy a spectacular performance, and connect with fellow fans in the heart of … [Read More]
Lee YoungJi tour at the Clapham Grand
Lee YoungJi’s First Solo European Tour. Europe, Are You Ready?! The one and only Lee YoungJi is coming to shake up Paris and London this January with her first-ever solo European tour! Get ready to witness the unstoppable energy and raw talent of Korea’s rap queen as she lights up the stage with her ‘All … [Read More]
BM: ATAP special UK Concert
BM, the lead rapper from 4-member co-ed K-pop group KARD, will be appearing at London’s Steel Yard on 4 February. This special performance is a continuation of his After the After Party 2024 tour in the US. The venue has been changed from the original planned venue, Heaven. This is an 18+ event, and the … [Read More]
SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in London
The SMTown 2025 world tour kicks off in Korea on 11-12 January at Gocheok Sky Dome, Seoul, with performers including K-pop veterans Bada (S.E.S) Hwanhee (Fly to the Sky) and Tony An (H.O.T). Wouldn’t it be great if similar legends made it to the London show on 28 June? This is the roadshow’s first visit … [Read More]
Taemin World Tour “Ephemeral Gaze” in London
Taemin, from the popular K-pop group SHINee, will be embarking on his first solo world tour, the 2024-25 Taemin World Tour “Ephemeral Gaze” in London on March 9, 2025 at Troxy. His first world tour 2024-25 Taemin World Tour “Ephemeral Gaze” began in South Korea and has expanded worldwide to countries across Asia, North and … [Read More]
Tomorrow X Together ACT:PROMISE Ep2 tour in London
Catch Tomorrow X Together on their highly anticipated World Tour: “ACT: Promise – Ep. 2” in Europe, with thrilling stops across major cities including London at the O2, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. Tomorrow X Together—consisting of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai—established themselves as Gen Z Icons through the compelling soundtrack that represents the … [Read More]
Yunchan Lim plays Bach and Hanurij Lee at the Wigmore
Bach was on the bill when Yunchan Lim made his acclaimed Wigmore Hall debut in 2023. The Korean pianist, Gramophone Young Artist of the Year 2024, returns to perform arguably the composer’s greatest keyboard work, as he takes on the monumental Goldberg Variations. Programme Hanurij Lee (b 2006): …round and velvety-smooth blend… (UK première) JS Bach: Goldberg Variations … [Read More]
Kiss Of Life: 1st World Tour: Kiss Road
Kiss Of Life 1st World Tour: Kiss Road is coming to indigo at The O2 on 6 March 2025. KISS OF LIFE is a multinational 4-member girl group managed by the South Korean S2 Entertainment agency. The group debuted on July 5, 2023 with their self-titled mini album. Their name symbolizes “artificial respiration,” representing their … [Read More]
Stray Kids – dominATE world tour in London
Following the record-breaking success of Stray Kids’ 2024 shows in Asia & Australia, the acclaimed, gold certified, global K-Pop phenomenon will take to the stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday – Saturday 18 – 19 July, 2025 as one of 20 new performances on their highly successful dominATE World Tour. The Stray Kids dominATE … [Read More]
P1Harmony European tour in London
South Korean boy group P1Harmony is ready to take Europe by storm with their P1Harmony LIVE TOUR [P1ustage H : UTOP1A] IN EUROPE. Known for their explosive performances and unique blend of genres, P1Harmony is set to bring an unforgettable experience to their European fans. The tour kicks off in early 2025 and will run … [Read More]
Korean art songs with Binny Supin Yang
Soprano Binny Supin Yang will introduce you to the world of Korean Art Songs (가곡 Gagok) this November. With music by composers from Hong Nan-pa to Lee Wonjoo, you’ll get to listen to the dynamic world of Korean art songs. In this unique recital Soprano Binny Supin Yang will be accompanied by pianist Jamie Andrews [Read More]
Chae Soojung Soridan: folk music performance in Oxford and London
The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies presents: Heungboga: Exploring Korean Traditional Pansori and Folk Songs introduced by Paris K-Vox Festival and Chae Soo-jung Sound Group Experience the rich cultural heritage of Korean traditional music, as musicians bring these age-old tunes to life. Come and be a part of Heungboga! The K-Vox (Korean Voice) … [Read More]