Commemorative Concerts and Contest Mark Kim Kwang-seok’s 30th Anniversary
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
A memorial concert and song contest will mark the 30th anniversary of folk singer Kim Kwang-seok (1964–1996) on January 4 and 6 at Arko Kkumbat Theater in Daehangno, Seoul (formerly Hakjeon). The Kim Kwang-seok Memorial Project will host “2026 Kwangseok, Let’s Meet Again,” featuring a tribute concert with veteran artists and past contest winners on Jan. 4, and a competition on Jan. 6 with seven emerging acts selected from a preliminary round of unreleased original songs. The small theater, renovated by the Arts Council Korea from the old Hakjeon Blue venue, is historically significant: Kim performed over 1,000 live shows there and a memorial plaque stands in front. The memorial group—formed by musicians who took part in a 1996 remembrance concert—has organized annual events on Kim’s death anniversary (Jan. 6) to celebrate his legacy and discover new talent. Prizes for the top award, the “Kim Kwang-seok Prize,” include 2 million won in composition support and a Martin guitar. Organizers say they plan to continue tributes after January and may move to a larger venue to accommodate bigger audiences.
