Groove& reimagines Korean percussion
Traditional Korean percussion ensemble Groove& took Filipino audiences on a rhythmic journey through Korea’s rich musical heritage during a special performance at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, proving that centuries-old instruments can still captivate modern audiences.
The trio — Sang-kyung Lee, Min-ju Sohn, and Ha-gyeon Kim — headlined Imagination on Resonance, a concert held on 2 October as part of Hangeul Week 2026, a week-long celebration honoring Korea’s alphabet.
Returning to the KCC stage after performing at the center in 2024, Groove & showcased a fresh take on Korean traditional percussion by blending dynamic stage performances with stories behind the instruments, giving audiences both a concert and a cultural lesson.
The performers explained that every instrument carries its own character and history, encouraging audiences to appreciate not only the music but also the craftsmanship and traditions behind each sound.
Throughout the show, Groove& introduced several traditional Korean percussion instruments, beginning with the kkwaenggwari, a small hand-held gong commonly used to signal the start of performances in Korea’s rural folk music. They also demonstrated the jing, a large brass gong known for its deep, resonant sound, and the bara, a pair of cymbals traditionally used in Buddhist ceremonial music.
One of the highlights was the janggu, the iconic hourglass-shaped drum regarded as one of Korea’s best-known traditional instruments. The musicians explained how each instrument produces a distinct tone and plays a unique role in creating the layered rhythms that define Korean percussion.
Between performances, the members shared how the pieces drew inspiration from nature and movement. One composition evoked the playful movements of a cat through light, staccato rhythms, while another captured the ebb and flow of ocean waves, inviting listeners to imagine the changing scenery through sound.
Rather than simply performing, Groove & transformed the concert into an interactive cultural experience by introducing the history and purpose of each instrument before playing it.
The performance was part of the Korean Cultural Center’s Hangeul Week 2026, held from 1 to 8 October, which commemorates the creation of Hangeul by King Sejong the Great in 1443. Aside from the concert, visitors explored exhibitions, calligraphy activities, Hangeul-inspired art installations and traditional Korean games.