Kim Yong-pil to Perform with Jazz Orchestra in Mokpo and Gwangju

Renowned singer Kim Yong-pil is set to bring the last romantic notes of October to life. Following his solo concert in Busan last month, he will perform with a jazz orchestra.

On October 30, he will take the stage at the Mokpo Arts and Culture Center, and on the following day, October 31, he will perform at the Gwangju Seobitmaru Arts Center, presenting a jazz repertoire that spans both domestic and international songs.

This concert is a collaboration initiated by Park Soo-yong, the leader of the jazz orchestra. A distinguished saxophonist and music professor, Park has worked to popularize jazz in South Korea, a genre that has historically faced challenges. This year, he is joined by the exceptional jazz vocalist Yoon Hee-jung and the versatile singer Kim Yong-pil.

Kim Yong-pil expressed his gratitude, stating, "I have enjoyed jazz performances thanks to the invitation from my senior Yoon Hee-jung, and I am honored to have been recommended by such a respected figure to collaborate with Park Soo-yong. I am grateful for being chosen as a partner for 2026 without any preconceived notions about genre."

The invitation to the jazz stage is no coincidence. Kim Yong-pil showcased a variety of genres, including trot, during his solo concert '2026 Kim Yong-pil Concert Beautiful Life - Busan' in September. His wide-ranging song selection and ability to transcend genres garnered media attention following his first solo concert in Seoul last April.

Moreover, Kim is known for not repeating the same setlist, continually selecting new songs to practice and refine his vocal skills based on feedback from those around him. He embodies the spirit of 'Ugongisan' (a Korean proverb meaning that persistent effort leads to success), and now he faces the new challenge of performing with a jazz orchestra.

"Despite my busy schedule, I am dedicating time to practice and prepare. There are songs from both our seniors and foreign pieces, and understanding the lyrics and emotions in another language requires time, so I am staying focused," Kim said.

On October 30, he will perform 'Jazz Orchestra with Kim Yong-pil in Mokpo,' and on October 31, 'Park Soo-yong Jazz Orchestra Concert with Kim Yong-pil in Gwangju.' He will present songs like 'New York, New York' and 'SWAY,' along with domestic tracks that will be revealed during the performances. Notably, as the final stage of October, there is anticipation around whether Kim will reinterpret the nostalgic song 'Forgotten Season' with his unique vocal tone and emotion.

Kim Yong-pil remarked, "I believe jazz is a music genre that resonates with human instincts and emotions, characterized by its improvisational nature. Starting from African American music, it has evolved into a genre that comforts people worldwide. I am excited to experience how this music will blend with our popular songs. I hope everyone enjoys it together."

Kim Yong-pil's genre expansion will continue in December. He is set to perform pop music at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel on December 15, invited by the Seoul Pops Orchestra, which has worked to bridge classical and popular music. His musical journey from the southern region to Seoul is gaining momentum.

Meanwhile, the Park Soo-yong Jazz Orchestra, founded in 2010, is a big band based in Gwangju. It began as a five-member jazz quintet and has grown into an orchestra with over 30 members. The ensemble includes professional musicians educated in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, as well as local performers, and it leads the way in jazz while crossing genres such as jazz, classical, pop, and traditional Korean music.

This October concert will feature a diverse array of instruments, including brass instruments like trumpets, saxophones, and trombones, as well as piano, guitar, double bass, and drums, promising a rich sound. Flutist Kim Gyu-hyang and violinist Kim Ja-kyung will also perform, adding depth to the musical experience.