They’re sure not your daughter’s K-pop band! The nine-piece South Korean ensemble ADG7 (aka Ak Dan Gwang Chil) draws equal inspiration from newly reclaimed Korean folk styles gut and minyo and the comical trappings of K-pop, for a TD Sunfest ‘23 party that will surprise you with its raucous, danceable energy. The band’s charismatic and ultra-fashionably dressed trio of frontwomen are backed by masterfully played traditional Korean instruments in a distinctively theatrical style. You won’t want to miss the crowd-pleasing sonic sensations that The New York Times calls “catchy, bouncy and brash.”
Ak Dan Gwang Chil was organized in 2015, the same year Korea commemorated its 70th anniversary of national liberation. By reconnecting with and reimaging shared Korean cultural roots, the band expresses the true meaning of liberation and the desire for unification. It was recognized as Best Group at the 2018 KBS Korean Traditional Music Awards, and showcased at both WOMEX 2019 (Finland) and globalFEST 2020 (NYC). Last year, ADG7 completed a 3-month-long world tour, with appearances at WOMAD (UK), Roskilde Festival (Denmark), and the Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA), to name just a few.
Band members: Kim Yak Dae (daeguem), Lee Man Wol (piri & saenghwang), Choi Byung Hwal (ajaeng), Woen Meondongmaru (gayaguem), Chun Gung Dal (percussion), Sunwoo Barabarabarabam (percussion), Hong Ok (vocals), Myeong Wol (vocals) and Yoo Wol (vocals).