The Korean Band You Must Know If You’re a Rock Fan

들국화* (Deul-guk-hwa)

* 들국화 means camomile in Korean.

Formed in 1983, it’s considered one of the best rock groups in Korea in the 80s (and of all times). They are one of the bands that marked the beginning of the 80s rock Renaissance in Korea.

The band name comes from the brand name of a gum, Deulgukhwa, that one of the members was chewing while thinking about the band name.

Members

• Jeon In-kwon: vocal
• Choi Sung-won: bass
• Huh Sung-wook: keyboard
• Cho Deok-swan: guitar

The members changed a bit as the band released albums, just like all the other rock bands, but these four members started the band.

Their first album <Deulgukhwa> is known to be one of the greatest albums of all times in Korea.

After releasing three albums, they disbanded in 1987 and reunited with a new member in 1995. Then, they disbanded again in 2000 and reunited in 2012.

Jeon In-kwon, the main vocal, has the most unique style of tone with his wide vocal range. He combined Pansori, the Korean folk opera, with the rock vocal style to create a unique singing method.

1. 그것만이 내 세상 (That’s only my world)
2. 행진 (March)

The two masterpieces that we highly recommend you to listen to understand their music style and philosophy.