BANDO

BANDO is a Korean contemporary band formed in 2022 by Geomungo player and creator Gina Hwang, bringing together four musicians with diverse musical backgrounds and career paths. Though they have taken different paths, they eventually met on the Korean Peninsula. Gina Hwang, leader of BANDO, is a geomungo player and creator known for her unique sound with distinctive musical colors. She skillfully blends the traditional sound of the geomungo with contemporary allure, utilizing her musical knowledge and varied techniques. She has already been recognized for her talent through numerous achievements including the Gold Prize in the General Geomungo Division of the Dong-A Korean Traditional Music Competition, receiving the Best Prize in the Cheonchamannbyeol Concert, and being selected as a Kumho Young Artist. Guitarist Simun Lee, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, is recognized for his solid skills not only as a soloist but also through his work with groups such as Windycity and CHUDAHYE CHAGIS. Sungwan Kim is a saxophonist who garners attention in the jazz scene, actively engaging in fusion projects with various artistic genres. Drummer Soojune Kim has performed on albums and concerts for some of Korea’s top artists, including Yoonsang, Leessang, and Crush. BANDO, winner of the 2025 Korean Music Award for Best Global Contemporary Album, has already completed successful tours in Europe and Canada, and is now preparing for even more active performances.

Shape of the Land

The identity of Korean music has been shaped by the geographical features of peninsula resulting in cultural diversity. Our cultural foundation has become more enriched because of the geographical position where we make constant communication with the vast continent as well as venturing into the unknown wide ocean.

Geomungo | Gina Hwang

Guitar | Simun Lee

Saxophone | Sungwan Kim

Drums | Soojune Kim