Ak Dan Gwang Chil (ADG7) was formed in 2015 on the 70th anniversary of National Liberation. “Gwang” means “national liberation” while “chil” (the number seven) refers to the 70th anniversary. A group of musicians from JeongGaAkHoe (a musical group that focuses on modernizing traditional Korean music) gathered together to form a band to find a new way to express traditional Korean music.
The group combines South Korean traditional music with flashy pop. ADG7 includes three powerhouse female folk singers. The ensemble’s music is inspired by Korea’s sacred, shamanic ritual music (gut) and cherished folk songs (minyo) of Hwanghae Province in the northern edge of the Peninsula.
Hanbok and sunglasses: not a usual pairing. Serious facial expressions that contrast with humorous gestures. Ak Dan Gwang Chil may focus on traditional music, but the lyrics of their songs discuss modern society. They play traditional Korean instruments, yet when they lay down to hit the jing (a large gong used in traditional Korean music) instead of sitting, it looks like they’re playing the drums. The group’s music is unfamiliar, yet full of familiar things. Their music is a fun, exciting game filled with the elements of tradition.
The group is composed of nine members: Kim Yak Dae [daeguem (a large bamboo flute)], Lee Man Wol [piri (a Korean double reed instrument) and saenghwang (a Korean wind instrument)], Choi Byung Hwal [ajaeng (a Korean string instrument)], Won Meon Dong Maru [gayaguem (a traditional Korean plucked zither)], Chun Gung Dal (percussion), Sunwoo Barabarabarab (percussion), Hong Ok (singer), Myeong Wol (singer) and Yoo Wol (singer).
ADG7 delivers powerful and immersive performances intertwining tradition with modernity and comedy. The nine-member ensemble presents itself not as earnest traditionalists, but as a giddy show band with all the trappings of K-pop — choreographed singers, candy-colored costumes and bouncy, upbeat, often swinging songs that link the concision of folk tunes to the catchy repetition of pop, with brash cymbals for drive and flute and zither lines for instrumental hooks. Awards include: Best Group at the 2018 KBS Korean Traditional Music Awards and the Sori Frontier Award at the 2017 Jeongju International Sori Festival.
