In a significant development for Seoul’s vibrant cultural scene, Hyundai Card has announced the appointment of two influential figures in the Korean music industry – singer, rapper, and entrepreneur Jay Park, and the acclaimed indie rock band wave to earth – as new curators for its esteemed Hyundai Card Understage venue. This strategic move aims to infuse fresh perspectives and diverse sounds into the performance space, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for artistic discovery and cultural exchange.
Hyundai Card Understage: A Stage for Diverse Music and Art
Since its inception in 2015, Hyundai Card Understage has established itself as a premier cultural venue in Seoul, dedicated to showcasing a wide spectrum of artists across various genres. This celebrated Korean music venue has a robust track record, having hosted over 600 artists and welcomed more than 200,000 attendees. Its programming has consistently featured both established and emerging talent, ranging from global music icons like Elton John and Sting to notable speakers and artists, highlighting its commitment to offering a rich and varied artistic experience at the Hyundai Card Understage.
The Understage operates with a unique curatorial model, inviting prominent figures from the arts and entertainment world to shape its performance lineup. These curators lend their deep insights and unique perspectives to discover, support, and introduce new artists and diverse musical genres. The venue currently boasts a distinguished roster of existing curators, including renowned singer Yoo Hee-yul, actor Kim Soo-ro, singer-songwriter Chang Ki-ha, and pianist Sohn Min-soo, who have all contributed to its distinct programming. The addition of Jay Park curators and wave to earth curators is expected to build upon this legacy, fostering new collaborations and expanding the artistic boundaries of the Hyundai Card Understage venue.
Jay Park: A Visionary Force in Korean Music
Jay Park, born Park Jae-beom, is a multifaceted artist who has become a leading figure in the Korean music industry. His career trajectory is a testament to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, evolving from his early days as a K-pop idol to becoming a highly respected solo artist, rapper, producer, and businessman. Park is known for his charismatic stage presence and his significant influence on the Korean hip hop R&B artist scene, making him a perfect fit for curating at Hyundai Card Understage.
Beyond his artistry, Jay Park has demonstrated an exceptional ability to nurture talent. He is the founder of influential independent record labels such as AOMG (Above Ordinary Music Group) and H1GHR MUSIC, which have launched and supported numerous successful artists. His global recognition was further cemented when he became the first Asian artist to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. This extensive experience in discovering, developing, and promoting artists makes him an ideal candidate to curate dynamic and groundbreaking performances at Hyundai Card Understage.
wave to earth: Leading the New Wave of Indie Rock
Joining Jay Park as a curator is wave to earth, an indie rock band that has rapidly gained international acclaim for its distinctive sound and heartfelt music. The band, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Kim Daniel, drummer Shin Donggyu, and bassist Cha Soonjong, blends soft indie rock with jazz influences, creating a unique sonic landscape that resonates deeply with listeners. Their music is often described as atmospheric, with lo-fi guitar lines, smooth jazz-inflected drumming, and poignant, often English, lyrics that appeal to a broad global audience, further enhancing the diversity of the Hyundai Card Understage offerings.
wave to earth has been making significant waves in the Korean indie scene and beyond, successfully touring across Asia, North America, and Europe. Their ability to craft songs that evoke feelings of comfort and introspection has earned them a dedicated fanbase. Their recent album, “play with earth! 0.03,” debuted on Spotify’s Global Top Debut Album chart, underscoring their growing international presence. Their selection as curators signals Hyundai Card’s intent to spotlight innovative sounds and new artistic directions within the Seoul arts scene, specifically at the Hyundai Card Understage.
A New Chapter of Curated Performances
Hyundai Card anticipates that the collaboration between Jay Park, wave to earth, and the existing team of curators will lead to an exciting array of performances featuring new musicians and diverse genres. This appointment is seen as an ideal opportunity to expand the thematic and stylistic range of Hyundai Card Understage, ushering in a new era for the music performance space and contributing to the evolution of South Korea’s performance culture.
The vision behind Hyundai Card Understage has always been to build a musical ecosystem centered on diversity and originality. By entrusting curatorial roles to artists like Jay Park, who has a proven track record in fostering talent, and wave to earth, who represent the cutting edge of the indie music scene, Hyundai Card is poised to offer audiences truly unique and memorable experiences. This collaboration promises to shine a spotlight on both established and emerging artists, further enriching the cultural landscape and providing a platform for artistic innovation at this vital cultural venue.
