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Boohwal
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 | This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. (January 2013) |
Boohwal (Korean: "부활", lit. 'Born Again') is a South Korean rock band, formed in 1985 by the lead guitarist/songwriter Kim Tae-won.
Key Information
History
[edit]Formation and the 1980s
[edit]Kim Tae-won changed the name of the group from "The End" to "부활" ("Boohwal") in ‘86 following the departure of the vocalist Kim Jong Seo (김종서). They led the heavy metal boom in the 80s along with other bands such as Baekdoosan (백두산), Sinawe (시나위), H2O, and Black Hole (블랙홀).[2] Boohwal, Baekdoosan, and Sinawe were called the ‘Big 3’ by the media as they were all led by talented guitarists (Boohwal – Kim Tae Won, Baekdoosan – Kim Do Kyun 김도균, Sinawe – Shin Dae Chul 신대철), had unique talented vocalists and all aimed to create heavy metal music.[3][4] However, unlike bands like Sinawe, they have been concentrating more on Korean-style melodic rock ballads, especially after their 3rd album.
After receiving high praises in the underground music scene for their music, they became instantly popular once they released their first major album. The album featured the most popular vocalist to come out of Boohwal, Lee Seung-Cheol (이승철). The title song, "희야" (Heeya) became an instant hit. Kim Tae Won produced bell ringing sounds with his guitar for that song and a number of aspiring guitarists tried to mimick it. The 2nd album, also with Lee Seung Chul, was also a big success. Their success was a result of multiple aspects, including Kim Tae Won's ability to write beautiful songs ranging from rock to ballad, Lee Seung Chul's ability to sing, and Boohwal's overall talent for music. However, Lee Seung Chul and Kim Tae Won went their separate ways in 1988. Kim Tae Won worked on a number of side projects until getting the band together for their 3rd album.
1990s
[edit]After regrouping, they released their third album in 1993 featuring the hit single “사랑할수록” (Sarang hal soo rok – The More I Love). The album was a success, partly due to the emotional story of Kim Jae Gi (김재기), the original vocalist at the start of the recording, who died in a traffic accident. After the death of Kim Jae Gi, Kim Jae Hee(김재희), who was the younger brother of Kim Jae Gi, was scouted by Kim since his voice color resembled that of his brother. He did not record any of the songs on the third album, but he later became the official vocalist and went on to record the fourth album. Unfortunately, the album was a failure. Kim Jae Hee left Boohwal after the fourth album. Unlike in the 80s, rock music in Korea didn't fare well in the 90s, with the emergence of dance music as the most popular genre of music. Although Kim Tae Won kept Boohwal (부활) from disappearing as other rock bands did during that time, they went through a number of lineup changes.[5]
In 1997, Kim discovered another talented vocalist, Park Wan-kyu and recorded Boohwal's 5th album with their title song "Lonely Night." They succeed making a big hit in the Korean music industry once again. Park did not stay long with Boohwal, and Boohwal started another search for a new vocalist.
2000s
[edit]In 2002, they teamed up with Lee Seung-Cheol (이승철) again, releasing their eighth album 새, 벽 (Sae Byuk – Bird, Wall). The title song, “Never Ending Story”, was one of the most popular songs that year. With this album they not only regained popularity among the older fans who remember them from the 80s, but also teenagers who thought Lee Seung-cheol was a newcomer. Although most people welcomed the new album, some critics[who?] argued that Boohwal's music had become too soft, especially Kim Tae Won's style of playing the guitar.
2005 marked Boohwal's 20th anniversary. They have been one of the most prominent Korean bands, making music for more than 20 years. They continue to create melodic rock with talented vocalists and talented musicians. A number of popular singers went through Boohwal including Kim Jong Seo, Lee Seung Chul, Park Wan-kyu, and others.
2008–2009 was a turning point for Boohwal, when its leader, Kim Tae Won, showed up on a number of different variety shows on MBC, SBS, and KBS. He eventually became a regular on the currently-popular show Qualifications of Men (남자의 자격) , which is the second part of the KBS show Happy Sunday. Also, with their new vocalist, Jung Dong Ha, they started to attract more fans, surprisingly[citation needed] girls.
2010s–present
[edit]
Disappearing at the end of 2013, they reappeared (reborn) in 2014 with their new vocalist Kim Dong Myung[6] on Immortal Great Songs 2 (TV KBS2)[7] [1]. They's restarted concerts and showing up on the medias.[8]
2015 marked Boohwal's 30th anniversary with 10th vocal Kim Dong Myung. They re- proved their legendary careers.
2015-2016 are good missionary joining years for the public relation songs about longing for reunification of two Koreas (To be ONE[9] & PROLOGUE[10]), spread and use refined words (AS SONGS[11]) and advertise the Korea traditional wine (MAKGEOLI DREAM[12]).
In 2019, the band announced Park Wan-kyu has returned as Boohwal's vocalist.
Members
[edit]Current members
[edit]- Park Wan-kyu – vocals
- Kim Tae-won – guitar
- Lee Yoon-jong – bass guitar
- Chae Jae-min – drums
Past members
[edit]Past members are lined up according to their involvement years, and album.
| Name | Active Year | Vocal | Guitarist | Bassist | Drummer | Keyboard | Released Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The End | 1984 | Lee Tae-yun | Lee Ji-wung
Kim Tae-won |
Lee Tae-yun | Hwang Tae-sun | - | - |
| 1st Boohwal | 1985 | Kim Jong-seo | Lee Ji-wung
Kim Tae-won |
Lee Tae-yun | Hwang Tae-sun | - | - |
| 2nd Boohwal | 1985 - 1986 | Lee Seung-cheol | Lee Ji-wung
Kim Tae-won |
Kim Byeong-chan | Hwang Tae-sun | - | Rock Will Never Die (1st album) |
| 3rd Boohwal | 1987 | Lee Seung-cheol | Kim Tae-won | Jeong Jun-gyo | Kim Seong-tae | Seo Young-jin | Remember (2nd album) |
| Game | 1990 | Shin Seong-wu
Hong Seong-seok |
Kim Tae-won | Hwang Gil-sang | Hwang Tae-sun | Lee Hyeon-ju | Existence |
| 4th Boohwal | 1992 - 1993 | Kim Jae-ki | Kim Tae-won | Jeong Jun-gyo | Kim Seong-tae | - | Loss of Memory (3rd album) |
| 5th Boohwal | 1993 - 1995 | Kim Jae-hui | Kim Tae-won | Jeong Jun-gyo | Kim Seong-tae | - | About the Idle Thoughts (4th album) |
| 6th Boohwal | 1997 | Park Wan-kyu | Kim Tae-won | Jeong Jun-gyo | Jeong Dong-cheol | - | Discovery of Fire (5th album) |
| 7th Boohwal | 1999 | Kim Ki-yeon | Kim Tae-won | Jeong Jun-gyo | Chae Jae-min | Choi Seung-chan | Ideal Sight (6th album) |
| 8th Boohwal | 2000 | Lee Seong-wuk | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Kim Kwan-jin | Eom Su-han | Color (7th album) |
| 9th Boohwal | 2002 | Lee Seung-cheol (Guest) | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | Eom Su-han | A New Day / Dawn (8th album) |
| 10th Boohwal | 2003 | Jeong Dan | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | Eom Su-han | Over the Rainbow (9th album) |
| 11th Boohwal | 2005 - 2009 | Jeong Dong-ha | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | Eom Su-han | Lyrics (10th album)
Love (11th album) |
| 12th Boohwal | 2009 - 2012 | Jeong Dong-ha | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | Jang Ji-wan (Guest) | 25th Anniversary: Retrospect (12th - Part 1 album)
25th Anniversary: Retrospect II (12th - Part 2 album) |
| 13th Boohwal | 2012 - 2014 | Jeong Dong-ha | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | - | Purple Wave (13th album) |
| 14th Boohwal | 2014 - 2018 | Kim Dong-myung | Kim Tae-won | Seo Jae-hyuk | Chae Jae-min | - | - |
| 15th Boohwal | 2019–Present | Park Wan-kyu | Kim Tae-won | Lee Yoon-jong | Chae Jae-min | - | (planned for 14th album) |
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| No. | Year | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1986 | Rock Will Never Die (ko) |
| 2 | 1987 | Remember (ko) |
| 3 | 1993 | Loss of Memory (ko) |
| 4 | 1995 | About the Idle Thoughts (ko) |
| 5 | 1997 | Discovery of Fire (ko) |
| 6 | 1999 | Ideal Sight (ko) |
| 7 | 2000 | Color (ko) |
| 8 | 2002 | A New Day (ko) |
| 9 | 2003 | Over the Rainbow (ko) |
| 10 | 2005 | Lyrics (ko) |
| 11 | 2006 | Love (ko) |
| 12.1 | 2009 | 25th Anniversary: Retrospect (ko) |
| 12.2 | 2010 | 25th Anniversary: Retrospect II (ko) |
| 13 | 2012 | Purple Wave |
Digital Singles
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Because I Love You
(Korean: 사랑해서 사랑해서, romanized: Saranghaeseo Saranghaeseo) Note: This song was originally written by Kim Tae-won for Amateur Band mission on Qualifications of Men. |
| 2011 | If It Were Now |
| Castle Drawn in the Heart
(Part of Share the Vision album compilation) | |
| The Only Road
(Part of Warrior Baek Dong-soo drama original soundtrack) |
Collaborations
[edit]| Year | Title | Collaborators |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Collaboration Project _ +1 [Secret] | Park Wan-kyu |
| Collaboration Project _ +2 [Everybody Love] | Jeong Dan • Park Wan-kyu • Lee Seong-wok | |
| Collaboration Project _ +3 [From Separation to Eternity] | Yun Si-nae (ko) |
TV appearances
[edit]| Year | Network | Appearance | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | KBS | KBS Drama Special Series: Rock, Rock, Rock | Boohwal |
Commercials
[edit]| Year | Advertisement |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Hye-tae HTB Ads for Boritein (Barley Beverages). |
| 2011 | STL Evolution ads. |
Awards
[edit]| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Best Rock Performance | "Never Ending Story"[13] | Nominated |
| 2009 | "I Remember" | Won | |
| 2010 | Best Band Performance | "What Love Is"[15] | Nominated |
Other Awards
[edit]- Winner of 10th Grand Prize at the 2009 Korean Cultural Entertainment Grand Prix [citation needed].
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "네이버 뉴스". Archived from the original on 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ "영광의 메틀시대로의 회귀！록밴드 뉴크 3집 발표".
- ^ "합동공연 갖는 한국록의 3거인 김태원 김도균 신대철". Archived from the original on 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&oid=038&aid=0000163520 [dead link]
- ^ kt music (2014-08-21), 부활 - 사랑하고 있다 Official M/V, archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ "[Daum tv팟]부활 - 뜨거운 안녕 [불후의 명곡2] 20141025 KBS". Daum tv팟. Archived from the original on 2017-09-12. Retrieved 2016-06-29.
- ^ ARIRANG (2015-12-24), ONSTAGE K(Ep.38) Boohwal(부활) _ Full Episode, archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ UNITV 통일부 (2014-10-22), 부활의 새로운 보컬 김동명의 To Be ONE 뮤직비디오!, archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ RIAK Official (2016-06-01), 하나의 코리아 - 01 서시 Prologue - 부활 Boohwal, archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ 시대청년 (2015-10-07), 부활_노래처럼(부제 : 언어문화개선을 위한 '안녕! 우리말'), archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ 시대청년 (2016-05-29), 막걸리 드림, archived from the original on 2021-12-13, retrieved 2016-06-29
- ^ "2002 MMF part 1" Archived 2014-08-19 at the Wayback Machine. Mwave. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
- ^ "2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Part1" Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine. MAMA. Retrieved 2014-12-18.
- ^ Hicap, Jonathan M. (October 29, 2010). "Controversial Mnet Asian Music Awards bares nominees". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
Sources
[edit]- "부활 (Born Again)". Archived from the original on 2007-05-18. Retrieved 2006-12-01.
- matia, and xfactor. "부활 Born Again". Archived from the original on 2007-03-07. Retrieved 2006-12-01.
- "BooHwal ~ Born Again: Korea's Legendary Musicians". Retrieved April 1, 2018.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Boohwal
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Boohwal (Korean: 부활, lit. "Born Again") is a South Korean hard rock band formed in 1985 by guitarist and primary songwriter Kim Tae-won, who has remained the band's leader throughout its history.[1][2]
Originally named "The End," the group emerged as part of a new wave of heavy rock in Korea, alongside contemporaries such as Baekdoosan and Sinawe, helping to establish a harder-edged sound in the domestic music scene during the 1980s.[3][4]
Boohwal gained prominence with its debut album in 1986, featuring early vocalists like Kim Jong-seo, followed by Lee Seung-cheol, whose tenure marked a commercial breakthrough with melodic rock ballads and anthems that blended hard rock elements with accessible songwriting.[5][6]
The band's defining characteristic has been its frequent rotation of lead vocalists—over a dozen across its career—many of whom launched successful solo careers, contributing to Boohwal's reputation as a launching pad for Korean rock talent while maintaining continuity under Kim Tae-won's compositional direction.[6][7]
Despite lineup shifts and stylistic evolutions from heavy rock to more ballad-oriented works, Boohwal has sustained longevity, releasing albums into the 2020s and retaining a loyal fanbase as one of Korea's enduring rock institutions.[8][3]
History
Formation and the 1980s
Boohwal, a pioneering South Korean rock band, was formed in 1985 by guitarist and primary songwriter Kim Tae-won, initially under the name The End.[7] Kim assembled the group with vocalist Kim Jong-seo and a third member, focusing early efforts on performing cover versions of Western rock songs due to a lack of original material.[2] The band soon rebranded as Boohwal—translating to "resurrection" or "born again"—reflecting Kim's vision for a revitalized Korean rock scene amid limited domestic infrastructure for heavy genres.[9] This formation positioned Boohwal among the earliest heavy metal acts in South Korea, alongside contemporaries like Sinawe and Baekdoosan, which emerged in 1986.[10] The band debuted commercially on October 3, 1986, with their self-titled first album, Rock Will Never Die, released through an independent label in an era when rock faced marginalization in Korea's trot-dominated music market.[11] Key tracks included the hit single "Heeya," which gained traction for its emotive ballad style blended with hard rock elements, and "Rain and Your Story," marking Boohwal's entry into mainstream awareness despite vocal instability.[5] Kim Jong-seo served as the inaugural vocalist, but Lee Seung-chul joined later that year, contributing to the album's raw energy and helping secure the band's foothold through live performances in Seoul's underground venues.[5] The album's production emphasized guitar-driven riffs and themes of perseverance, aligning with Kim Tae-won's compositional style influenced by British and American hard rock.[12] Throughout the late 1980s, Boohwal navigated lineup changes and industry challenges, releasing their second album, Remember, in 1987, which built on the debut's momentum with more polished arrangements and continued exploration of melancholic lyrics over heavy instrumentation.[13] Lee Seung-chul's tenure as lead vocalist solidified the band's signature sound, characterized by powerful vocals contrasting Kim's intricate guitar work, though internal tensions foreshadowed future departures.[6] By decade's end, Boohwal had established itself as a cornerstone of Korean hard rock, influencing subsequent generations despite commercial pressures favoring pop, with Kim Tae-won remaining the sole constant amid vocalist rotations.[14] Their persistence in an unsupportive ecosystem underscored the era's nascent rock movement, prioritizing artistic integrity over immediate popularity.[10]1990s
In the early 1990s, Boohwal experienced ongoing vocalist transitions following the departures from the 1980s lineup, with Kim Jae-gi joining as lead singer and contributing to the band's third studio album, 기억상실 (Loss of Memory), released in November 1993. The album featured the hit single "사랑할수록" (The More I Love), which propelled sales to over 800,000 copies and marked a commercial resurgence for the group amid South Korea's evolving rock scene.[5][15] Tragedy struck when Kim Jae-gi died in an accident shortly after, prompting his younger brother Kim Jae-hee to replace him as vocalist in 1994. Kim Jae-hee performed on the fourth studio album, 잡념에 관한 것 (About the Idle Thoughts), released in 1995, maintaining the band's hard rock foundation under guitarist and leader Kim Tae-won's direction.[2][5] By 1997, Park Wan-kyu had assumed vocal duties, recording the fifth studio album 불의 발견 (Discovery of Fire), released on July 7. The title track "외로운 밤" (Lonely Night) became one of Boohwal's signature songs, blending rock intensity with emotional balladry and solidifying the group's enduring appeal despite frequent personnel shifts.[5][2]2000s
In the early 2000s, Boohwal released their seventh studio album, Color, on December 28, 2000, under vocalist Lee Sung-wook, featuring tracks such as "Good-bye," "A Pain That I Can't Take For You," and "I Can Dream Come True."[5] The album emphasized the band's evolving hard rock sound blended with melodic elements, continuing Kim Tae-won's compositional leadership.[5] By 2002, the band temporarily reunited with former vocalist Lee Seung-chul for their eighth album, 새, 벽 (Bird, Wall), marking a nostalgic return to their 1980s-era collaboration dynamics and yielding renewed chart presence.[5] This period highlighted Boohwal's pattern of vocalist flux, as Lee Seung-chul's involvement was guest-based rather than permanent, reflecting Kim Tae-won's strategy of testing vocal fits for specific projects.[6] In 2003, seventh vocalist Jeong Dan joined for the ninth album, Over, introducing fresh interpretations of the band's rock-ballad hybrid style.[16] Jeong Dan's tenure lasted until 2005, during which Boohwal expanded beyond albums into soundtrack contributions and collaborations, aligning with broader diversification in Korean music media.[16] The mid-2000s featured the debut of ninth vocalist Jung Dong-ha in 2005, handpicked by Kim Tae-won as a successor echoing Lee Seung-chul's timbre, leading to the tenth album in 2006.[16] [17] This lineup stabilized the band temporarily, with Jung Dong-ha's powerful vocals contributing to sustained popularity through live performances and media appearances, though the core instrumentation under Kim Tae-won remained consistent amid these changes.[6] By decade's end, Boohwal had solidified over 5 million total album sales across their career, underscoring resilience despite vocalist rotations.[16]2010s
In 2010, Boohwal released the compilation album 25th Anniversary: Retrospect II to mark their milestone, featuring re-recorded or selected tracks from their catalog.[18] The band conducted a national tour concert series that year, alongside performances such as the Wonderful Days Concert from March 11 to 21 and an appearance at the Lets Rock Festival.[19][20] They also held a U.S. concert on September 24 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jung Dong-ha performing.[21] Drummer Chae Je-min established the Boohwal Academy in 2010 to teach drumming at university, school, and private levels.[7] The band issued 불의 발견 (Discovery of Fire) in 2011, followed by the album Color later that year.[18][8] They performed at the Busan Rock Festival in 2011, showcasing their enduring live presence.[20] In June 2012, Boohwal released their 13th studio album Purple Wave on June 8, ending a nearly three-year gap since their previous full-length release; the album included 11 tracks such as "Return to Innocence" and featured contributions like an unpublished work by the late singer Lee Nami.[22][23][24] Activity diminished toward the end of 2013, with the band largely inactive until 2014, when they reemerged with new vocalist Kim Dong-myeong, appearing on the television program Immortal Great Songs.[25] Kim Dong-myeong served as lead vocalist from 2014 through April 29, 2019, marking a five-year tenure during which the band maintained a lower profile in new releases but continued select performances.[26]2020s and recent developments
In 2020, Boohwal performed at the JUMP Ultimate Music Festival in Jeonju, showcasing their enduring live presence amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The band, led by guitarist Kim Tae-won with vocalist Park Wan-kyu, bassist Choi Woo-je—who had recently joined—and drummer Chae Je-min, announced preparations for their 14th studio album on June 17 via their official fan cafe, signaling a commitment to new material following a period of live-focused activities. They released the single "The Moment" that year, maintaining their tradition of emotive rock ballads.[27][28] The early 2020s saw Boohwal prioritize performances and collaborations over full-length releases, including appearances at festivals like the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival. In 2023, they issued the single "Miracle," which garnered fan anticipation for its thematic resonance with the band's history of perseverance and renewal. A notable collaboration came in 2024 with the single "Breath," part of Sanullim's 50th anniversary album, highlighting Kim Tae-won's connections within Korean rock circles.[28][29] By 2025, Boohwal marked their 40th anniversary with international expansion, performing a special concert in Sydney, Australia, in June, featuring the stable lineup of Kim Tae-won, Park Wan-kyu, Chae Je-min, and Choi Woo-je. Earlier that year, on April 22, they appeared on KBS's Open Concert, delivering classics such as "Lonely Night" and "Never Ending Story" to television audiences. These activities underscore the band's adaptation to a maturing rock scene, emphasizing legacy tours and media engagements while navigating reduced album output typical of veteran acts.[30][31]Members
Current members
The current lineup of Boohwal, as of 2025, includes four core members who have been performing together in recent concerts and recordings.[32][33]- Kim Tae-won (born April 12, 1965) serves as the band's leader and lead guitarist, having founded the group in 1985 and remained its constant member through multiple lineup changes.[32][34]
- Park Wan-kyu (born December 25, 1968) handles lead vocals; he originally fronted the band from 1994 to 1999 and rejoined permanently in 2019, contributing to their ongoing tours and releases.[32][34]
- Chae Je-min (born March 6, 1969) plays drums, having joined in the late 1990s and solidified his role in the band's rhythm section for over two decades.[32][33]
- Choi Woo-je performs on bass guitar, providing foundational support in live performances as evidenced by the band's 2025 international tour announcements.[32][33]
Former members
Kim Jong-seo served as the band's initial vocalist from its inception in 1985 as "The End" until his departure in 1986, prior to the name change to Boohwal and the release of the debut album; he subsequently joined the rock band Sinawi.[6][17] Lee Seung-chul joined as vocalist in 1986, contributing to the first two albums including the hit single "Heeya" from the debut, and left in 1988 to pursue a solo career; he briefly returned for the eighth album in 2002 before departing again in 2003.[35][2] Kim Je-gi briefly fronted the band in the late 1980s, recording demos that included the track "The More I Love," but died in a traffic accident shortly after, preventing full album participation.[2] Kim Jae-hee, brother of Kim Je-gi and noted for a similar vocal timbre, served as vocalist through the fourth album in the early 1990s before exiting.[2] Other former vocalists include Kim Ki-yeon, who recorded the sixth album in 1999 featuring "Possibility"; Lee Seong-uk for the seventh album; and Jeong Dan from 2003 to 2004, who contributed to the ninth album including "Beautiful Truth" for a film soundtrack.[2] Instrumental former members encompass early contributors such as bassist Kim Byung-chan and drummer Hwang Tae-soon from the "The End" era.[36]Musical style and evolution
Core influences and genre foundations
Boohwal's genre foundations emerged from the burgeoning heavy metal scene in South Korea during the mid-1980s, positioning the band as one of the earliest adopters of hard rock and heavy metal styles in the country. Formed in 1985 by lead guitarist Kim Tae-won, the group initially lacked original material and focused on performing covers of prominent Western rock tracks, including Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," which honed their instrumental skills and embedded influences from British and American hard rock traditions.[2] This "copy-music" phase aligned with the rapid growth of heavy metal in Korea starting around 1985, where bands drew from British heavy metal sounds characterized by aggressive guitar work and rhythmic drive.[5] Alongside peers like Sinawe and Baekdoosan—formed in 1986—Boohwal helped pioneer these genres domestically, marking a shift from trot and psychedelic influences of prior decades toward more electrified, riff-driven compositions.[10] Distinguishing itself from the rawer heavy metal of contemporaries, Boohwal incorporated melodic structures and rock ballads early on, as evident in their debut album's emphasis on emotive, guitar-led arrangements that balanced intensity with accessibility.[35] This approach stemmed from Western rock's evolution, blending hard rock's power with pop sensibilities, and provided an alternative to the heavier styles of bands like Sinawe, fostering a template for melodic Korean rock that persists in modern groups.[7] Kim Tae-won's songwriting, rooted in these influences, prioritized dynamic guitar riffs and vocal harmonies, establishing Boohwal as a foundational force in diversifying Korean rock beyond pure metal aggression.[28] The band's core influences thus reflect a causal link to global rock precedents, adapted to local contexts amid South Korea's post-authoritarian cultural opening, where Western imports via military bases and media spurred genre experimentation. This foundation not only sustained Boohwal's longevity but also catalyzed broader Korean rock development, emphasizing technical virtuosity over novelty.[10]Shifts in sound and lineup impacts
Boohwal's musical sound has undergone nuanced shifts largely driven by frequent vocalist rotations, which introduced varied timbres and emotional inflections to Kim Tae-won's signature guitar-driven compositions, while the band's rhythmic foundation—anchored by consistent members like drummer Che Je-min and bassist Seo Jae-hyuck since 1999—provided stability.[2] Early iterations featured heavier rock influences through covers, but the 1986 arrival of vocalist Lee Seung-chul marked a pivot toward melodic soft rock, evident in hits like "Heeya" from the debut album, which blended emotive vocals with accessible riffs to distinguish Boohwal from contemporaries' more aggressive styles.[7] [5] This era solidified a foundation of ballads and mid-tempo rock, with subsequent albums like the second (1988) reinforcing narrative-driven tracks such as "The Last Concert."[2] The mid-1990s brought continuity amid tragedy: after vocalist Kim Jae-gi's death in a car accident, his brother Kim Jae-hee assumed the role from the third album (1993), maintaining vocal similarity and emphasizing sentimental ballads like "As I Love You More," which achieved 800,000 sales and deepened the band's introspective leanings.[5] [2] A more pronounced stylistic refresh occurred with Park Wan-kyu's tenure starting on the fifth album (1997), infusing upbeat dance-rock elements into tracks like "Lonely Night," which contrasted prior melancholy and sparked a commercial resurgence through rhythmic vitality and pop-inflected energy.[5] [2] Subsequent vocalists further diversified the palette without abandoning core rock ethos: Kim Ki-yeon's 1999 sixth album introduced experimental rock textures in "Possibility," coinciding with the rhythm section's stabilization for tighter dynamics.[2] Lee Seung-chul's 2002 return yielded the eighth album's "Never Ending Story," selling 370,000 copies and recapturing early melodic highs.[5] Current vocalist Jeong Dong-ha, joining in 2005, has steered toward broader appeal, drawing younger audiences with emotive delivery that revitalized live performances and sustained the band's trajectory amid ongoing evolutions.[2] These lineup fluxuations, while posing continuity risks, enabled adaptive experimentation— from heavy origins to softer, vocalist-centric hybrids—fostering resilience through Kim Tae-won's unchanging songwriting anchor.[7][6]Discography
Studio albums
Boohwal's studio albums, spanning hard rock origins to later pop-infused rock, have been released irregularly due to vocalist transitions led by founder Kim Tae-won. The band maintains numbered sequencing up to the 14th installment, with releases documented across music platforms and announcements. Key albums include the debut 부활 Vol.1 on October 3, 1986, introducing tracks like "희야" and "인형의 부활" with original vocalist Kim Jong-seo.[37] The second album Remember followed in November 1987, featuring enduring hit "Remember" under vocalist Lee Seung-chul. Later entries encompass 새벽 in 2002, Rock Will Never Die in 2004 as a stylistic revival, and Ideal Sight in 1998 blending rock with melodic elements.[8] The 11th album 사랑 arrived in 2006, signaling renewed activity with focus on love-themed rock tracks.[38] 25th Anniversary: Retrospect, the 12th, was issued August 14, 2009, combining three new compositions and re-recordings to mark 25 years.[39] Purple Wave served as the 13th full-length release in 2012, amid Jung Dong-ha's tenure.[35][18] The 14th studio album debuted via lead single "기적 (Miracle)" on March 27, 2023, continuing the band's tradition of evolving sound through collaborations and core instrumentation.[40]Singles and EPs
Boohwal has historically focused on full-length studio albums rather than standalone singles or EPs, with promotional singles typically emerging as title tracks from albums such as "Never Ending Story" from the 2002 album Dawn. Standalone releases gained prominence in the digital era, particularly through collaborations and media appearances.[18] In 2023, following their victory in the MBN survival program Flame Band (불꽃밴드), Boohwal contributed tracks to a series of omnibus EPs compiling performances from the show. These include Flame Band Part.5 (released September 1, 2023, featuring "That Is My World"), Flame Band Part.7 (2023, featuring "Reminiscence 3"), Flame Band Part.8 (2023, with collaborations alongside artists like Kim Jong-seo and Lee Chi-hyun), Flame Band Part.9 (2023), and Flame Band Part.10 (October 13, 2023).[41][42][8] The band issued the digital single "Breath" (숨) on an unspecified date in 2024 as part of Sanullim's 50th anniversary collaboration project, reinterpreting a track originally by Kim Chang-hoon's Black Stones from 2017.[43][8]Collaborations and covers
Boohwal launched its Collaboration Project series in 2011, reinterpreting select tracks with guest vocalists to blend the band's rock foundation with external interpretations. The inaugural release on January 17 featured former vocalist Park Wan-kyu on a refreshed version of "Secret" (비밀), spanning two tracks including an instrumental. Subsequent entries, such as Collaboration Project +3, continued this format with additional collaborators, emphasizing vocal diversity while retaining Kim Tae-won's signature guitar work.[44][45] In 2017, Boohwal partnered with YG Entertainment's hip-hop group iKON for a live performance of "Rain and Your Story" (비와 당신의 이야기) on the SBS program Fantastic Duo 2, aired June 18, fusing the band's melodic rock style with rap verses in a one-off stage collaboration. This pairing highlighted intergenerational genre crossover, drawing over 2 million views on official clips.[46] A notable 2024 collaboration involved Boohwal contributing "Breath" to Sanullim's 50th anniversary tribute album, released May 20, where the band delivered an instrumental and full vocal rendition honoring the fellow rock pioneers' legacy. The single, clocking at approximately 9 minutes across versions, underscored mutual respect among Korean rock acts.[47][48] Regarding covers, Boohwal's early performances in the late 1980s included renditions of Western rock staples like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" to build their live sets before original material dominated. On KBS's Immortal Songs 2 in November 2020, they covered Sanullim's "A Goose's Dream" (거위의 꿈), adapting the folk-rock classic with their harder-edged instrumentation. Such appearances often reimagined veteran Korean tracks, aligning with the show's format of tributing pre-1990s hits.[49]Performances and media
Television appearances
Boohwal's television presence expanded notably in the late 2000s, when band leader Kim Tae-won appeared on multiple variety programs across KBS, MBC, and SBS, contributing to a resurgence in the band's popularity among younger audiences.[5] The band made a significant music program appearance on KBS's You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook in November 2009, performing "Lonely Night" and "The Moment," which highlighted their enduring rock sound in an intimate live format.[50][51] In 2015, Boohwal was featured in episode 38 of Arirang TV's ONSTAGE K, dedicating the full broadcast to their 30-year history and key tracks from their catalog.[52] Boohwal has frequently performed on KBS's Immortal Songs 2, a program focused on reinterpreting classic hits, with appearances including "A Goose's Dream" in July 2011, "Wandering" on August 27, 2022, and "After Love" on January 6, 2024, often earning high viewer engagement for their raw vocal deliveries and guitar-driven arrangements.[49][53][54] These slots underscored the band's influence on subsequent Korean rock acts, as episodes frequently revisited their foundational ballads. On KBS's long-running Open Concert, Boohwal delivered recent live sets, such as "Never Ending Story" in episode 1521 on April 20, 2025, and "Lonely Night" alongside "Forever Love" in episode 1541 on September 21, 2025, maintaining their tradition of high-energy stage performances.[55][56][57] Additionally, in 2023, band members joined forces with vocalist Kim Kyung-ho for a collaborative performance on MBN's Band on Fire (불꽃밴드), episode aired August 24, blending their classic style with contemporary rock competition elements.[58]Concerts and tours
Boohwal has sustained a robust tradition of live performances since its formation in 1986, frequently headlining concerts at prominent South Korean venues and rock festivals, which have contributed to its enduring popularity in the domestic rock scene.[5] Early shows, such as those at the Pagoda Theater in Jongno during the band's initial years, drew record crowds for the venue, underscoring its immediate appeal to audiences.[5] Milestone anniversary concerts have marked key points in the band's history, including the 20th anniversary event on December 18, 2005, at the Weight Lifting Stadium in Olympic Park, Jamsil, where the group performed a set reflecting two decades of material.[6] The band has also appeared at major festivals, such as the Busan Rock Festival in 2011 and the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in 2020, maintaining visibility amid lineup changes and evolving lineups.[7] In recent years, Boohwal has expanded to international stages, including a performance in Switzerland and preparations for its Australian debut. The band's 40th anniversary in 2025 features a series of domestic concerts, such as dates in Gwangju on July 27, Daejeon on August 16, Seoul on December 13, and an overseas show in Sydney on August 30 at City Recital Hall.[33] [7] These events typically emphasize the band's classic hits and guitar-driven rock sets, led by founder Kim Tae-won.[6]Commercials and endorsements
In November 2011, Boohwal appeared in their first commercial as a group after 26 years since debut, serving as models for STL, a specialist snowboard apparel brand.[59] The advertisement featured band members Kim Tae-won, Chae Je-min, and others, aligning the group's rugged rock image with winter sports gear promotion.[60] Kim Tae-won, the band's founder and leader, debuted in commercials individually in December 2009 with an ad for Dong Suh Food's Hot Chocolate Mite, portraying a comedic "national grandma" character in drag to evoke a chilly, awkward atmosphere, famously delivering the line "Honeo wasseuni?" (Did you come alone?).[61] This marked his first endorsement role, selected for fitting the product's lonely winter vibe.[62] In March 2021, Kim Tae-won alongside vocalist Park Wan-kyu endorsed Ikaria, a premium Greek coffee brand, leveraging their veteran status for product promotion.[63] A 2022 Hot Chocolate Mite campaign revisited the 2009 concept, reuniting Kim Tae-won and Park Wan-kyu in a remake emphasizing nostalgic humor and their band camaraderie.[64] These appearances highlight selective commercial ventures tied to the members' enduring public personas rather than widespread endorsements.Reception and impact
Achievements and awards
Boohwal has garnered recognition for its enduring impact on South Korean rock music, including multiple awards from major broadcasting and music ceremonies. The band's leader, Kim Tae-won, received the Lyrics Award and Composition Award at the 2003 KBS Music Awards for the song "Never Ending Story," highlighting the track's lyrical and musical craftsmanship amid its commercial success.[65] In 2009, Boohwal won the Rock Music Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for "I Remember" (also known as "Thought"), affirming its prominence in the rock genre during a period of lineup changes and renewed activity.[66] The same year, the band earned the Top 10 Singer Award in the music category at the Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards, acknowledging its sustained popularity and contributions.[67]| Year | Award | Category/Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | KBS Music Awards | Lyrics Award | Kim Tae-won for "Never Ending Story"[65] |
| 2003 | KBS Music Awards | Composition Award | Kim Tae-won for "Never Ending Story"[65] |
| 2009 | Mnet Asian Music Awards | Rock Music Award | For "I Remember"[66] |
| 2009 | Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards | Top 10 Singer (Music Category) | Recognizing overall career achievements[67] |
Criticisms and commercial adaptations
Boohwal has faced criticism from rock enthusiasts for prioritizing melodic ballads over aggressive rock elements, leading some to question its classification as a genuine rock band.[6] Leader Kim Tae-won defended this approach in a 2012 interview, stating his preference for softer compositions influenced by classical music rather than loud genres.[35] The band's multiple vocalist transitions, including high-profile departures, have also fueled perceptions of internal instability; original vocalist Lee Seung-chul left in 1988 following a personal incident he described as humiliating during a 2011 Mnet appearance, after which Kim Tae-won struggled with addiction impacting the group's direction.[68] Commercially, Boohwal's music has been adapted for public campaigns and media, extending its reach beyond original releases. In 2012, the band released "Love is Unconditional" as a promotional track for the South Korean Ministry of Justice's anti-school violence initiative "Goodbye, School Violence."[69] Songs like "Never Ending Story" have inspired covers, including a studio rendition by group DTMG in 2016, and reinterpreting performances on programs such as Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend, where contestants adapt Boohwal tracks for contemporary audiences.[70] These adaptations highlight the band's enduring melodic appeal in non-rock contexts, though they have occasionally amplified debates over its rock authenticity.Cultural legacy in Korean rock
Boohwal, formed in 1985 by guitarist Kim Tae-won, ranks among the earliest heavy metal bands in South Korea, debuting alongside Sinawe and Baekdoosan to introduce the genre to audiences in the early 1980s.[6] As one of the "Big 3" pioneers of Korean rock, the band laid foundational groundwork for the genre's development during the 1980s and 1990s, shifting from covers of Western heavy rock tracks like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" to original compositions that popularized melodic rock hits.[7][14] The group's evolution toward a softer, melody-driven rock style offered a counterpoint to the aggressive heavy metal sounds of peers like Sinawe and Baekdoosan, fostering diversity in Korean rock and influencing the stylistic foundations of many contemporary K-rock acts.[7] Iconic tracks such as "Heeya" (1986) and "The Story of You and the Rain" (1993) exemplify this approach, blending powerful guitar riffs with emotive vocals to achieve widespread acclaim and cement Boohwal's role as a standard-bearer for the genre over two decades.[6][14] Boohwal's rotational vocalist lineup—spanning nine singers including Lee Seung-chul, Kim Jong-seo, and Park Wan-gyu by 2005—propelled individual careers while sustaining the band's adaptability, a model that has inspired longevity in Korea's rock ecosystem.[6] This endurance, marked by over 37 years of activity as of 2023, including performances at events like the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in 2020, underscores their influence on emerging bands through a blueprint of sustained relevance amid shifting music trends.[7]References
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