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Prepare to be blown away by these 4 incredible vocalists at Hollywood Bowl

May 2, 2014

By Tae Hong

With the 12th annual The Korea Times’ Music Festival just days away, here’s a look at four of Korea’s best vocalists you’ll hear live in May 3 at the Hollywood Bowl.

1. Jung Dong-ha

Jung Dong-ha arrived at LAX for KTMF on May 1. / Newsis

Jung Dong-ha arrived at LAX for KTMF on May 1. / Newsis

If this lanky rocker isn’t on your radar yet, you’d better make sure to put him there.

He may have gained attention for being one of the best finds made by KBS’s “Immortal Songs,” but Jung is more than a singing TV novelty. The floppy-haired ex-vocalist of Boohwal — which has produced talents like Lee Seung-chul and Park Wan-gyu — may not be a pretty boy, but you can count on him to deliver on stage.

2. Kim Jong-seo

Kim Jong-seo during promotions for his digital single "It Hurts" in 2013. / Yonhap

Kim Jong-seo during promotions for his digital single “It Hurts” in 2013. / Yonhap

If Jung is mainly a ballad rocker, Kim is another species — he is among the first heavy metal vocalists to come out of mid-‘80s Korea, during which K-rock emerged as a mainstream genre thanks to bands like Deulgukhwa, Sinawe and Boohwal.

He was an original part of Boohwal before problems with its guitarist led him to become the second vocalist of Sinawe.

Famous for his high tone and long hair, Kim has been going solo, with great success, since 1992.

3. Ali

Ali arrived at LAX for KTMF on April 30. / Newsis

Ali arrived at LAX for KTMF on April 30. / Newsis

Ali, with her larger-than-life vocals, first found an audience through her featurings on hip-hop duo Leessang’s music.

“Ballerino,” a fan favorite, had everyone wondering about the voice behind the music. She released her own album, “SOULri,” in 2009. Since then, her music has resonated with K-pop fans of all ages, especially with her frequent appearances on “Immortal Songs.”

She’s now risen as the new favorite voice of K-drama soundtracks, with hit songs for “Empire of Gold,” “Faith,” “Golden Rainbow” and “Rooftop Prince.”

4. Insooni

Insooni will be performing at KTMF for the second time this year. / Courtesy of SOSOB BLUE SKY

Insooni will be performing at KTMF for the second time this year. / Courtesy of SOSOB BLUE SKY

Insooni has broken multitudes of barriers since her debut in 1978 with the Hee Sisters.

With a Korean mother and an African American father, she’s arguably the first person of mixed race to have found success on her level in Korean music. Her first solo effort, “Night After Night,” is a K-pop mainstay from 1984.

Experience her famed stage presence for yourself at the festival to see how she earned her title as the top R&B diva.

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Tickets for the festival are available at ktmf.koreatimes.com or at The Korea Times offices located at 4525 Wilshire Blvd. For more information, call (323) 692-2055.