Winter Olympics: Who is performing at the Opening Ceremony?
By Nir Regev
The 2018 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony will feature renowned South Korean musical artists.
According to Korea Joongang Daily, the 2018 Winter Olympics will feature Guckkasten’s Ha Hyun-woo, Bolbbalgan4’s Ahn Ji Young and Deulgukhwa’s Jeon In-kwon among performers at the Opening Ceremony. Hyolyn will perform an arrangement of the national anthem, “Aegukga,” and opera singers Sumi Jo and Ryu Jung-Phil will sing the Olympic Anthem during the flag raising. Singer Insooni will sing the theme song “Let Everyone Shine” for the Olympic Torch Relay.
Big Bang singer Taeyang was appointed as an honorary ambassador at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. According to SBS.com.au, the confirmed list of musical artists playing at the 2018 Winter Olympics as a whole include: Taeyang, Insooni, Red Velvet, WINNER, Girl’s Day, F.T. Island, Kwak Jin Eon, Beenzino, Black Pink, U-KISS, John Park, DJ DOC, NCT, LABOUM, JYJ’s Junsu and Hwang Chi Yeol.
About Bolbbalgan4’s Ahn Ji Young:
Ahn Ji Young is one half of the musical duo Bolbbalgan4, most recently for single “Some,” which has 16 million+ views on Youtube at the time of this article’s publishing. The group’s debut arrived in April 22, 2016 with the hit single “Fight Day” on mini-album Red Ickle.
About Deulgukhwa’s Jeon In-kwon:
Rocker Jeon In-kwon is the lead singer of Deulgukhwa, among the group’s hits is “Don’t Worry, My Dear.” The group was presented for the Golden Disc Award Member of the Executive Committee Special Award in 2014 and Golden Disc Award Song Division back in March 1986. The Golden Disc Awards recognize outstanding achievements in music in South Korea.
About Big Bang singer Taeyang:
Taeyang is a member of K-Pop band Big Bang and owns an acclaimed solo career as well. The vocalist is often referred to “as the king of K-Pop.” Taeyang’s third solo album, White Night, was released last August and debuted at no. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Albums.
As part of Big Bang, Taeyang has sold over 150 million+ records, with the band’s first world tour setting the record for highest ticket sales in Taiwan. Big Bang’s London shows drew the largest attendee record for a K-Pop concert in the United Kingdom.
About Guckkasten’s Ha Hyun-woo:
Ha Hyun-woo is the lead singer-songwriter and guitarist of acclaimed indie rock band Guckkasten. The band last released mini-album Stranger on Nov. 15, 2017. The band was originally named The C.O.M upon forming in 2003.
When they regrouped in 2007, the band was renamed to Guckkasten, which means Zograscope in German. Guckkasten’s self-titled debut album is often credited with the development of the Korean indie rock scene.
About Hyolyn:
Hyolyn is a K-Pop/R&B singer-songwriter and recognized for her time in girl groups Sistar and Sistar19. The vocalist was recently nominated for a Digital Daesang at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards in January 2018 for “Blue Moon” with rapper/producer Changmo. Hyolyn was previously nominated for the collaboration track at the 19th Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2017, where she was also nominated for Qoo10’s Artists of the Year.
About Insooni:
Insooni is a storied R&B singer who once performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, recorded 19 albums (14 full-length albums), and earned countless top prizes at South Korean music awards. She is known as South Korea’s “R&B Diva.” Insooni made her debut in 1978 as part of a musical group Hee sisters. Fans were especially moved by her emotional rendition of “A Goose’s Dream” in 2007.
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About Sumi Jo and Ryu Jung-Phil:
Sumi Jo is a Grammy award-winning lyric coloratura soprano and had the previous honors of singing at the 2008 International Olympic Games in Beijing and 2002 FIFA World Cup in Seoul, Korea. Jo has countless awards to her name.
Ryu Jung-Phil is a renowned opera singer/vocal tenor in his own right with a voice sure to leave an impression. Check out this rendition of Ryu Jung-Phil singing Volare with the KBS Pops Orchestra from February 2012 in KBS Music Hall, Seoul Korea.