ODYSSEY: The Cultural Exchange between YB and Jelusick Begins
Korean and Croatian Rock Artists Unite for Global Cultural Exchange
The Launch of ODYSSEY
On September 9th, the vibrant cultural district of Hongdae in Seoul was abuzz with excitement as the official launch event for the cultural exchange project ‘ODYSSEY’ unfolded at Rolling Hall. The event was moderated by esteemed music critic Bae Soon-tak and marked a significant milestone in Korean-Croatian musical collaboration.
Project Goals and Vision
The ODYSSEY project aims to bridge the musical and cultural landscapes of Korea and Croatia, fostering a joint entry into the global music market. Central to this initiative are frontmen Yoon Do-hyun of South Korea’s rock band YB and Dino Jelusick of Croatia’s Jelusick.
Bae Soon-tak articulated the broader scope of this partnership: “The collaboration between YB and Jelusick goes beyond mere performance; it represents an emotional and cultural voyage. ODYSSEY is a true odyssey where two artists, rooted in distinct cultures, set sail on a unified journey.”
Yoon Do-hyun’s Perspective
Yoon emphasized the significance of this project, sharing his aspirations to reconnect with Korea’s younger audience through rock music and to explore the Eastern European market, known for its love for metal and hard rock. Following performances at 16 university festivals, Yoon expressed a desire “to reach beyond 30 years of music-making and venture ambitiously into Eastern Europe.”
He views Croatia as a gateway to this market and sees the collaboration with Jelusick as a profound opportunity to test and expand YB’s musical vision.
Dino Jelusick’s Insights
Dino Jelusick, intrigued by the global phenomenon of K-POP and the influential Korean content, expressed excitement about expanding his musical journey into Asia. He stated, “ODYSSEY is more than a performance; it is a bold step into a new world. Despite different languages, what binds Yoon and me is our shared passion and direction in music exploration. I regard this project as a true voyage.”
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Supported as part of the Korean Content Promotion Agency’s overseas performance support initiatives, ODYSSEY is expected to yield positive ripple effects across music, tourism, and content industries.
The project, orchestrated by the cultural planning firm Eum Culture Co., Ltd. (CEO Kim Jong-hoon), aspires to establish a robust cultural network and set precedents for sustainable exchanges between Korea and Croatia.
ODYSSEY’s itinerary includes six joint performances spanning from August, moving back and forth between Korea and Croatia, promising a significant cultural stir in the global music scene.
