Hong Ji-yoon Redefines Modern Trot with Gugak Fusion on Music Bank

Hong Ji-yoon, an emerging star under Choi Lab, captivated viewers with an unforgettable stage on the April 9 broadcast of KBS 2TV‘s Music Bank. She showcased her latest digital single, Garirang, a bold reimagining of traditional Korean music fused with modern trot.

Dressed in a striking black outfit accented with gold, Hong Ji-yoon brought a timeless charm to the stage. Her visual styling paid homage to Korea’s cultural heritage while signaling a fresh take on the trot genre.

With dynamic movements and a compelling vocal presence, she presented a genre-blending performance. ‘Garirang’ stood out with its rhythmic base inspired by Gugak (traditional Korean music) layered over an upbeat trot melody. The result was a mesmerizing blend that appealed to both eyes and ears.

Marking a new chapter in ‘Gugak Trot,’ the performance began with Hong Ji-yoon entering the stage as though she were riding a traditional Korean palanquin. Her powerful solo vocals echoed the essence of Pansori, introducing viewers to a cinematic, theatrical experience.

Composed and written by the renowned Yoon Myung-sun, ‘Garirang’ features an addictive melody paired with lyrics that resonate emotionally with audiences. Hong Ji-yoon’s breathtaking vocal performance and unique tone took center stage throughout the act, reinforcing her status as a trailblazer in this emerging genre.

Holding a degree in Korean traditional music, Hong Ji-yoon now fully embraces her roots in the new single. Through ‘Garirang,’ she opens a new avenue for the genre by blending the soul of Gugak with the catchy energy of trot.