Country Gongbang: Bluegrass from Korea
KCCNY Sound & Talk Ep.4
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Venue: Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Limited same-day standby tickets will be available.
* Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Country Gongbang presents a storytelling-driven bluegrass performance that blends music, humor, and personal stories from the band’s journey. Known for their distinctive voice in the Korean bluegrass scene, the ensemble traces their path from late-night jam sessions and early experiments to international stages, sharing moments of discovery, ambition, and plenty of unexpected turns along the way. Through original music and reimagined influences, the program explores themes of home, family, cultural identity, and artistic pursuit.
It highlights key milestones in their journey, including their early days as a band, touring adventures across the United States, and breakthrough moments that brought their music to wider audiences. Please join Country Gongbang for a lively and heartfelt concert that goes beyond a traditional set, weaving together performance and storytelling.
◆ PROGRAM
The Cowboy of the Steep Hill
Winter Day
Portrait
Mama’s Secret Recipe
There Will Be Beautiful
Born to Be Chicken
Blessed Journey
Voyage to Raleigh
Mushroom Hunter
Turtle
Golden
*The program may be subject to change.
◆ Country GongBang
Founded in 2014, Country Gongbang is South Korea’s first and only bluegrass band, pioneering a distinctive blend of contemporary bluegrass and K-pop sentiments. Singing in both English and Korean, they craft music that bridges cultural boundaries, carving a unique space in the global music scene.
In 2023, Country Gongbang received the prestigious International Band Performance Grant from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), recognizing their groundbreaking artistry. This honor led to their historic 2024 US tour, where they performed at renowned venues and festivals, including the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville—marking the first-ever Korean band to grace its iconic stage. In September 2025, they were nominated for the 2025 IBMA Momentum Awards for Band of the Year and Vocalist of the Year, a historic recognition for a Korean bluegrass group on the international stage.
The group’s lineup features Yebin Kim on mandolin and lead vocals, Hyunho Jang on banjo, Jongsu Yoon on fiddle, Sunjae Won on guitar, and Keeha Song on bass.
Discover the vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation with Country Gongbang, where bluegrass transcends borders and embraces bold new horizons.
KCCNY Sound & Talk is a unique performance series presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), designed to foster close connections between artists and audiences. Set in the KCCNY’s 172-seat theater, it creates an intimate space where live performances come alive, offering a deeper and more immersive artistic experience.
Featuring distinguished Korean artists, the series goes beyond performance—offering insights into their creative process, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories. More than just a live show, this series invites audiences into a dynamic exchange of ideas while experiencing the joy of learning and meaningful connection to Korean arts and culture.