Korea in Focus with CJ 2025

Korea in Focus with CJ Foundation 2025 – yonglee & the DOLTANG

This initiative introduces next-generation jazz musicians, discovered by CJ Cultural Foundation, to Berlin, a city renowned for its rich jazz heritage and dynamic cultural landscape.


For the opening concert of ‘Korea in Focus with CJ’ series, the jazzband yonglee & the DOLTANG will perform on the 13th June in Maschinenhaus, Kulturbrauerei.


DOLTANG is a dynamic music collective comprised of five exceptional musicians in the Korean jazz scene. Led by pianist and composer yonglee, Lee Youngwoo, Jo Yechan, Kang Hwansu and Seok Dayeon seamlessly blend elements of progressive rock, jazz, and free improvisation. Through their music, they navigate the complexities of modern society, delving into ontological inquiries and satirical reflections on the absurdities of youth as artists.


“Their music offers not only a sense of novelty but also a distinctive sense of lyricism,” remarks jazz critic Park Joonsuh. Despite occasional misconceptions of obscurity, yonglee’s melodies evolve into extraordinary improvisations, amplified by the exceptional talents of the ensemble. Their music, while rooted in intellect, transcends mere cerebralism, showcasing the allure of DOLTANG’s compositions.


Balancing intellectual depth with emotional resonance, DOLTANG presents compelling responses to the question of how Korea should engage with the global trend of jazz localization. Their compositions feature a structural beauty, intertwining layers of rhythms beneath accessible melodies, culminating in improvisations that reveal raw emotions by effortlessly captivating the audience.


DOLTANG has performed on esteemed stages, including Jazzahead 2024 in Bremen, MUK in Austria and Opus Jazz Club in Hungary. Their album “Surface of Time” received accolades, earning the title of the best album of 2022 by South Korean jazz magazine “MM Jazz.” And their next album “Invisible Worker” will be released on May, 2025 from Unit Records.



*The concert will be held without seating