List of North Korean musicians

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This is a list of musical artists that are of North Korean nationality.

Contents

North Korean musicians

Titles and awardsNameKorean NameInstrumentFamous WorksOrchestraNotesRef
Merited Artist Kim Il Jin Cello, conductor Mansudae Art Troupe, Isang Yun Orchestra Married to film actress Kim Yong Suk.
Kim Yong Jae김용재Vocals, piano Unhasu Orchestra
Kim Jong Nyo김정녀VocalsOurs is a Family of Soldiers, Arirang of Prosperity Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Wangjaesan Light Music Band
Merited ActressJo Kum Hwa조금화VocalsWild Geese Flying in the Sky, Campfire, I Can't TellPochonbo Electronic EnsembleOnly alto in the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble.
People's ActressJon Hye Yong전혜영VocalsWhistle, Where are You, Dear General?, CuckooPochonbo Electronic Ensemble Zainichi Korean.
Yun Hye Yong윤혜영VocalsThis is an Attack, Stars Whispering One, Two, ThreePochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Wangjaesan Light Music Band
Merited ActressRyu Jin A류진아Vocals Moranbong Band Lead singer of the Moranbong Band after succeeding to Kim Kyong Hui.
People's Artist Mun Kyong Jin 문경진ViolinUnhasu Orchestra, Mansudae Art TroupeForeign-educated concertmaster of the Unhasu Orchestra.
Merited Actress Ri Kyong Suk 리경숙VocalsGlad to Meet You, My Country is the Best, Don't Ask My Name Pochonbo Electronic EnsembleMarried to bassist Kim Yong Il.
Merited ActressRi Ok Hwa리옥화VocalsMoranbong Band, Moranbong Chorus
Merited ActressRi Pun Hui리분희VocalsDon't Advance Night of Pyongyang, The Voice Calling MePochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Ri Sol Ju 리설주VocalsBurn High, Campfire!Unhasu Orchestra, Moranbong Chorus, Wangjaesan Light Music BandCurrent first lady of North Korea.
Merited ActressHyon Song Wol현송월VocalsA Girl in the Saddle of a Steed, Without a Break!Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Wangjaesan Light Music Band, Unhasu Orchestra, Samjiyon Orchestra, Moranbong BandOne of North Korea's most powerful women, close to leader Kim Jong Un. Director of the Moranbong Band.
Merited ActressRa Yu Mi라유미VocalsMoranbong Band
People's ActressKim Kwang Suk김광숙VocalsThe Dear Name, Mother's SongPochonbo Electronic EnsembleDied in 2018.
People's ActorKim Won Il김원일SynthesizersPochonbo Electronic EnsembleRemoved from footage in 2009, probably purged.
Merited ActorKim Hae Song김해성SynthesizersPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Merited ActorKim Mun Hyok김문혁SynthesizersPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Kwon Kyong Hak권경학SynthesizersPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Kim Song Ryop김성렵SynthesizersPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
People's ArtistJon Kwon전권PianoPochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Wangjaesan Light Music BandAlso arranged foreign music for the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble.
Jang Jong Won장정원PianoPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Ri Mun리문Electronic OrganPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Merited ActorKang Chol Ho강철호Electronic OrganPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Kang Kum Chol강금철Electronic OrganPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Pak Ui Hyon박의현Electric GuitarPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Merited ActorSong Kwang송광Electric GuitarPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Merited ActorChoe Yong Chol최영철Electric GuitarPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Kim Yong Il김영일Bass GuitarPochonbo Electronic EnsembleMarried to vocalist Ri Kyong Suk.
Merited ActorChoe Mun Chol최문철DrumsPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Merited ActorKim Jin김진Percussions, vocalsMy Love, My HappinessPochonbo Electronic EnsembleServed often as the only male vocalist in the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble, besides Kim Hae Song. Possibly deceased or retired.
Merited ArtistKim Yon Su김연수ConductorPochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Korean People's Army Song and Dance Ensemble
Labour Hero, People's ArtistRi Jong O리종오Conductor, concert flute Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Mansudae Art TroupeMain conductor and leader of the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble. Died in 2016.
People's Actress Choe Sam Suk 최삼숙VocalsI Shall be a Flower Harbinger of Spring, I Know it NowKorean Radio and Film Music Orchestra, Mansudae Art TroupeMajor film song vocalist, with hundreds of titles featuring her voice.
People's ActorKim Sung Yon김승연VocalsSong of ComradeshipKorean Radio and Film Music Orchestra, Mansudae Art TroupeMajor film song vocalist
Ri In Suk리인숙Vocals
Mo Yong Il모영일Vocals
Kim Hyok김혁GuitarNot to be confused with composer Kim Hyok.
Merited ActressPak Bok Hui박복희VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Jang Yun Hui장윤희VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Kim Hwa Suk김화숙VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Ko Kyong Ran고경란VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Merited ActorPak Chol Jun박철준TrumpetI Look at You and ThinkWangjaesan Light Music Band
Jang Mu Kil장무길BrassWangjaesan Light Music Band
Ryom Tong Son렴덩성VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Pak In Tae박인대TrumpetWangjaesan Light Music Band
People's ActressRyom Chong렴청VocalsThunder on Jong Il Peak, Let's Love Our MotherlandWangjaesan Light Music BandLead singer of the Wangjaesan Light Music Band.
Kim Son Hui김선희VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Choe Kwang Ho최광호VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Ko Hwa Son고화선GuitarWangjaesan Light Music Band
Jon Il전일ViolinThoughts on the Love, Thank YouWangjaesan Light Music BandPerformed many electric violin solos.
O Jong Yun오정윤VocalsWhite Frost Flower, Maple Leaves Turn RedWangjaesan Light Music Band
Hwang Suk Kyong황숙경VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Kim Myong Ok김명옥VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band
Pak Man Chol박만철SaxophoneWangjaesan Light Music Band
Paek Jong Suk백정숙Vocals
Ri Ok Hui리옥희Vocals
An Hwa Bok안화복VocalsKorean Radio and Film Music Orchestra
Ri Kyong Hwa리경화VocalsKorean Radio and Film Music Orchestra
Merited ActressJang Un Ae장은애VocalsFlower in My HeartKorean Radio and Film Music Orchestra
Jo Hye Kyong조혜경Vocals
Ri Kyong Hun리경훈VocalsMy Love, My HappinessKorean Radio and Film Music OrchestraOften performed duets with Jang Un Ae and Choe Sam Suk.
Jang Ran Hui장란희Vocals
Kim Ri Ku김리구Vocals
Yun Ik Hyon윤익현Vocals
Choe Hi Thae최히태Saxophone
Kim Un Suk김은숙Vocals
U Sun Hui우순희Vocals
Kim Song Sim김성심VocalsProsperous ArirangMoranbong Chorus, Chongbong Band, State Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Han Sol Hyang한설향VocalsWangjaesan Light Music Band, Moranbong Chorus
Ri Chun Il리 춘 일VocalsUnhasu Orchestra, State Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Rim Chang Sil림창실Vocals
Merited ActorKim Ki Yong김기영VocalsSong of ComradeshipUnhasu Orchestra, State Merited Chorus and Symphony OrchestraFather of Kim Kyong Ho
Kim Kyong Ho김경호VocalsUnhasu OrchestraSon of Kim Ki Yong
Ri Sang Su리상수VocalsMy Song in the TrenchState Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
People's Actress Kim Ok Ju 김옥주VocalsThe Dear NameMoranbong Chorus, Moranbong Band, Chongbong Band, Samjiyon BandWas personally awarded the title of People's Actress by Kim Jong Un.
Kim Kang Bong김강봉Vocals
Merited ArtistHan Ki Chan한기찬ConductorBand of the Mass Gymnastics Production CompanyOne of the conductors responsible for the music performed at the early Arirang Festivals. [1]
Jo Ho Hyok조호혁PianistWangjaesan Light Music Band
Ryu Chum Hya류춤햐VocalsWhere are You, Dear General?Phibada Opera TroupeFamously sang the solo Where are You, Dear General? in the opera A True Daughter of the Party .
Kim Yong Ran김영란GuitarMy Warm Love Will Protect YouPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Kim Su Myong김수명ViolinUnhasu Orchestra, Chongbong BandDeputy concertmaster of the Unhasu Orchestra.
Jong Son Yong정선영ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Paek Hyon Hui백현희ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Pae Un Ju배은주ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Song Hui김송희ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Choe Song Il최성일ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Mun Sol김문설ViolinUnhasu Orchestra
Choe Jin Ok최진옥CelloUnhasu Orchestra
Ri Kum Hyok리금혁CelloUnhasu Orchestra
Yon Jin A연진아CelloUnhasu Orchestra
Ryang Chol Jun량철준CelloUnhasu Orchestra
Kang Se Hyok강세혁CelloUnhasu Orchestra, Kim Won Gyun ConservatoryProfessor at the Kim Won Gyun Conservatory.
Nam Un Ha남운하SohegumUnhasu Orchestra
Jo Ok Ju조옥주 Kayagum, Harp Unhasu Orchestra
Ho Kwang Jin허광진PianoKorea is OneUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Yong Mi김영미PianoUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Jong Mi김정미PianoUnhasu Orchestra, Chongbong Band
Song Un Sim송은심GuitarUnhasu Orchestra
Ri Jong Hui리정희Concert fluteUnhasu Orchestra
Jin Guk Song진국송Wood flute, concert fluteUnhasu Orchestra
Jin Yong Su전영수ClarinetUnhasu Orchestra
Ri Chol Hun리철훈SaxophoneUnhasu Orchestra
Song Yong Guk송용국SaxophoneUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Hyong Il김형일SaxophoneUnhasu Orchestra
Hwang Sung Chol황승철Saxophone, clarinetUnhasu Orchestra, Chongbong Band
Ri Ung리웅SaxophoneUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Song Guk김성국SaxophoneUnhasu Orchestra
Ri Song Hwa리성화Saxophone
Im Hyang Ran임향란Saxophone
Ri Song Kyong리성경Saxophone
Kim Un Song김운성TrumpetUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Song Il김성일TrumpetUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Chol Jun김철준TrumpetUnhasu Orchestra, Chongbong Band
Kim Un Chol김은철SenapUnhasu Orchestra
Won Yun Jol원윤절AccordionUnhasu Orchestra
Kim Hyang Sun김향순AccordionUnhasu Orchestra, Moranbong Band, State Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Merited ActressKim Yu Kyong김유경VocalsLet's Love Our Lives with Burning PassionMoranbong Band, State Merited ChorusPerformed in China with a delegation of North Korean artists.
Pak Kyong Ae박경애VocalsTongil Ensemble
Ri Yong Ae리영애VocalsTongil Ensemble
Ri Kum Hui리금희VocalsTongil Ensemble
Maeng Hyang Song맹향성VocalsTongil Ensemble
Pak Su Ryong박수령VocalsTongil Ensemble
Ma Sun Hui마순희VocalsTongil Ensemble
Cha Sun Mi차순미VocalsTongil Ensemble
Ri Un Hui리은희DrumsTongil Ensemble
Pak Yun Hui박윤희Bass guitarTongil Ensemble
Kim Yong Su김영수GuitarTongil Ensemble
Jo Sung Kwon조승권SynthesizersTongil Ensemble
Pae Kum Chol배금철SynthesizersTongil Ensemble
Merited ActorRi Song Chol리성철VocalsWhere are You, Dear General?State Merited Chorus and Symphony OrchestraImportant tenor singer in the early to late 2000's.
Kim Myong Ho김명호VocalsOur 7.27State Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
People's ActorSok Ji Min석지민VocalsSoldier's FootstepsState Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Ho Kwang Il허광일VocalsThe Day When the General Came to Our OutpostState Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Merited ActorHong Kyong Hun홍경훈VocalsMy Motherland I Stand GuardState Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Merited ActressSong Jong Sil송정실VocalsProsperous ArirangState Merited Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
Merited ActressO Phil Oae오필배ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKang Sin Hyok강신혁ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressRi Hye Kyong리혜경CelloMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressChoe Ryong Ju최룡주FluteMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressRi Na Mi리나미Mansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressPak Chun Yong박춘영Mansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKim Sae Ran김새란ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKim Kum I김금이CelloMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKo Sin Yong고신영ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKim Chang Yong김창용ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressRi Song Hui리성희Mansudae Art Troupe
Son Jong Ae손정애Mansudae Art Troupe
2.16 Art Prize WinnerRi Myong Hui로명희ClarinetMansudae Art Troupe
2.16 Art Prize Winner

Merited Actress

O Yong Ran오영란CelloMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressKim Yong Hui김영희ViolinMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressO Yong Suk오영숙Mansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressJang Jae Ok장재옥PercussionsMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActorPak Kye Su박계수VocalsMansudae Art Troupe
People's Actor

Order of Korean Labour

Ju Chang Hyok주창혁VocalsMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActorPak Yong Sae박영새VocalsMansudae Art Troupe
People's ActorRo Yong Kwon로용권VocalsMansudae Art Troupe
Merited ActressPaek Jong Sung백정숭VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Choe Ok Suk최옥숙VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Kim Mi Suk김미숙VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Kim Won Ok김원옥VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Merited ActressKim Bong Hui김봉희VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Merited ActressChoe Kum Hui최금희VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Merited ActressRi Chun Hwa리춘화VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Merited ActressPaek Dok Hwa백덕화VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Ri Yong Hui리영희VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Ho Yon Ae허영애VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe
Merited ActressKim Hak Sun김학순VocalsPhibada Opera Troupe

North Korean songwriters and composers

Titles and AwardsNameKorean NameFieldFamous WorksOrchestraNotesRef
Hero of the DPRK Ri In Mo 리인모SongwritingLead By You We Will Win, Ode to Faith and Will, Thoughts on the Love Unconverted long-term prisonner imprisoned in South Korea and repatriated in 1993. Died in 2007.
Ri Chi Son리치선Songwriting
People's ArtistAn Jong Ho안정호CompositionThunder on Jong Il Peak, We Have WaitedPochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Moranbong BandVice Director of the Creative Section of the Moranbong Band
Yun Du Kun윤두군Songwriting
Song Kwang Rim성광림Composition
Pak Wal Bin박왈빈Composition
Kim Hyok김혁Composition, SongwritingWe Have Nothing to Envy in this World, Spring GirlMajor composer of Kim Il Sung-era music.
Merited ArtistKang Kun Hong강군홍CompositionBand of the Mass Gymnastics Production CompanyComposer and arranger of music for mass gymnastics displays. [1]
People's ArtistJo Jae Son조재선CompositionBand of the Mass Gymnastics Production CompanyComposer and arranger of music for mass gymnastics displays. [1]
People's ArtistHwang Jin Yong황진영CompositionWithout a Break, A Mountain Flower, Traces of LifePochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Moranbong Band, Korean Radio and Film Music Orchestra
U Jong Hui우정희CompositionPochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Moranbong BandDirector of the Creative Section of the Moranbong Band
Song Kwang Rim송광림CompositionAlways Longing for Him, My Country Has Many Heroes, My Dear MotherlandMansudae Art Troupe, Phibada Opera TroupeVolume 77 of the Mansudae Art Troupe's CD releases is dedicated to his compositions.
Order of the National Flag Pak Wal Bin박왈빈CompositionImmortal in the People’s Minds, We Shall Go with the Party ForeverVolume 107 of the CD series 'Songs of Korea' is dedicated to his compositions. Pak also holds the rank of Senior Colonel in the KPA Ground Forces.
Kim Hae Song김해성ArrangementWe Shall Be Loyal ForeverPochonbo Electronic EnsembleArranged classical pieces into electronic renditions.
Merited ActorKim Mun Hak김문학ArrangementYoung Hearts Engraved in the TidelandPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
People's ArtisteKu Seung Hae구승해ArrangementYangsando, Ongheya, Peasant MusicPochonbo Electronic Ensemble
People's ArtisteJang Ryong Sik장령식ArrangementMy Warm Love Will Protect YouPochonbo Electronic Ensemble

Music bands, groups and orchestras

NameOther NamesKorean NameMain GenreStatusDivisionsNotable MembersNotesRef
Central Military Band of the Korean People's Army Korean People's Army Marching Band, DPRK Army Orchestra조선인민군군악단MilitaryActiveWomen's Military Marching Band of the Ministry of People's Security of the DPRK [2]
Isang Yun Orchestra Yun I Sang Orchestra윤이상관현악단OrchestralActiveKang Ryong Ung (Conductor), Kim Chol Ryong (concertmaster)Rarely featured in North Korean media.
Mansudae Art Troupe 만수대예술단Varied (including orchestral and operatic music)ActivePochonbo Electronic Ensemble, Samjiyon Band, Mansudae Chorus
Moranbong Band Moranbong Electronic Ensemble, Moranbong Electronic Music Band, Moran Hill Orchestra모란봉악단Pop, fusionRetiredHyon Song Wol (director)
Chongbong Band 청봉악단Pop, light musicRetiredOvershadowed by the Moranbong Band, the Chongbong Band often performed in joint performances.
Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble Pochonbo Light Music Ensemble보천보전자악단Pop, trot RetiredMoranbong ChorusKim Kwang Suk (vocalist), Jon Hye Yong (vocalist), Hyon Song Wol (vocalist)
State Symphony Orchestra of the DPRK National Symphony Orchestra조선국립교향악단SymphonicActiveKim Pyong Hwa (lead conductor), Choi Ki Hyok (concertmaster)
Unhasu Orchestra 은하수관현악단Pop, classicalDisbandedRi Myong Il (lead conductor, Mun Kyong Jin (concertmaster)
Wangjaesan Art Troupe Wangjaesan Light Music Band왕재산예술단Light music, pop, gymnastics musicActiveWangjaesan Light Music Band, Wangjaesan Dance Troupe, Chongbong BandRyom Chong (lead vocalist), Hyon Song Wol (vocalist)Renamed from 'Light Music Band' to 'Art Troupe' in 2009.
Samjiyon Band Samjiyon Orchestra삼지연악단Pop, classicalActiveUnnamed female song and dance group Kim Ok Ju (vocalist), Han Hong Myong (vocalist)
Band of the Mass Gymnastics Production CompanyMass gymnastics musicUnknownCreated by a need for live music during mass gymnastics performances. Such a need was replaced by speakers in the 2010 Arirang Festival. [1]
Band of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRKEnsemble of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK국뮈위원회연주단Pop, classicalUnknownUnnamed female song and dance group Kim Ok Ju (vocalist), Kim Thae Ryong (vocalist)

See also

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The Moranbong Band, also known as the Moran Hill Orchestra, is a North Korean girl group. The original members were selected by the country's supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. Performing interpretive styles of pop, rock, and fusion, they are the first all-female band from the DPRK, and made their world debut on 6 July 2012. Their varied musical style has been described as symphonic because it is "putting together different kinds of sounds, and ending in a harmonious, pleasing result."

The "Song of Happiness" or "Warm Welcome Music" is the entrance music of the leaders of North Korea. It has been played for all three of the past leaders, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un, whenever they enter or leave a public event. Generally during their entrance, the crowd chants cheers of manse, similar to the Japanese banzai salute.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Won-gyun</span> Composer of the North Korean anthem (1917–2002)

Kim Won-gyun was a North Korean composer and politician. He is considered one of the most prominent, if not the most celebrated, composer of North Korea. He composed "Aegukka" — the national anthem of the country — and "Song of General Kim Il-sung", in addition to revolutionary operas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samjiyon Band</span>

The Samjiyon Band is a North Korean classical music ensemble.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kim Song Mo, Thak Song Il, Kim Chol Man (2002). Mass Gymnastics in Korea. Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House (North Korea). p. 30.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ "Военный оркестр Корейской народной армии". amur-waves.ru. Archived from the original on 2020-12-08. Retrieved 2018-10-19.
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