COUNTRY GONGBANG

Q&A with the band

1. How did Country Gongbang start? What drew the band towards bluegrass music?

Country Gongbang was formed by Yebin (vocals), Hyunho (banjo), and Giha (bass), who first met as university classmates. They began by playing country pop and country rock, which became the foundation of their sound. Over time, their interest in bluegrass deepened, and they invited Jongsoo (fiddle) and Sunjae (guitar) to join, completing the band’s lineup.

2. What are some of the band’s influences? Artists, people, concepts, etc.

Our first album was shaped by traditional bluegrass influences such as Alison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent. For our second album, we drew inspiration from Punch Brothers, classical music, jazz, and other genres, which allowed us to create a more expansive and diverse sound.

3. What does the band feel their musical goals are?

Our goal is to explore the depth of traditional bluegrass while also developing a sound that is distinctly Country Gongbang.

4. What has the response to the band’s unique blend of genres been like both in Korea and abroad?

Audiences have responded very positively, often saying our music feels fresh and new. While we reinterpret the traditional bluegrass sound in our own way, we make sure to preserve its essence. This balance has allowed even longtime bluegrass fans to enjoy our music without hesitation.

5. How does the group feel like they have evolved since their inception? Have their musical goals/performance styles changed?

We’ve changed a lot since we started, and that growth is clear in the difference between our first and second albums. Our debut focused on capturing the traditional bluegrass style, while the second blended in elements of K-pop, classical, and Irish music. Naturally, our performance style has also evolved alongside the music.

6. How does the group feel their previous experience touring in the US will influence their journey this time out?

Our three-month tour last year was an incredible experience. We met and jammed with artists we had only admired online, and hearing them live was electrifying. We also performed on amazing stages such as the Grand Ole Opry and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. That tour broadened our perspective and gave us confidence, and we believe it will make this tour even more meaningful.

7. What lies in the future for Country Gongbang?

Two years ago, we received a grant from the International Bluegrass Music Association, which gave us a strong sense of mission. Since bluegrass is still not widely known in Korea, we want to share it with more audiences at home and across Asia. Beyond that, we dream of performing more frequently in the U.S., on the same stages as the artists we admire most.