Jeon In-kwon: 40 Years of Resilient Deulgukhwa Music

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A Legacy of Music and Resilience

Jeon In-kwon, the frontman of the legendary Korean rock band Deulgukhwa, has spent over four decades shaping the landscape of Korean music. At 72 years old, he continues to perform with the same passion that defined his early career. Recently, he was seen practicing at a rehearsal studio in Mapo Ward, Seoul, preparing for an upcoming concert that marks the 40th anniversary of Deulgukhwa’s debut.

During a recent interview, Jeon reflected on the journey of the band and his own personal struggles. “I’ve gone through many trials over the past 40 years,” he said. “When I faced hardships, naturally the members of Deulgukhwa suffered with me. But while I may have been frostbitten, frost never settled on Deulgukhwa’s music.” His words carry the weight of experience, yet they also reflect a deep sense of pride in the group’s enduring legacy.

The 40th anniversary concert, titled “Deulgukhwa Jeon In-kwon 40th Anniversary Concert – The Last Resonance,” is set to take place on September 20–21 at Yonsei University’s main auditorium in Seoul. It will be a celebration of the band’s history, featuring both classic hits and new material.

A Pioneering Force in Korean Rock

Deulgukhwa made its debut in 1985 with its first LP, which included tracks like “Haengjin,” “That’s My World,” “With You Every Day,” and “Train to the World.” These songs not only became instant hits but also redefined the Korean music scene. Formed by Jeon (vocals), Choi Sung-won (bass), Heo Seong-uk (keyboard), Cho Deok-hwan (guitar), and Joo Chan-kwon (drums), the group brought a fresh energy to live performances and helped establish a golden era for Korean rock in the 1980s.

Jeon, as the frontman, also released solo hits such as “After Love” and “Round and Round,” further cementing his status as a musical icon. Despite the challenges the band faced, including the passing of three members—Joo Chan-kwon, Cho Deok-hwan, and Heo Seong-uk—Deulgukhwa never gave up.

“Forty years is an incredibly long time,” Jeon said. “But Deulgukhwa never gave up. Once you reach the peak of a mountain, the only way is down. But those who give up at that point are truly finished. The title ‘Last Resonance’ means that every ending is also another beginning.”

Timeless Music and Enduring Influence

Jeon’s music has continued to resonate with audiences across generations. Songs like “With You Every Day” saw a resurgence in popularity when featured in the TV drama “Reply 1988,” while “Haengjin” became an anthem during democratization rallies in the 1980s. His solo track “Don’t Worry My Dear” was even sung at the Gwanghwamun candlelight protests of 2016–2017.

He recalled fans such as the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, actress Uhm Jung-hwa, and film director Kwak Kyung-taek, saying, “Deulgukhwa’s music is timeless. I personally love ‘Please.’ The songs are human and pure, so anyone could relate to them.”

Despite periods of breakups and personal struggles, Jeon remained devoted to his craft. After their third album “Uri” (1995), Deulgukhwa reunited in 2012, only to face another setback after Joo Chan-kwon’s sudden death in 2013. Yet, the band continued to create music, releasing one final self-titled album before going on hiatus.

“I regret not being more consistent in my music career,” Jeon admitted. “But at some point, I felt as if I had married music itself. I just love music so deeply.”

A New Chapter in Music

For the 40th anniversary concert, Jeon will perform with the Jeon In-kwon Band, which includes Shin Seok-chul (drums), Kim Jeong-uk (bass), Cho Seung-yeon (keyboard), Lee Seo-jong (acoustic guitar), and Jeong Hyun-cheol (electric guitar). Alongside classic hits, the band will premiere two new songs: “Congratulations,” carrying the message “You are strong and precious,” and “My Mother Goes to the Market,” a tribute to his late mother.

When asked if “Congratulations” could also be interpreted as a cheer for Deulgukhwa’s 40th anniversary, Jeon simply replied, “Yes.”

Looking back on his career, Jeon believes that successful pop music is when he tells his story, and others like it too. “For people to embrace my story—that’s what makes popular music such a beautiful art form.”

As he prepares for the concert, Jeon remains as passionate as ever. “At any moment, just love music. If you love it, you’ll fall into it—that’s what happened to me.”