'Poet and Village Chief' 45th Anniversary Concert: Iconic Songs Igniting a Renaissance of Korean Folk Music · Live Performances by Two Maestros, Ha Deok-gyu & Ham Chun-ho

"Among all the sights in the world, the most beautiful is this one
the scenery where everything returns to its rightful place"

45 Years of Lyricism, 'Poet and Village Chief' Returns Yet Again

Amid the long tunnel of COVID-19, global political turbulence, and the churn of war, audiences are searching for a place of peace. And just when that hope is most needed, one iconic song inevitably comes to mind: 'Poet and Village Chief'’s 'Pung-gyeong'. The folk duo 'Poet and Village Chief' ('Ha Deok-gyu', 'Ham Chun-ho'), which forged one of the most distinctly lyrical identities in the history of Korean popular music, takes the stage again on April 11, 2026, at 'Yonsei University’s Grand Auditorium'—celebrating their 45th debut anniversary.

The Resonance of Timeless Hits—A Synesthetic Live Experience Shared Across Generations

Recently, the YouTube channel [Sung Si-kyung’s Bureotende] episode featuring 'Poet and Village Chief' revisited the poetic and artistic value embedded in their music. A three-song live performance shaped by the meticulous duet interplay of the era’s top guitarist, 'Ham Chun-ho', and the vocals of 'Ha Deok-gyu', delivers a deep emotional resonance to audiences. That overwhelming sense of connection can be felt firsthand this coming Saturday evening at 'Yonsei University’s Grand Auditorium'.

'Yonsei University’s Grand Auditorium', where the concert will be held, is a symbolic pilgrimage site in Korean popular music—a place where countless legendary songs were born and where artistic synergy was forged. With the quiet charm of a city campus, it’s regarded as the ideal setting to fully enjoy the true essence of folk music that has remained unchanged for 45 years.

Two Maestros Reunite—Opening a New Renaissance of Korean Folk

Formed in 1981 with 'Ha Deok-gyu' at the center, 'Poet and Village Chief' took its name from the namesake novel by writer Seo Young-eun, pioneering a distinctly literary sensibility within Korean folk music. With the arrival of guitarist master 'Ham Chun-ho' in 1985, the landmark albums they released—such as 'Blue Sail' and 'Forest'—shifted the course of Korean popular music history. The 'Gasi-namu', 'Love Diary', and 'Pung-gyeong' they left behind have become messengers of comfort, soothing wounds across time.

This 45th anniversary concert is drawing major attention in the music industry, simply because these two maestros, who became stars in their respective realms, will share the same stage once again. 'Ha Deok-gyu'’s clear vocals that cut straight to the heart of life, and 'Ham Chun-ho'’s warm yet precise guitar melodies—together with a five-member band—promise a flawless ensemble for 100 minutes.

A High-Quality Live Performance Crafted with Mastery

The event organizer, Bliss ENT, said, "By combining the 'Yonsei University’s Grand Auditorium'’s distinctive spatial resonance with the lyrical sound of 'Poet and Village Chief', we will offer audiences an unforgettable spring evening," and added, "We are thoroughly preparing a premium live stage that showcases the two artists’ craftsmanship."

The power of legendary songs that reaches across generations—and the astonishing stage the two maestros will create. It will be remembered as the best performance of spring 2026.