Jeju, South Korea – The esteemed Harvard University a cappella ensemble, The Krokodiloes, is set to bring their renowned harmonies to Jeju Island, South Korea, on July 6, 2025. This highly anticipated visit will culminate in a significant performance at 4:00 PM at the Baekjanggun Gallery performance hall within Jeju Stone Park, following a morning concert at 10:00 AM at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park Exhibition Hall's second-floor lobby. The latter performance will be live-streamed on The Krokodiloes' official YouTube channel.
The concert at Jeju Stone Park, a collaborative effort between Gallery Nouveau (led by CEO Song Jeong-hee) and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education, with the support of Jeju Stone Park (Director Kim Dong-hee), fulfills The Krokodiloes' expressed desire to perform in a venue deeply intertwined with Jeju's rich history.
Founded in 1946, The Krokodiloes stand as Harvard University's oldest and most prestigious a cappella group, comprising twelve talented male undergraduates. Over their illustrious seven-decade history, they have captivated audiences worldwide with a diverse repertoire spanning pop, jazz, swing, ballads, and rock, characterized by their musical excellence, youthful exuberance, and witty interpretations of classic tunes from "the Great American Songbook and beyond." Their performances have graced stages at iconic venues such as the White House and Carnegie Hall, and they have entertained luminaries including Ella Fitzgerald, Princess Grace of Monaco, and King Bhumibol of Thailand. Legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, a personal friend of the group, lauded their "musicality, versatility, sense of style, and dedication to excellence," even composing a song specifically for them. Annually, the group embarks on extensive international tours, conducting over 200 concerts across more than 20 countries on six continents, serving as cultural ambassadors who foster an appreciation for a cappella music and promote cross-cultural exchange.
A poignant highlight of the upcoming Jeju concert will be a collaborative performance of "Song of the Camellia," a composition by Choi Sang-don that commemorates the Jeju 4.3 Incident. This special rendition will feature violinist Kim Min-hee and the Pyoseon High School Choir joining The Krokodiloes. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to acknowledging the pain of the Jeju 4.3 Incident and disseminating a powerful message of peace globally. In alignment with this theme, an exhibition of artwork prepared over two months by Pyoseon High School students as part of the Jeju 4.3 Art Project will be displayed at the concert hall entrance.
Jeju Stone Park, where the main concert will take place, is an ecological and cultural sanctuary that profoundly explores Jeju's distinct stone culture, drawing inspiration from the island's foundational myths, including those of Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae) and the Obaek Janggun (Five Hundred Generals). The park, which began its construction in 1999 and reached completion in February 2021, spans 327 hectares and serves as a vital historical and cultural repository. It features the Jeju Stone Museum, a garden celebrating island mythology, an outdoor exhibition hall, and a traditional folk village, all meticulously curated to reflect the deep connection between Jeju's people and its volcanic landscape. Director Baek Un-cheol notably dedicated four decades to collecting the stone sculptures that enrich the park's exhibits.
The Jeju 4.3 Incident, a profoundly tragic period in modern Korean history, unfolded between March 1, 1947, and September 21, 1954. It stemmed from an armed uprising on April 3, 1948, primarily by communist guerrillas, against the U.S. military government and the impending establishment of a separate South Korean government. This period was marked by brutal armed conflicts and severe suppression by government forces, leading to the deaths of an estimated 14,000 to 30,000 civilians, representing approximately 10% of Jeju's population. Thousands more endured injury, torture, and detention, and countless homes and villages were devastated. For over five decades, the incident was officially downplayed as a "riot" for political reasons. However, a significant turning point occurred in 2000 with the enactment of the "Special Act on Discovering the Truth of the Jeju 4.3 Incident and the Restoration of Honor of the Victims." Subsequent findings in 2003 officially acknowledged both the armed uprising and the widespread victimization of innocent civilians during the suppression. A national memorial day was established in 2014, reaffirming the nation's commitment to remembrance and reconciliation. The Jeju 4.3 Peace Park stands as a solemn monument dedicated to honoring the victims and fostering a future of peace and coexistence.
Song Jeong-hee, CEO of Gallery Nouveau, expressed her hopes for the event, stating, "This collaboration between a world-renowned a cappella group from Harvard and our local high school students is a precious opportunity to present a harmony of peace and unity." She further encouraged widespread interest and participation in the concert, emphasizing its role in conveying the enduring value of Jeju's history to a global audience through the evocative power of music and art.
The a cappella performance itself will be free of charge for all attendees. Standard admission fees for Jeju Stone Park will apply: 2,500 won for Jeju residents and 5,000 won for non-residents, with group discounts available. This event promises to be a deeply meaningful cultural exchange, blending exceptional musical talent with a powerful message of healing and remembrance on the historic island of Jeju.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
