Boohwal marks 40th anniversary, vows to keep creative spark alive

Boohwal marks 40th anniversary, vows to keep creative spark alive: K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2026-04-06 07:35:10

▲ Boohwal, a South Korean rock band celebrating its 40th debut anniversary, poses ahead of an interview with Yonhap News at its agency office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on April 1, 2026. From left: Chae Je-min (drum), Choi Woo-je (bass), Kim Tae-won (leader and guitar) and Park Wan-kyu (vocal). (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- Veteran South Korean rock band Boohwal said it has never run out of creative energy over its four-decade career, likening itself to a “famous long-standing restaurant” with a distinctive flavor.

“Our 40-year-old sound is consistent anytime, anywhere. The experience we’ve built up over the years is like a well-known restaurant that never disappoints,” vocalist Park Wan-kyu said.

Formed in 1985 and debuting the following year, Boohwal has endured numerous lineup changes and ups and downs while continuing to thrive in a music scene where rock has long been considered a niche genre.

The band broke stereotypes that rock music is harsh and difficult, producing a string of hits with poetic lyrics and lyrical melodies, including "Heeya," "The Story of Rain and You" and "Never Ending Story."

Yonhap News met band leader and guitarist Kim Tae-won, drummer Chae Je-min, vocalist Park and bassist Choi Woo-je in Seoul earlier this week as the group celebrates its 40th anniversary.

“I like seolleongtang, and when you visit restaurants that have been around for over 50 years, 40 years doesn’t feel that long,” Kim said. “I just try to maintain the mindset I had when I was young.”

Chae said he feels a deep sense of pride. “When I was younger, I thought musicians who lasted 40 years would be doing dinner shows. But now that time has passed, I feel proud that we’ve endured it all.”

The band’s turbulent history includes frequent member changes, with Kim being the only constant member. A total of 10 vocalists have passed through the group, including Kim Jong-seo, Lee Seung-chul and Jung Dong-ha. Park, who first joined for the band’s fifth album, returned in 2019 and remains the current frontman.

“It felt like coming home,” Park said of his return. “I gained popularity through TV shows, but singing others’ songs left nothing behind. Since Boohwal was my starting point, I felt it was right to come back and sing ‘our songs.’”

Kim described Park as “the last vocalist of Boohwal,” adding, “This lineup is forever.”

Asked how the band has sustained itself for 40 years, Kim compared its journey to a voyage.

“A band is like a ship, and our activities are like sailing. You can’t do it alone — you need at least four people to move the ship and head in the direction you want,” he said.

“Over the past 40 years, we’ve gone through shipwrecks and storms, even moments where our lives felt at risk. But now we’re close to our destination — continuing to make music together until the very end.”

Last month, Boohwal released the first part of its 14th full-length album, "Where Is Here," marking its first studio album in 14 years since its 13th album in 2012.

▲ This poster provided by Boohwal Entertainment promotes the release of the first part of its 14th studio album, "Where Is Here," on March 28, 2026, marking its first studio album in 14 years since its 13th album in 2012. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

The album, which includes the title track "The Wind on the Sail," along with "Melting into Flowers," "Flower" and "Scenery," reflects the band’s pursuit of purity.

In "The Wind on the Sail," the band sings about returning home — a metaphor for purity — while emphasizing a childlike perspective that finds joy in simple things, such as making a snowman rather than worrying about traffic or snow removal.

“You need at least a small fragment of purity to make music,” Kim said. “Many of the problems in today’s world come from the absence of that purity.”

The album also highlights the band’s identity through intricate instrumentation. "Melting into Flowers" features an extended instrumental outro, while "Flower" includes synthesized sounds of migratory birds created by bassist Choi.

A notable track is "In Heaven," originally from the band’s second album and reinterpreted by the late Shin Hae-chul. The recording, made in the mid-1990s for a tribute album, had remained unreleased until now.

“I felt the song reflected Shin’s final sentiments,” Kim said. “I wanted to include it in an album someday so he could be remembered.”

Kim, who composed all tracks on the album, said songwriting often requires pushing himself to extremes. “Sometimes I joke that I need to catch a cold to write music,” he said.

“Our music blends elements that are neither strictly minor nor major, combined with influences from bands like Led Zeppelin. It reflects Korean sentiment in its own way,” he added.

“Fortunately, my inspiration hasn’t stopped,” Kim said. “Even when questions arise painfully, moving toward answers is the joy of a creator. If that process is like a spring, then mine has never run dry.”

Boohwal is currently on a nationwide tour celebrating its 40th anniversary, with performances scheduled in cities including Seoul, Jeonju and Gimhae. The band plans to release the second part of its 14th album later this year.

“On stage, the true value of a 40-year-old band really shines,” Choi said. “Seeing audiences of all ages come together and sing along reminds me what kind of band Boohwal is — and it feels both humbling and rewarding.”