I first encountered Hilgeum in Brussels, during a performance that was not planned on my agenda but immediately captured my attention. There was something striking about the trio — not only the elegance of their stage presence, but the quiet intensity of their sound, which made the audience pause and listen.

Since that moment, Hilgeum has continued to appear on stages across Europe, introducing audiences to Korean traditional instruments in ways that feel both fresh and deeply rooted. Their music resonates naturally beyond cultural boundaries, creating a space where tradition and contemporary expression meet effortlessly.

Their journey now brings them to Germany. Hilgeum will be performing at the Korean Cultural Center Berlin (KCC Berlin), offering the local community — and anyone curious about Korean traditional arts — an opportunity to experience their unique musical world. With the kind assistance of KCC Berlin, we had the opportunity to interview the group ahead of their performance.

1. The meaning behind the name “Hilgeum” and the group’s musical identity
Hilgeum: “Hilgeum combines Hil (詰), meaning ‘to resonate,’ with Geum (琴), the character used for traditional Korean string instruments such as gayageum, geomungo, and haegeum.

Every piece of music is created collaboratively. Each composition carries our individual stories and emotions while highlighting the unique character of each instrument. For us, music is a language through which we express who we are.”
2. What audiences can expect from the upcoming performance
Hilgeum: “We hope audiences will fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Korea’s traditional string instruments.

We want listeners to connect with the stories and emotions embedded in our music. If those resonances inspire new stories of their own and remain in their hearts long after the performance, that would be the greatest reward.”
3. How their musical background shapes their work
Hilgeum: “All three members studied Korean traditional music for more than ten years and completed both undergraduate and master’s degrees together at the Korea National University of Arts.

Traditional rhythms, melodies, and phrasing have become a natural part of who we are. We do not consciously try to combine tradition with contemporary music — we simply create the music we genuinely want to make.”
Hilgeum Instruments Close-up
© Yeyoung Cho, 2024
4. Themes and emotions reflected in their current works
Hilgeum: “Music has the power to connect people beyond language and culture.

Our works explore themes such as emptiness, self-censorship, longing for an ideal place, and determination. These are universal emotions that transcend cultural backgrounds.”
5. Current projects and future plans
Hilgeum: “For the past two years, we have participated in Neo Tradition, a cultural exchange project connecting artists from Korea, China, and Japan.

We are preparing new projects with contemporary musicians, expanding Hilgeum’s sound into a band format and exploring new possibilities across genres.”
6. A message for the audience in Germany
Hilgeum: “We hope people will remember and enjoy the unique musical world Hilgeum has created.

We are delighted to share this performance with audiences in Germany and hope it will be the beginning of many opportunities to return.”

Hilgeum represents a new wave of artists who embrace Korean tradition while shaping it into a contemporary, emotional, and deeply personal musical language. Their performance at KCC Berlin offers a rare opportunity to experience the resonance of Korea’s string instruments through a trio that continues to redefine what tradition can mean today.