K-Music Night: Kim Changwan Band, TOUCHED & Monday Feeling

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korean National Liberation, the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) and KOCCA NY proudly presented a dynamic showcase of Seoul superstars—featuring a golden legend of Korean pop and the rising standard-bearers of modern K-rock.

John B. Kim (Bassist) and Yunmin (Vocalist and Guitarist) of Touched.

Unfolding in the heart of New York City on August 6, 2025, this unforgettable night was part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series. Presented by KCCNY in collaboration with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and KOCCA NY, the event was supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with international relations coordinated by Yellowbomb.

Kim Changwan at Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center.

A true Korean rock icon, Kim Changwan has been making music since the 70s—and now in his 70s, he’s still lighting up the stage with the same passion.

What made the night even more magical was watching generations of Korean families—elders, parents, and children—come together over music that has stood the test of time. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a shared memory in motion.

A standout moment was the performance of “Meaning of You,” a collaboration between IU and Kim Changwan. The track beautifully showcases the band’s ongoing evolution, seamlessly blending contemporary artistry with their signature timeless sound.

Kim Changwan at Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center.

Touched at Damsrosch Park, Lincoln Center.

All the way from South Korea, the co-ed K-Rock group @touched_official was a major highlight of the night, leaving concertgoers in awe as we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan. With their guitar-driven sound and emotionally expansive songwriting, the band has risen to prominence on international festival stages and music competition programs alike—highlighted by lead singer Yunmin’s record-breaking string of victories on the acclaimed reality show King of Mask Singer.

Their performance kicked off with Firepoem, a tribute to poet Yoon Dongju, whose passion for liberation echoed through every note. From guitar-heavy riffs to emotionally expansive melodies, Touched’s set took us to the highest heights.

Touched’s synergy was palpable from track to track, igniting the crowd with high-energy hits like “Hi Bully.” A standout moment came with Yunmin’s dynamic vocal delivery on “Stand Up!” where each lyric carried a sense of defiance and playful grit, encouraging the audience to jump from their seats and rock alongside the band.

John B. Kim and Kim Seungbin of Touched.

For their first performance in NYC, TOUCHED delivered an unforgettable rendition of “Highlight,” the song that first put them on the map during their time on Great Seoul Invasion. After witnessing this electric performance, it’s easy to see why they not only maintained a leading position throughout the show but ultimately won the Mnet band survival competition.

Monday Feeling's Ian at Damsrosch Park, Lincoln Center.

The concert also showcased Monday Feeling's vocalist/songwriter IAN in between Touched and Kim Changwan Band's sets. The band has cemented its place in Korea’s rock scene, performing at major rock festivals and high-profile concerts across the country.

“Tell Me Why” offered a poignant showcase of Ian’s vocal vulnerability—a stirring moment that deeply resonated with the audience, who swayed gently to the song’s melancholic atmosphere.

This year, the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) and KOCCA have brought together a powerful lineup of cultural programming—and their latest initiative is no exception. In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, KCCNY, in partnership with the Korean Film Archive, proudly presents K-Film Series: Beyond Liberation.

Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center New York.

This special film series celebrates the rich artistic legacy and historical journey of Korean cinema over the past eight decades. From timeless classics preserved by the Korean Film Archive to globally recognized works—including titles featured in The New York Times’ list of “The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century”—the program offers a compelling look at how Korean cinema has evolved in dialogue with the nation’s modern history.

Beyond Liberation invites audiences to reflect on the resilience, identity, and creativity of Korean filmmaking through stories that have both shaped and mirrored Korea’s cultural and historical landscape.

The series kicked off with a sold-out screening of Harbin on August 15th. Up next is Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder, screening on August 20th. Be sure to RSVP while seats are still available—this is a cinematic journey you won’t want to miss.

For more details, please visit https://www.koreanculture.org/films/2025/08/15/k-film-series-beyond-liberation

Photos by Angel Polito