Bupyeong ASCOM Music Festival Re-evaluates the Historical Value of 'ASCOM', the Roots of Korean Popular Music

The historical space in Bupyeong, Incheon, where the Army Service Command (ASCOM) was located after liberation, has been re-evaluated through music. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its establishment, the Bupyeong Cultural Foundation held the 'ASCOM Music Festival' on September 19, carrying messages of peace and environmental restoration following the return of the US military base.

ASCOM, the Link Between US Military Club Culture and Korean Popular Music

ASCOM (Army Service Command) was a central hub for US military supplies in the past and a space where American popular culture, such as rock and roll, jazz, blues, and pop, rapidly flowed in from the mid-1950s. At that time, there were 12 US military clubs within the base, and 23 civilian clubs were formed in the surrounding area. It holds historical place-ness as a location where early Korean popular music musicians, such as Shin Joong Hyun, Bae Ho, Hyun Mee, and Han Myeong-suk, were active in connection with this surrounding club culture.

Musicians participating in the video mentioned the musical heritage held by this space. Singer Kang Huh Dalim explained that ASCOM and the US 8th Army were places where blues, jazz, and soul music were introduced and where the first generation of Korean popular music pioneers emerged. She shared stories from senior musicians who could hear sketches of the club music scene at the time, mentioning anecdotes such as the late guitarist Choi Su-yong performing in a club within the 8th Army base before leaving for Hong Kong. Kang Huh Dalim stated that this festival carries the meaning of a 'return to the roots.'

"Regretful that local-based performance stages are decreasing"... The local scene musicians hope for

Musicians who took the festival stage expressed their thoughts on the space of Bupyeong and the local music ecosystem. Singer-songwriter Lee Jang Hyuk mentioned his connection with 'Ruby Records' located in Bupyeong in the past, naming Bupyeong and Incheon as familiar spaces. He expressed regret over the decrease in local-based performances compared to the past and hoped for an environment where representative clubs exist in each region so that local musicians can be active. He mentioned the case of Daegu, expressing his wish that such an environment be prepared in all regions.

Singer Kang Huh Dalim also mentioned various cultural projects in Bupyeong-gu, sharing her opinions on performances containing a unique identity that only Bupyeong-gu can show, such as the ASCOM Music Festival and the Pyeongdolgut Festival. In this festival, Golden Donut, Kang Huh Dalim, Lee Jang Hyuk, and Siingwa Chonjang took the stage, adding to the heat of the scene.

20th Anniversary of Bupyeong Cultural Foundation, the sustainability of local culture and arts

This event carries the meaning of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bupyeong Cultural Foundation, which has continued various cultural projects for 20 years under the name of Bupyeong Art Center. The performers congratulated the foundation on its 20th anniversary and left messages hoping that continuous cultural activities that highlight the characteristics of the region will continue in the future. Lee Jang Hyuk shared news of preparing a new album and greeted fans by saying he would do his best, while blessing the future of the foundation.