Jo Dong Jin

Jo Dong-jin was a pioneering figure in South Korea's contemporary folk music scene. Born on September 3, 1947, in Seoul, he was the son of film director Jo Geung-ha. Jo began his music career by performing with bands at U.S. Army bases in 1966. He made his official debut with the album "Jo Dong-jin" in 1979, which later gained recognition as one of the 100 most influential records in Korean music. Known for his meditative and melodic lyrics, Jo is often referred to as the "godfather of Korean underground music," thanks in part to founding the Hana Music community, which supported emerging folk artists throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

After a hiatus following his fifth album in 1996, Jo continued to release music through collaborations with Hana Music members. His final album, "As a Tree," released in 2016, earned him significant accolades, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Album at the Korean Music Awards. Jo passed away on August 28, 2017, at the age of 70, after battling bladder cancer. Despite his health challenges, Jo remained dedicated to his craft, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Korean folk music.

Genres

K-ballad

Latest Release

조동진 Remaster

Jo Dong Jin

Album - 48 Tracks - Released August 8, 2017