Deulgukhwa

Deulgukhwa

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1982
Founder	Jeon In-kwon, Choi Seong-won, Heo Seong-wook, Jo Deok-hwan
Defunct	2013
Headquarters	South Korea
Area served	South Korea
Products	Music albums

Deulgukhwa () was a South Korean rock ensemble established in 1982 by Jeon In-kwon, Choi Seong-won, Heo Seong-wook, and Jo Deok-hwan. Recognized as one of the leading rock bands in Korea throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they have earned the nickname "Korea's Beatles."

Their first album, March, was launched in September 1985 and included popular tracks such as "That's My World" and "March". The group dissolved following the underperformance of their sophomore album and disagreements over creative direction.

Amidst the military regime of the 1980s, Deulgukhwa introduced a Korean rock style characterized by defiant lyrics and Jeon In-kwon's unique vocal delivery, setting them apart from the prevalent soft ballads and trot music. Their prominence arose from album sales and live shows rather than mainstream media exposure, marking them as pioneers in Korea's underground music movement. In 2007, March was honored as the best Korean popular music album by Kyunghyang Shinmun.

History

The band originated in August 1982 with Jeon In-kwon on vocals, Heo Seong-wook playing piano, and Choi Seong-won on bass. Their inaugural performance took place in November 1982 at the Sejong Center located in Jongno. The name 'Deulgukhwa' was inspired by the chewing gum Heo Seong-wook was enjoying during their naming session. After recruiting Jo Deok-hwan, they released their debut record March in September 1985. Despite minimal radio exposure, this album sold over 800,000 copies, accompanied by sold-out shows in intimate theater venues. Following Jo Deok-hwan's exit, the band expanded to six members with Choi Goo-hee, Son Jin-tae, and Joo Chang-won joining for their second album You and I.

After five years together, the group disbanded in 1989. Jeon In-kwon revived Deulgukhwa in 1995 with a fresh lineup. The passing of founding member Heo Seong-wook in 1998 preceded a reunion tour that extended until May 1999.

In 2012, Deulgukhwa officially regrouped for a comeback and held several small-scale concerts through 2013. On October 20, 2013, drummer Joo Chan-kwon succumbed to cancer; their self-titled reunion album was released posthumously on December 6, 2013. Shortly thereafter, the band disbanded again due to his passing. Jeon In-kwon conveyed interest in collaborating once more with Choi Seong-won but announced in 2014 that no reunion plans were underway.

Founding guitarist Jo Deok-hwan died from cancer on November 14, 2016. In recognition of their enduring impact on Korean popular music history, Deulgukhwa received an achievement award at the Korean Music Awards in 2021.

Members

• Jeon In-kwon – vocals, guitar
• Choi Seong-won – bass, guitar, vocals
• Heo Seong-wook – keyboard
• Jo Deok-hwan – guitar, vocals
• Joo Chan-kwon – drums, vocals
• Choi Goo-hee – guitar
• Son Jin-tae – guitar
• Min Jae-hyun – bass, vocals
• Lee Gun-tae – drums

Studio albums

Selected studio albums with chart positions and sales

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR
March 행진	Released: September 10, 1985 Label: Seorabeol Records Formats: LP, CD	—	KOR: 800,000+
You and I 들국화 II	Released: November 25, 1986 Label: Donga Music Formats: CD	—	—
Us 들국화 III	Released: April 1, 1995 Label: Synnara Music Formats: CD	—	—
Deulgukhwa 들국화	Released: December 6, 2013 Label: Deulgukhwa Company Formats: CD, digital download	11	KOR: 7,226

Compilation albums

Title	Album details
1979-1987 Memories of Deulgukhwa	Released: 1987 Formats: LP, CD
Deulgukhwa Best 12	Released: 1989 Formats: CD
Deulgukhwa Best	Released: 1995 Formats: CD

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Work nominated	Outcome
1986	Golden Disc Awards	Album Bonsang	March	Won
2014		Commission Special Award	Deulgukhwa	Won
2021	Korean Music Awards	Special Achievement	Deulgukhwa	Won