Jo Dong-jin

Jo Dong-jin (Korean: 조동진; Hanja: 趙東振) was a South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, and a pioneer of the country’s underground folk rock scene. Born on September 3, 1947, in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, he was the son of composer and film director Jo Geung-ha. He initially studied theater and film at Chung-Ang University but later transferred to and graduated from Sorabol College of Arts. Jo began his music career in 1966 as a guitarist and vocalist for the U.S. Eighth Army band Shagreen, performing on military bases in Dongducheon. He later worked as a session musician for influential folk artists such as Kim Se-hwan, Yang Hee-eun, and Song Chang-sik. In 1979, he debuted as a solo artist with his first album, Jo Dong-jin (Happiness), which was later recognized as one of Korea’s greatest albums. Over his lifetime, he released six albums, including Violet Flower (1985) and As a Tree (2016). Known as a mentor to many artists, Jo’s influence extended through the "Jo Dong-jin Division" at DongA Records, inspiring musicians like Kim Kwang-seok and Jang Pil-soon. His legacy was honored with Jo Dong-jin Remaster (2020). He passed away on August 28, 2017, due to bladder cancer.

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