The 45-year-old comedian Kim Jun-hyun is officially making his debut behind the drum kit.
Long known for flexing his musical chops on TV, Kim has formed a new band with singer Hong Kyung-min, former Yada guitarist Jeon In-hyuk, hitmaker composer Jo Young-soo, and singer Jo Jung-min.
According to multiple broadcast insiders, Kim has spent the past several months in joint rehearsals gearing up for the band’s launch. “He’s well past amateur level―borderline pro,” one source says, adding, “His drum work is especially polished, which surprised everyone.”
Hong Kyung-min is said to be leading the group. On the 8th, he teased the project on social media, describing it as “the kind of band that makes you go, ‘What is this?’” and revealing the name: Amoodda Band―a tongue-in-cheek nod to a Korean phrase meaning “no questions asked.” “Our start and finish might be humble, but finding something this fun at our age isn’t easy,” he wrote. “An unexpected lineup with unexpected chemistry―coming soon.”
In Amoodda Band, Kim handles drums, Hong serves as leader and bassist, Jeon plays guitar, and both Jo Young-soo and Jo Jung-min are on keyboards. The vocalist is still under wraps.
Kim has previously shown off guitar, harmonica, and drum skills on variety hits like “Go Show,” “SNL Korea,” and “Delicious Guys.” On a 2012 episode of “Go Show,” his explosive drum solo had viewers saying he looked more at home in a band than in comedy. He also played harmonica on “Rainbow Boy” from Ha Hyun-woo’s solo EP “Ithaca,” and more recently drew notice for his vocals with the remake single “Nocturne.”
“Kim isn’t dabbling in a hobby―he’s taken music seriously for years,” a broadcast insider adds. “Debuting as a drummer is a natural next step.”
Amoodda Band’s first official stage and activity schedule are being finalized, with recording sessions and performance prep set to begin soon.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)