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Kings of Convenience to Headline Inaugural SJF at the Theater Concert Series This November

Kim Ji-hye

입력 : 2026.07.02 14:06|수정 : 2026.07.02 14:08


Kings of Convenience (Photo courtesy of Getty Images Korea)
Norwegian folk-pop duo Kings of Convenience, affectionately nicknamed “Pyeonriwang” by Korean fans, will be returning to Korea for a concert this November.

Concert promoter Private Curve announced, "We are launching a new concert series titled SJF at the Theater at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts this November. The first artist to grace the stage will be Kings of Convenience."

SJF at the Theater is an expansion of the brand behind the Seoul Jazz Festival (SJF), a premier music festival held annually in Korea. The series aims to bring the atmosphere of the outdoor spring festival into a theater setting during the autumn season, offering a more intimate and immersive concert experience. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts holds special significance for the series, as it served as the venue for the Seoul Jazz Festival from its inaugural event in 2007 through its fifth edition in 2011.

Kings of Convenience, consisting of Eirik Glambek Bøe and Erlend Øye, formed in 1999 and made their mark with their 2001 debut album, Quiet Is The New Loud. The album garnered significant attention for its delicate acoustic guitar work and vocal harmonies, reaching number one on the Norwegian album charts.

Their second studio album, Riot On An Empty Street (2004), showcased a richer musical landscape by incorporating instruments such as piano, trumpet, viola, and cello. The album reached number two on the Norwegian charts and entered the Billboard Independent Albums chart, further expanding their international recognition. Notably, tracks such as Homesick and Misread climbed high on domestic music charts, playing a major role in building their dedicated fan base in Korea.

The duo's third album, Declaration Of Dependence (2009), was praised for solidifying their identity by emphasizing their signature acoustic sound and calm, emotive vocals. It also marked their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing their status as global artists. In 2021, they released their fourth studio album, Peace Or Love, after a 12-year hiatus, showcasing a mature sound that retained their timeless sensibility.

Kings of Convenience have a special affection for Korea. They have held four solo concerts in the country—in 2008, 2010, 2023, and 2025—and have performed at the Seoul Jazz Festival in 2013, 2016, and 2025. This upcoming event marks their first solo concert in a large-scale theater since their 2010 performance at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, promising to deliver their warm, lyrical melodies and beautiful harmonies to a larger audience.

Additional lineups for the SJF at the Theater series will be announced sequentially. Tickets for SJF at the Theater featuring Kings of Convenience will be available for purchase starting July 7 (Tuesday) at 4:00 PM through Sejong Center Tickets, Melon Ticket, and Yes24 Ticket. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)