South Korean Group HoonDoo Performs Turkish Songs to Build Cultural Bridge
Date: September 06, 2026 | Location: Canakkale, Türkiye
Lee Seung Hoon and Doo Jin Soo of South Korean group HoonDoo perform at the ICDAS Kara Yusuf Congress Center in Canakkale as part of the Türkiye Culture Road Festival. (AA Photo)
South Korean group HoonDoo, recognized for adapting Turkish songs into Korean, is fostering friendship between their country and Türkiye. The group held its debut concert in Türkiye at Canakkale during the Türkiye Culture Road Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Korean Cultural Center.
During their visit, members Lee Seung Hoon and Doo Jin Soo explored local cuisine, indulging in dishes like sardines, kelle paca, and kokorec. Lee noted that their song choices often come from fan suggestions on social media, emphasizing that many fans express feeling a connection with the group, saying they’ve “become Turkish.”
Lee observed that both Turkish and Korean music share similar themes, such as sorrow and longing, which resonate deeply with audiences.
Reflections on Canakkale
Lee expressed pride in performing in a historic city like Canakkale, highlighting its natural beauty and the warmth of its people, a pleasant contrast to the fast pace of Seoul. He humorously mentioned the risks of gaining weight from the delicious local food, joking that they’ve already gained two kilograms.
He emphasized that if Koreans were asked to name their “brother nation,” the overwhelming response would be Türkiye. The group aims to maintain ties between the youth of both countries through music.
Song Selection and Cultural Connection
Doo Jin Soo explained that while they primarily perform K-pop, they lean on their opera training to sing pop songs, aiding them in singing in Turkish. Prioritizing fan suggestions, they research the background of each song they cover. He expressed excitement about performing with Turkish artist Bayhan during the festival, crediting him with inspiring their covers of Turkish songs.
Doo noted that many Koreans are aware of the Turkish support during the Korean War, contributing to the mutual respect and friendship felt between the nations.
