Gukju Kim

Gukju Kim is a bandoneonist based in Gwangju, South Korea, and the leader of the Kim Gukju Band — an ensemble dedicated to bringing the world of tango to new audiences. He is the only bandoneon player active in the Gwangju and South Jeolla region, and has been a leading voice in popularising tango music there.

His music draws on the tradition of Astor Piazzolla, weaving together orthodox tango and jazz into a sound that is at once precise and deeply felt. Praised for his dazzling finger technique and a tone that is both dreamy and intense, he brings a distinctly personal sensibility to every performance.

The Kim Gukju Band features bandoneon, piano, contrabass, and violin or vibraphone, performing across classical and jazz stages. In 2022, Kim released his debut album First Outing — a collection of original works reflecting on the emotions and experiences of his thirties.