YB, formerly known as Yoon Do-hyun Band, is a renowned South Korean rock band formed in 1996. The band’s lineup includes Yoon Do-hyun (lead vocals, keyboard, guitar), Heo Jun (guitar, keyboard), Kim Jin-won (drums), Park Tae-hee (bass guitar), and Scott Hellowell (guitar). With their blend of classic and modern rock, YB has made a significant impact on South Korea’s music scene and beyond.
The band first gained widespread acclaim during the 2002 World Cup, performing in front of a global audience and cementing their place in rock history. Their popularity surged again in 2011 when they participated in the Korean TV show “I Am a Singer,” a show that became a cultural phenomenon across Asia. YB’s dynamic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting have earned them accolades such as the “Best Music” award from Korea’s major broadcast stations KBS, MBC, and SBS. They also received the “Mnet Specialized Award” at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards and the WPMA (World Peace Music Award) in 2003 for their human rights efforts.
YB has released nine full-length studio albums, including notable live albums like “Yoon Do-hyun Band” (2000), “Live is Life” (2002), “After 10 Years” (2007), and “I Bow” (2010). Their musical style combines classic rock influences with modern elements and a distinct Korean cultural identity.
The band continues to be a major force in rock music, regularly headlining significant Korean rock festivals such as Pentaport and Busan International Rock Festival. Their historic performance in Pyongyang on April 1, 2018, marked the first time a rock band officially performed in North Korea. In 2021, YB contributed a cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True” to the charity tribute album “The Metallica Blacklist.”
With a career spanning nearly three decades, YB remains a pivotal figure in Korean rock, known for their powerful live shows and enduring influence.
