Army's military band to join largest U.S. military music festival

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Published: 16 Apr. 2026, 17:52

A Korea navy military band performs at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Feb. 28. [NEWS1]

Korea's military band will take part in the largest U.S. military music festival this week aimed at boosting friendly ties between allies, officials said Thursday.

The Virginia International Tattoo, scheduled to take place from Thursday to Sunday, will bring together over 800 performers from five countries, including Britain, France and Canada. A military tattoo is an elaborate, ceremonial performance of music, drums, and drill display by armed forces.

This year, 75 people from the Army's military band, along with its taekwondo team, will participate in the event, performing the Korean folk song “Arirang,” and the soundtrack song “Golden” (2025) from Netflix's animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” (2025).

Launched in 1997, the Virginia International Tattoo is considered the largest display of military bands in the United States. This year's event will center on celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's independence with performances from its major allies.

Yonhap