The Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble is an orchestra from North Korea. It is famous for its performances of revolutionary and folk songs. They have been reported to be one of the country's most popular groups.
The group takes its name from the Battle of Pochonbo on 4 June 1937, when a guerrilla unit under the leadership of Kim Il-sung attacked compounds of the Japanese occupation force in Pochonbo. The group was formed on June 4, 1985, from the electronic music section of the Mansudae Art Troupe. The group is the first electronic pop group in the country.
The Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble can be heard on North Korean radio stations. A total of 182 volumes (186 CDs) were released (due to rerelease of volumes 13-16 in the 1990s).
Known members
Hyon Song-wol - vocals (Merited Actress) Ri Kyong-suk - vocals (Merited Actress) Kim Kwang-suk (1964-2018) - vocals (People's Actress) Ri Pun-hui - vocals (Merited Actress) Jo Gum-hwa - vocals (Merited Actress) Chon Hye-young - vocals (People's Actress) Kim Jong-nyo - vocals Yun Hye-young - vocals Kim Won-il (Edited out from concerts re-released around 2009, and not mentioned as a member since then) - synthesizers (People's Actor) Kim Hae-song - synthesizers (Merited Actor) Kim Mun-hyok - synthesizers (Merited Actor) Kwon Kyong-hak - synthesizers Kim Song-ryop - synthesizers Jon Kwon - piano (People's Artist) Jang Jong-won - piano Ri Mun - electronic organ Kang Chol-ho - electronic organ (Merited Actor) Kang Gum-chol - electronic organ Park Ui-hyon - guitar Song Kwang - guitar (Merited Actor) Choe Yong-chol - guitar (Merited Actor) Kim Yong-il - bass guitar Choe Mun-chol - drums (Merited Actor) Kim Jin (missing from footage filmed 2015, status as a member is unknown) - percussion (Merited Actor) Kim Yeon-su - conductor (Merited Artist) Ri Jong-o (1943-2016) - conductor, major composer (People's Artist, Labour Hero, Kim Il Sung Order and Kim Il Sung Prize Winner)