Herbie Hancock, an 85-year-old jazz legend, is scheduled to perform at the 18th Seoul Jazz Festival from May 22 to 24 at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul. This will be Hancock's first visit to Korea in 11 years following a collaboration with Chick Corea in 2015. Renowned for his innovative contributions to jazz music for over six decades, Hancock has won 14 Grammy Awards and is hailed as a key figure in transforming the jazz landscape through electric jazz experiments and incorporating elements from funk, rock, and electronic music into his work.

Hancock first gained recognition as a core member of the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s, where he introduced new harmonies and textures to jazz. He later led the band ‘Head Hunters’, further pushing the boundaries by merging various music genres, including the use of synthesizers and hip-hop beats in the 1980s. His impactful performances and Grammy-winning albums, including his work for the film 'Round Midnight' which earned him an Academy Award, showcase his significant influence on both jazz and popular music.

The announcement of the festival's second lineup also highlights various international artists, combining genres like soul, funk, and hip-hop. Artists such as Janelle Monáe and FKJ will perform, along with well-known domestic acts like Seventeen and Epik High, reflecting a diverse and multi-generational musical presence at this event. The lineup promises a unique blending of musical styles, attracting a wide audience of jazz enthusiasts and general music fans alike, underscoring the continuing evolution of jazz in contemporary music culture.