Koreatown’s senior harmonica ensemble rises to national spotlight

When Koreatown Senior & Community Center harmonica ensemble stepped onto the ice rink at Crypto.com Arena, few could have imagined the impact their performance would have. What began as a community appearance at the LA Kings’ K-Town Night has now transformed into a moment of national celebration.

Their rendition of the U.S. national anthem, performed in front of more than 18,000 spectators, was met with a stadium-wide sing-along—an unexpected and deeply moving moment that was broadcast live across the country and quickly went viral on social media.

Clad in hanbok (traditional Korean attire), the 13-member group first performed on March 23, just before the puck dropped. The performance marked a celebration of Korean culture and community at a major National Hockey League (NHL) event, with their stirring harmonica notes soon joined by thousands of voices in unison. According to team officials, such spontaneous crowd participation is rare, and they described the rendition as “truly beautiful.”

The ensemble’s growing popularity has led to repeat performances during the LA Kings’ playoff games on April 21 and 23, where they were once again met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Coincidentally—or perhaps fatefully—the Kings won both matches, prompting fans and media alike to refer to the group as a lucky charm.

Media outlets including the LA Times, Washington Post, Associated Press and ESPN all spotlighted the senior performers, further cementing their newfound fame.

For the performers themselves, the experience has been transformative. Yangja Jung, 74, who played during the playoff games, described the experience as “indescribable,” recounting the excitement of television cameras, autograph requests from American fans, and being picked up in a limousine arranged by the team. “It felt like being a real star,” she said.

The LA Kings organization didn’t stop at the standing ovation. In a gesture of gratitude, the team presented a donation of $15,200 to the Koreatown Senior & Community Center during the center’s Mother’s Day celebration on May 6.

Of that amount, $10,000 came from the team’s charitable foundation, while the remaining $5,200 was raised by fans over the course of a week. The funds will support the center’s 47 cultural and recreational classes, including harmonica, Korean drumming, and dance.

At the event, Adam Cribbs, head of sales for the Kings, praised the ensemble’s contribution to the community and said discovering them was “a stroke of good fortune.” More than 300 Korean American seniors attended the event, where Kings staff also handed out sports towels and thermoses as gifts.

Young-shin Shin, chair of the senior center, expressed her gratitude: “Thanks to the Kings, our seniors were able to share their music on a national stage. We’re especially thankful for their generous support.”

Haesung Lee, the Kings’ Korean American data analyst who helped organize K-Town Night, noted growing interest from other professional teams, including the LA Clippers, who have expressed interest in inviting the harmonica team to perform. “Though nothing is confirmed, fans are already looking forward to seeing the group return next season,” he said.

At the ceremony, Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt (District 10) presented a certificate of appreciation to the Kings, noting that the ensemble’s performance had “brought Koreatown into the national spotlight” and helped share the community’s spirit with audiences far beyond Los Angeles.

From rinkside harmonies to national headlines, this group of seniors is redefining what it means to make a late-life debut. Their instruments may be small, but the joy and unity they inspire are resonating on the grandest of stages.

By Mooyoung Lee [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]