Eighth Army Band Harmonizes Strength and Unity across South Korea

By Chong Won ChoeJanuary 7, 2025

Eighth Army Change of Command 2024
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Eighth Army Band conduct pass and review during the Eighth Army Change of Command Ceremony for Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson lll, (outgoing commander) and Lt. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, (incoming commander), at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, April 5, 2024. Change-of-Command ceremonies are a time honored tradition dating back to the start of the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Jorge Reyes Mariano) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Jorge Reyes Mariano) VIEW ORIGINAL
Combined Forces Command 70th Anniversary ROK-U.S. alliance concert
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Eighth Army band and ROK Air Force band performs "Uptown Funk" during the ROK/U.S. alliance concert, Oct. 20, 2023, Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The event was held in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK/U.S. alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alison Strout, 20th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Alison Strout) VIEW ORIGINAL
Republic of Korea and U.S. Alliance Concert - 71st Anniversary
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Eighth Army Band performs at the 71st Anniversary of the Republic of Korea and U.S. alliance concert at the Ichung Leports Park Plaza in Pyeongtaek City, South Korea, Oct. 11, 2024. The concert was designed to commemorate the milestone in the two nations’ partnership and entertain the service members and their families that work to strengthen it. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kelsey Kollar) (Photo Credit: Spc. Kelsey Kollar) VIEW ORIGINAL
Armed Forces Day Parade 2023
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Soldiers, Eighth Army Band, participated in the Armed Forces Day Parade in Seoul, South Korea, Sept. 26, 2023. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the ROK - U.S. alliance which has played an indispensable role in promoting democracy, peace and economic prosperity while continuing to maintain a robust combined defense posture to defend ROK sovereignty and the Korea public from any threat or adversary.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexander Kelly) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Alexander Kelly)
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Often the heart of community celebrations, the Eighth Army Band is the heartbeat of strong relationships throughout the Republic of Korea. The only U.S. Army band stationed in Asia, their packed year-round positive impacts are critical to the joint, combined, and international spirit of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

For decades, the band has been a symbol of the enduring friendship between the U.S. and South Korea. Koreans often recall fond memories of the U.S. military through Eighth Army Band performances, which served as a bridge to American culture. Through music, they demonstrate the soft power of military-to-military and military-to-civilian connections, embodying shared values and building trust with audience and the U.S. Army.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Chapman, the band’s commander, shared a moving encounter: “After one performance, an elderly Korean approached me and said a U.S. Soldier—who looked just like me—had given him food and sent him to safety during the Korean War. He believed he wouldn’t have survived without the U.S. Army.”

The band’s role extends beyond music, evoking memories of hope and recovery during Korea’s post-war years. Many Koreans learned English by listening to the band’s performances and forged friendships with Americans during the reconstruction era. Maj. Kook Ju-ho, Commander of the ROK Army Ground Operations Command Military Band, fondly remembered how his connection to the U.S. military began 30 years ago when he accompanied his parents to a church choir at Camp Red Cloud. “I remember how fascinating the base was, how delicious the American food was, and how I learned simple English phrases and even bowling from U.S. soldiers. Now, as a military band commander, I am creating new memories with the U.S. military that remind me of those joyful childhood experiences,” he said.

The Eighth Army Band performs approximately 240 times a year. Their mission spans all branches of the U.S. and ROK military, as well as the United Nations Command. As the only U.S. military band in Korea, the unit supports key U.S. commands such as 7th Air Force, Marine Forces Korea, and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. Their presence ensures seamless collaboration across all military branches and strengthens the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

Chief Chapman highlighted the band’s impact beyond entertainment: “Our presence often makes community or government leaders more receptive to enabling Army training in their towns. Musicians can access places and audiences that others cannot.”

The band plays a vital role during key moments—whether celebrating new leadership at change-of-command ceremonies or honoring fallen heroes at memorials and historic battle

commemorations. Their music unites communities and pays homage to sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Holidays are especially busy, bringing joy to service members, civilians, and families stationed far from home. Their efforts align with U.S. Forces Korea’s vision of making Korea “The Assignment of Choice,” with a focus on safety and quality of life for all personnel.

Even as their public performances slow in January and February, the band remains active. “We concentrate on receptions, military balls, and collective training on our ‘Fight Tonight’ mission skills,” Chapman explained. They will prepare for their wartime mission of theater casualty reporting—a task expected to become mission-essential for all Army bands.

Ultimately, the Eighth Army Band reflects the Eighth Army’s broader mission of fostering strong alliances and partnerships in the defense of two homelands.

“Our team takes pride in representing the U.S. community and showcasing the Eighth Army mission in Korea,” Chapman said. “It’s an honor to be part of something that resonates with people across generations.”