A Weapon for Good: How SKA WAKERs Carry the Spirit of Ska into South Korea
Written by Samantha Firmin | June 17, 2026
“Music is a weapon.”
While the word “weapon” may inherently evoke a negative connotation, in this case it refers to a powerful tool for good.
This bold statement was originally brought up in a conversation with the Korean band, SKA WAKERs, as they prepared for their performance at Road to BU-ROCK in Seoul. The show was part of a series of concerts around Asia leading up to the 2026 Busan International Rock Festival, which will take place later this year in October.
Photos by Samantha Firmin
Baritone Saxiphonist, Lee Jong Hyeon, and drummer, Lee Kwang Hyuk, shared the history of the band and the genre of music they play. SKA WAKERs, which includes members Cheon Se Hun (trumpet), Ha Jae Hyun (alto sax), Jun Sung Chan (trombone), Jeong Si Yoon (keyboard), Ahn Byoung Yong (guitar), Son Hyoung Chic (bass), Jeong Sail (main vocals), was formed when the members met while attending university in Busan.
The group specializes in ska, a high-energy genre of Jamaican music originating in the 1950s that blends elements of jazz, r&b, and calypso. While it may seem rather unexpected for a Korean band to adopt a genre of music born nearly halfway across the world, the members explained how they were drawn to ska’s origins as a vehicle for political and social expression.
Just as Jamaican people used ska to celebrate their freedom from British colonial rule, SKA WAKERs have used their music to advocate for democracy in South Korea. As they have shared their music with individuals across the country, they share messages promoting peace and an opposition to war.
Due to ska’s history, deeply rooted in themes of liberation, resistance, and optimism in times of struggle, the genre instills its players with a unique platform to say so much more. This brings the discussion back to the original quote that began this article: “Music is a weapon.”
Photos by Samantha Firmin
SKA WAKERs could have chosen ska for surface level reasons, such as simply enjoying the way it sounds, but instead they have paid homage to the genre’s original intent and used it as a force for good. The band’s songs, which are composed and written collaboratively by all the members, often have lyrics that clarify the band’s messages even further. Their track, “Peacetime,” urges its listeners to stand up and fight for peace by asking:
“Why don’t you fight for singing together / Why don’t you fight for peace time / Why don’t you fight for dancing with me / Why don’t you fight for peacetime.”
In “Beyond the Storm,” they directly call out the distortion of the truth by governments and media, and urge public rallies:
“Journalists and politicians / They’re puppets of master money / Raise your fist against the power / Beyond the storm.”
SKA WAKERs live performance demonstrated the band’s message in action. They sang their lyrics with conviction and matched the genre’s rapid pace with plenty of infectious energy. It was a pleasure to witness how much joy they brought to the crowd. Throughout the venue, audience members jumped up and down, pumped their fists wildly with the beat, or allowed themselves to be swept away by the music through dance. It was impossible to tell that the members had expressed nervousness only minutes prior to taking the stage.
Their lively set, which felt far too short, left the crowd chanting for an encore. Yet, beyond all of the excitement and entertainment, SKA WAKERs’ performance was a perfect example of music’s ability to unite a community and provide a space for cathartic release. Through ska, the band carries a larger purpose with it wherever it performs.
By the end of the night, the band’s statement that “music is a weapon” became clear. Music is not a weapon because it harms or causes destruction; it is a weapon because it has the power to fight against injustice, inspire, boost morale, and create lasting change without a single drop of blood being spilled. SKA WAKERs proudly wield this weapon as they continue to carry forward the spirit of ska, encouraging all of those who listen to spread peace, love, and hope.
Photos by Samantha Firmin
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