The Rijeka audience and all visitors to Kvarner have a unique opportunity tonight to witness a true musical spectacle that connects cultures and continents. On one of the most beautiful open-air stages, Trsat Castle, as part of the renowned event Ljeto na Gradini, tonight, August 25, 2025, starting at 9 PM, a free concert by two prominent Korean rock groups will be held – the legendary band YB and the energetic female band Rolling Quartz. This eagerly anticipated musical event represents the culmination of their Croatian tour called "Odyssey," which has already delighted audiences at Špancirfest in Varaždin. Visitors coming from other cities to attend this unique event can find ideal accommodation in Rijeka and the surrounding area.

A spectacle on a historic stage: Trsat Castle as the epicenter of Korean rock

For years, the Ljeto na Gradini event has been synonymous with top-tier cultural and artistic events that enrich the summer evenings in Rijeka. The choice of Trsat Castle as the location for this concert is not accidental. Its ancient walls and unique ambiance, offering a view of the entire Kvarner Bay, will create the perfect backdrop for the fusion of powerful rock riffs and historical heritage. It is precisely this blend of the modern and the traditional, the distant and the local, that makes this event special. The arrival of Korean music stars to this historic location presents a rare opportunity for the audience to experience something completely new and different, stepping outside the box of the usual concert offerings. The organizers proudly emphasize that admission is free for all visitors, with the aim of enabling as many people as possible to become part of this musical and cultural encounter.

YB – Living legends and cultural ambassadors of South Korea

The main stars of the evening, the group YB, represent a true institution on the South Korean music scene. With a career spanning more than two decades, this band, led by the charismatic singer Yoon Do-hyun, has achieved the status of rock icons whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of music. They are known for sold-out stadiums and incredible energy in their live performances. Their music, which skillfully combines elements of hard rock, alternative sound, and traditional Korean melodies, carries strong messages of peace, hope, and social awareness.

Their international reputation has been confirmed by numerous projects. The 2017 single "Dreamer" became part of the soundtrack for the award-winning documentary "Landfill Harmonic." The film follows the moving story of a Paraguayan youth orchestra whose members made their instruments exclusively from materials found in a landfill, and YB's song perfectly captured the spirit of hope and perseverance. The song also achieved notable success on American radio stations, topping global independent charts, including the prestigious Radio Indie Alliance chart. Their role transcends musical boundaries; media giants like CNN and the BBC have declared them cultural ambassadors, and a special mark on their career was made by their historic performance in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, where they built bridges of peace and understanding with their music.

Rolling Quartz – A new force in female rock that breaks boundaries

As a perfect complement to the legends, the five-member female band Rolling Quartz will also take the stage. This group leads a new generation of Korean music, bringing with them raw energy, an uncompromising sound, and visual appeal. With their powerful performances and solid rock sound, Rolling Quartz shatters prejudices and sets new standards on a scene dominated by K-pop groups. Their arrival in Croatia gives the audience a chance to experience firsthand the strength and talent that have made them one of the most promising new names. Their music is proof that the Korean scene offers much more than the globally popular pop sound, and their performance in Rijeka will surely leave a deep impression.

More than a concert: Cultural exchange and the promotion of Croatia in Korea

The "Odyssey" tour is designed as much more than a series of concerts. It is a comprehensive cultural exchange project aimed at bringing the two countries closer through the universal language of music. A particularly interesting aspect of this project is the filming of a reality show that follows the bands on their journey through Croatia. Cameras record their every step, from their performance at Špancirfest in Varaždin, tonight's concert in Rijeka, to future performances in Zagreb and Valpovo. This show will be broadcast on the most-watched television channels in South Korea, thereby presenting the natural beauties, cultural heritage, and hospitality of Croatia to an audience of millions. For the host cities, and especially for Rijeka, this is an extraordinary opportunity for promotion in one of the fastest-growing tourist markets. It is expected that showcasing the beauties of Kvarner and the atmosphere from the concert at Trsat Castle will spark a new wave of interest among Korean tourists and culture lovers to visit our country.

This event, therefore, represents a rare combination of top-notch music, cultural diplomacy, and tourism promotion. All citizens of Rijeka, tourists, and lovers of good music are invited to join this unique experience. Tonight's concert at Gradina is not only an opportunity to hear world-famous bands but also to participate in a historic moment that will put Rijeka and Croatia on the cultural map of South Korea.