Korean rock, with its distinctive fusion of unstoppable energy and unique stylistic expression, will shine for the first time on the Croatian music stage, and the honor of hosting this historic and culturally significant event has been given to the beloved Varaždin Špancirfest. This year's edition of one of the most visited and charming Croatian festivals, the 27th in a row, brings a completely new dimension to the music program in the picturesque core of Varaždin. Two exceptional bands from the dynamic and globally ever-present Korean rock scene will be presented to the audience: the legendary YB and the young, but exceptionally powerful Rolling Quartz. Their arrival is not just a musical event, but also a cultural bridge connecting the East and the West, providing a unique insight into the richness of contemporary Korean music.

Musical Icons of the East Premiering at Špancirfest: A Bridge Across Culture

The arrival of the bands YB and Rolling Quartz in Varaždin represents a kind of turning point in Croatian-Korean cultural relations. These bands, each in their own unique way, have left a deep and indelible mark on the music industry of South Korea, and much wider, bringing an authentic sound, a recognizable identity, and an unstoppable stage presence that captivates audiences worldwide.

YB (Yoon Do Hyun Band): A Three-Decade Musical Odyssey and Global Impact

YB, short for Yoon Do Hyun Band, has long become synonymous with Korean rock. With an impressive career spanning three decades, YB has built a fan base of millions around the world, making them one of the longest-running and most influential rock bands in South Korea. Their global recognition grew significantly back in 2002 when they authored the official fan song for the Korean national football team for the World Cup, which catapulted them into the international orbit and brought them wide recognition outside of Asia. The charismatic frontman, Yoon Do-hyun, is today one of the most recognizable and respected faces not only of the Korean music scene but also of the wider public scene. His inexhaustible energy, powerful vocals, and unique stage charisma remain the band's trademark, attracting new generations of fans.

For their historic first performance in Croatia, YB will host an exceptional Croatian musician, Dino Jelusić. Jelusić, known for his powerful vocals, impressive range, and international career, will perfectly complement the energy and charisma of YB, promising the audience an unforgettable musical experience. This collaboration, which transcends geographical and cultural barriers, is part of a broader international project "Odyssey," which aims to promote cultural dialogue through music and create new bridges of understanding between peoples.

Rolling Quartz: A Fresh Wave of Female Rock from Seoul

Alongside YB, Rolling Quartz are also coming to Špancirfest, young and extremely energetic female rockers from Seoul who in a short time have conquered the world with their unique combination of fierce rock and the infectious appeal of Korean pop, popularly known as K-pop. Their ability to fuse the raw power of rock with the melodic elements of K-pop creates a fresh and innovative sound that resonates with a global audience. With over a million followers on social media, these musicians are proof of the global reach of the Korean music scene and its ability to create trends. They already have two successful world tours behind them that have taken them from America and Europe to Asia and Australia, proving their ability to attract and retain audiences across the planet with their fearless performance and strong messages. Their performance at Špancirfest will be an opportunity for the Croatian audience to experience firsthand the fresh and powerful energy of female rock from South Korea, which is redefining the boundaries of the genre.

"Odyssey" Project: A Vision of Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion

The performance of YB and Rolling Quartz on the main festival PAN stage Old Town, scheduled for August 23, 2025, is the central event of a unique music project called "Odyssey." This project is conceived as an ambitious cultural and musical bridge between the Croatian and South Korean music scenes. Its goal is to encourage collaboration among musicians, exchange artistic experiences, and break down cultural barriers, opening new perspectives for creative expression and international understanding. Through "Odyssey," the aim is not only to achieve musical fusion but also a deeper intercultural dialogue that will open space for future joint ventures in various artistic domains.

As a key part of this ambitious project, Dino Jelusić and his band Jelusick already visited South Korea in June 2025. There, as part of the international music project "Odyssey," they presented their collaboration with YB at a large media conference attended by about 600 representatives of the Korean media, which testifies to the great interest in this initiative. During his stay in Korea, Jelusić had the opportunity not only to present his music but also to get to know Korean culture more deeply, meet with the Croatian ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Dr. Damir Kušen, and participate in ecological actions. A particularly symbolic act was the planting of a tree by Dino Jelusić and Yoon Do Hyun, which marked the beginning of a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Dino and the rest of the band Jelusick are returning to Korea in August, where they will hold a series of concerts, while YB will then arrive in Croatia, bringing their music and culture to a European audience.

In addition to the concerts and musical exchange, the "Odyssey" project is also accompanied by the filming of an interesting reality show. This show aims for the comprehensive promotion of Croatia as an attractive tourist destination, providing a unique opportunity for Varaždin and Špancirfest to shine on television screens across Asia. By showcasing the beauties of Croatia, its culture, and hospitality, the show will certainly attract a new audience and stimulate tourist interest from the Asian market, thereby opening new opportunities for tourism promotion and economic cooperation.

Špancirfest 2025: A Kaleidoscope of Art and Entertainment in Varaždin

Although the Korean rock performers are undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of this year's program, Špancirfest 2025 offers much more. With more than one hundred music programs and over 500 different events spread across 18 thematic zones, the festival once again confirms its status as one of the most diverse and richest street festivals in Croatia. From August 22 to 31, Varaždin will turn into a lively open-air stage, attracting visitors of all generations and interests.

The main festival PAN stage Old Town, in addition to the historic arrival of YB and Rolling Quartz, will host an impressive lineup of domestic and regional music stars, as well as respected international performers, offering a wide range of musical genres for everyone's taste and ensuring that every visitor finds something for themselves.

The program on the main stage will begin with a spectacular performance of DISCO OPERA, which will take place on August 22. This performance by forty top international musicians and a revue orchestra is characterized by an innovative fusion of classical opera elements with the unbridled energy of disco and funk music. It is a concept that delighted the audience last year with its rock opera, and this year promises an unforgettable musical journey through the golden age of disco and funk. Every note, every arrangement is carefully designed to create a unique and impressive audiovisual experience.

A day later, on August 24, the stage will be taken over by the regionally popular band S.A.R.S., known for its unique crossover sound. Their music combines seemingly incompatible elements: rock, reggae, ska, hip-hop, and pop, with frequent inclusion of traditional sounds, which makes them unique on the music scene. Their energetic performance, recognizable hits like "Buđav lebac" and "Perspektiva," and their ability to create a direct connection with the audience guarantee an excellent atmosphere and an unforgettable concert.

Fans of passionate Latin rhythms and authentic flamenco will be delighted by the arrival of the legendary GIPSY KINGS BY DIEGO BALIARDO, who will perform on August 26. Their hits like "Bamboléo" and "Volare" are globally known and recognizable, and their performance promises a dance fever and a fiery atmosphere that will ignite the streets of Varaždin.

Then, on August 28, it's the turn of URBAN & 4 AND A STRING ORCHESTRA, whose collaboration is already known for extremely emotional and powerful performances. The fusion of Damir Urban's rock poetry with the rich and lavish sound of string instruments creates a unique experience that permeates depth and complexity, offering the audience a rare opportunity to experience famous songs in a new, symphonic guise.

The last days of August bring a real rock treat. On August 30, two cult bands of the Croatian music scene will alternate on stage: LETU ŠTUKE and PIPSCHIPS&VIDEOCLIPS. Letu Štuke, led by Damir Šehanović Bombaj, bring their recognizable sound, imbued with socially engaged lyrics and unconventional melodies. PipsChips&Videoclips, with their unique authorial expression, will present a mix of old hits that have marked generations and newer songs, including material from their acclaimed album "Walt," promising a fierce and emotional performance.

The festival will grandly conclude on August 31 with the legendary BAJAGA I INSTRUKTORI. Momčilo Bajagić Bajaga, a musician whose career is marked by numerous hits and unforgettable concerts, is already well known to the Špancirfest audience, where he performed in previous years (2010 and 2015). His return guarantees an evening full of musical memories, positive energy, and recognizable ballads and rock anthems that have marked the regional music scene.

In addition to the rich music program on the main stage, Špancirfest extends through 18 different zones throughout the historic core of Varaždin, offering over 500 different programs. Visitors can enjoy diverse street performances, improvisational theater comedies that involve the audience in the action, creative workshops for all ages, and specially designed children's content in Vindiland and the Park of Creativity, enriched by Baltazar Town. For gourmets, there is a rich gastronomic offer in the Carlsberg Food&Party zone, where different world cuisines meet local specialties, and the Wine Town, an ideal place for lovers of fine wines. The Retro zone and Preloved market represent some of the novelties, adding a touch of nostalgia to the festival experience and promoting sustainability and second-hand culture. All this makes Špancirfest a destination worth visiting from August 22 to 31, 2025, experiencing a blend of tradition, modernity, and an unrepeatable festival atmosphere.

It is important to emphasize one of the most attractive news for all festival visitors: ADMISSION TO ALL CONCERTS ON THE PAN STAGE OLD TOWN IS - COMPLETELY FREE! This exceptional accessibility allows a wider audience to enjoy top-notch musical experiences, making Špancirfest a true festival for everyone, regardless of the depth of their pocket. Transparency and openness make it one of the most beloved festivals in the region.