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CSR
KT&G SangSang Madang Opens Applications for “2026 Band Discovery” Program to Discover Indie Musicians
Applications open through April 10, with benefits ranging from prize money and album production support to live performance opportunities
KT&G SangSang Madang announced that it is accepting applications through April 10 for its music supp
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KT&G SangSang Madang announced that it is accepting applications through April 10 for its music support program, 2026 Band Discovery, aimed at discovering indie musicians.
KT&G SangSang Madang announced that it is accepting applications through April 10 for its music support program, 2026 Band Discovery, aimed at discovering indie musicians. Launched in 2007 and now in its 18th year, the Band Discovery program is part of KT&G SangSang Madang’s cultural contribution initiatives. To date, it has selected a total of 54 teams, providing support for album production and live performances, helping indie musicians build a foundation for their careers. Musicians discovered through the program—such as MRCH, JisokuryClub, and The Poles—have gone on to actively perform and release music. Regardless of genre, any musician who debuted after 2020 and has released at least three songs is eligible to participate. Application details and submission guidelines can be found on KT&G SangSang Madang’s official Instagram accounts (@ssmadang.official and @ssmadang_live). The final selectees will receive benefits totaling KRW 8 million, including KRW 5 million in prize money and KRW 3 million in album production support. They will also be given opportunities to hold solo concerts, perform at the SangSang Madang Hongdae Live Hall, and appear at major events such as the “Sangsang Festival Chuncheon” and “Live Club Day.” Kim Cheon-beom, Head of Performances at KT&G’s Cultural Contribution Department, stated, “Band Discovery is designed to help emerging musicians share their music with the public and gain valuable stage experience. We will continue to support the discovery of promising artists and contribute to revitalizing the indie music ecosystem through a range of music initiatives.” KT&G SangSang Madang serves as a multifaceted cultural and artistic space, supporting the creative activities of emerging artists while offering diverse cultural experiences to the public. Since its online launch in 2005, the platform has expanded to five locations, including Hongdae, Nonsan, Chuncheon, Daechi, and Busan, contributing to the development of regional culture and the broadening of cultural and artistic engagement. KT&G SangSang Madang hosts over 3,000 cultural and artistic programs every year.