Go Go 70s ~ Nirvana Was Shut Down in 1979

"Go Go 70s" is a 2008 Korean musical comedy-drama movie. Inspired by real-life events of the 1970s, the film is in memory of the 1st generation of Korean Rock and Roll. SUMMARY: Two groups in the 1970s united to perform a rock band that is remembered for its contributions to promoting rock and roll and soul music in South Korea. ♦ We are Soul Brothers “Go Go 70s” is about a Korean rock band in the 1970s, that sky-rocketed to fame when they won a contest. They started as two (2) different groups. Sang-Kyu was an awesome vocalist and could play the guitar. Man-Sik had horrible vocals but he could play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix. Sang-Kyu suggested that they pool their talents. Man-Sik agreed and the rock and roll band “The Devils” was born. Mimi came along hoping she would become a singer. She ended up being a dancer who danced to the music played by the band. Their music was a blend of rock and soul (or “black music”), and they performed in popular dance clubs at the time, such as Nirvana. Lee Byoung-Wook was a manager who helped them get their gigs. As they were rising to […]
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I remember watching Go Go 70s back when it came out, and it really took me by surprise. I had no idea Korea had such a rich rock and soul history, let alone that the government cracked down on it so hard. The whole “morality police” aspect was chilling, but the band’s determination to keep playing despite the risk made their story even more powerful. Sang-Kyu’s vocals and Man-Sik’s guitar work felt so authentic to that era’s sound. The final concert scene really stuck with me—it was both defiant and bittersweet. Even now, I feel like this film doesn’t get enough recognition. It’s a must-watch if you’re into music history.

I randomly watched this on a K-movie binge, and I gotta say, the music was fire. I love that funky, soulful rock sound, and this movie nailed it. The whole dance club scene with Mimi dancing to The Devils’ music gave me major retro vibes. I had no idea Korean rock bands went through this kind of censorship in the '70s. Makes you appreciate today’s freedom of expression in music even more.

This film was an eye-opener. I already knew about Western rock being seen as rebellious, but Go Go 70s showed that Korea had its own battles with censorship. The “morality police” cutting musicians’ hair and arresting them reminded me of how rock was demonized in the U.S. too, just in a different way. The Devils may not have been the biggest band, but their impact on Korea’s music scene was undeniable. The film captured that struggle well, even if it took some creative liberties.

The ending of this movie crushed me. Watching The Devils rise, only to have their dreams torn apart by thecrackdown, was heartbreaking. Sang-Kyu’s passion for music was so strong, and Mimi? She deserved better! Her energy brought so much life to their performances, but she never got the recognition she wanted. This movie made me feel so many things—anger, excitement, sadness. Even after all these years, it’s still one of my favorite Korean films.

I liked Go Go 70s, but I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece. The performances were great, and the music was solid, but I felt like the story could’ve gone deeper into the band’s personal struggles. The censorship issue was powerful, but it sometimes felt like the movie was rushing through important moments. That said, it’s still worth watching if you’re into Korean rock history. It’s just one of those films where I wish they had done more with the material.

This movie reminded me of what happened with rock and roll in the '50s and '60s in America. Back then, people thought it was dangerous and rebellious, just like in this movie. Seeing a Korean band go through that same fight for artistic freedom was really cool. The Devils had this mix of Hendrix-style guitar and James Brown-style energy that I really vibed with. It’s crazy to think they never became huge, but their impact is still felt in Korean music today.

You know, this movie was a blast! The energy, the music, the 70s aesthetic—I loved all of it. The way they recreated the nightclub scenes made me feel like I was right there with them. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a music fan.

dorothygarcia31 said:

I remember watching Go Go 70s back when it came out, and it really took me by surprise. I had no idea Korea had such a rich rock and soul history, let alone that the government cracked down on it so hard. The whole “morality police” aspect was chilling, but the band’s determination to keep playing despite the risk made their story even more powerful. Sang-Kyu’s vocals and Man-Sik’s guitar work felt so authentic to that era’s sound. The final concert scene really stuck with me—it was both defiant and bittersweet. Even now, I feel like this film doesn’t get enough recognition. It’s a must-watch if you’re into music history.

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Me either! Although I did see a photo of the real band and … none of those guys had afros! Just saying. LOL.