Seoul Jazz Festival, which ran from Friday to Sunday at the Olympic Park’s 88 Jandi Madang, in southeastern Seoul, was filled with the audience’s joy, love, freedom, happiness and laughter.

With the return of the landmark annual outdoor jazz fest after a two-year break as South Korea scrapped most of its COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the first day of the fest kicked off under a scorching sun.

About 10,000 festivalgoers flocked to the venue, hanging out on picnic mats and chairs on the grass while live music filled the air. While some were seen wearing shorts and tank tops, many were equipped with sunglasses, caps and umbrellas to avoid the glaring sunlight.

While the festival offered jazz music and a diverse range of live performances, the Friday lineup mostly included global artists. The event began with Los Angeles-based jazz trio Moonchild and the audience welcomed the act with loud clapping and shouts.

The band who was visiting Korea for the first time presented refined jazzy sounds by performing songs including “What You Wanted,” “Get by” and “Too Good.” Members of the audience who were not familiar with their songs also swayed to the rhythm.

It was followed by British singer-songwriter Etham, who was also in the country for the first time. His performance of one of his beloved songs, “12:45,” prompted the crowd to sing along and he also sang “You’re the Reason,” the song he released an hour ahead of his performing schedule.