Making it difficult to define can also come from "confusion"
It's no exaggeration to say that Korea has the hottest creative scene as of 2025. From music to video and art, innovative works are produced every day, and K-POP has established itself as a global music genre as a comprehensive art form that incorporates all these elements.
"Since its inception, K-POP has been like a mutation born from the mixture of all kinds of pop culture from around the world. That's why it's hard to define 'K-POP is this kind of genre,' and I like the concept of statelessness and borderlessness that it possesses."
These are the words of Sang Yaun, leader of Balming Tiger, a band that advocates "alternative K-POP," a creative agency, and a collective that brings together musicians, filmmakers, and artists.
In 2024, he will be producing cutting-edge creative work, such as producing the solo album of BTS leader RM and performing with the band at the prestigious UK music festival, Glastonbury Festival.
Although he prefaced his explanation by saying, "The word 'sense' is abstract and a difficult topic...", we can get a glimpse of the concept behind Balming Tiger.
"We wanted to make K-pop even more difficult to define by adding the word 'alternative' to it, and create a name that could encompass any unique style or weird music we're making."
Being indefinable and multifaceted is what San Yaun thinks about style. "What I value most is that it looks different depending on the viewer's perspective. To a child's eyes it may just be fun, but to an adult's eyes it looks different. That's the kind of thing I want to create, and I respect that."
On the other hand, what does good team building and producing mean to someone who sees the Beatles as the ultimate example of a team?
"For example, let's say you're making a movie. Some actors prefer to faithfully fulfill their role as the lead actor and give all directing authority to the director, while others want to be involved in directing as well as their role as the lead actor. There are pros and cons to all methods, but I think the definition of good producing is being able to adapt various communication methods to suit the situation and what the other person wants to do."
[MUSIC] Shin Junhyung
Born in 1938, this guitarist is known as the "father of Korean rock." He is a pioneer in expressing Korean identity while incorporating Western rock. He has also written numerous hit songs as a composer. "I'm proud that such progressive and wonderful music existed in Korea in the 1970s. It gives me confidence in my own work."
[MOVIE] Park Chan-wook
He is a Korean film director whose work has garnered international acclaim, including "JSA" and "Oldboy." On the right is "The Decision to Break Up," which was released in Korea in 2022 and won the Best Director award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. "I think he is a film director who has always been progressive and experimental, raising the level of Korean audiences."
[ANIMATION] Mind Game
Released in 2004, this was animation director Masaaki Yuasa's debut animated feature film. It used many experimental techniques, and its visual expression, which interweaves 3D, 2D, and live-action, was highly praised both in Japan and overseas. "When I first saw it, I was so amazed I couldn't close my mouth, it was so amazing," he said.
[MOVIE] Stephen Chow
A Hong Kong-born actor and film director, he served as executive producer for the Netflix series "The Monkey King," released in 2023. "I really like his sense of satire and humor. If you pay attention to that in the film, you'll find yourself genuinely moved before you know it. My top three are "Kung Fu Hustle," "The Strongest Delivery Man," and "Shaolin Soccer."
[MUSIC] Jon Brion
A composer and music producer from New Jersey, USA. He has worked on albums by Fiona Apple, Brad Mehldau, Frank Ocean, and others. He has also composed numerous soundtracks for films such as "Lady Bird." "His music has the power to make even the most ordinary days special."
[MANGA] Katsuhiro Otomo
He is a leading Japanese manga artist and film director, with Wes Anderson and other world-famous creators professing their respect for him. His representative works include "Domu" and "AKIRA," and the designs of the mechanics that appear in his works are also highly praised. "The sheer number of masterpieces he has produced is truly astonishing. What's more, it's wonderful how each story is so detailed and delicate."
[MANGA] Goodnight Punpun
This work Inio Asano. It was published between 2007 and 2013, and consists of 13 volumes. It depicts the life of the protagonist, a young boy named Punpun, using surrealist techniques. "It's a work that depicts very deep emotions and content, so I felt uncomfortable the whole time I was reading it, and that experience in itself was amazing."
[MUSIC] The Beatles
Needless to say, this rock band continues to influence music around the world. "It's amazing that a group of musicians who were friends in the neighborhood and met by chance have influenced each other and grown into one of the world's greatest artists. Their activities and works make me think about what makes a good team."
