K-Pop Collective Balming Tiger On The “Energy & Heat” Of Their Home City Seoul 

When it comes to K-Pop, Balming Tiger is anything but conventional. Founded in 2018, the experimental music collective is redefining the very notion of what a band can be. It’s a rotating lineup of 11 vocalists, producers, writers, cinematographers and visual artists (both men and women), consisting of performers Omega Sapien, sogumm, bj wnjn and Mudd the student, producers San Yawn and Unsinkable, video directors Jan’ Qui and Leesuho, visual artist Chanhee Hong, DJ Abyss and writer Henson Hwang.

Since their debut album January Never Dies dropped in 2023, they’ve built a discography that dives deep into the everyday realities of life in Seoul, blending metal, rap and pop into what has become their signature layered, genre-defying sound. The group’s latest album, Greatest Hits, compiles standout singles including the cheeky, tongue-in-cheek anthem Big Butt and the emotionally charged Hi-Lo. It’s a sonic snapshot of their world – bold, eclectic, and impossible to pigeonhole.

Through its music, Balming Tiger is amplifying the voices and perspectives of Korea’s younger generation while also championing their culture on a global scale. Each track is crafted with intention, whether it’s critiquing societal norms or unpacking personal struggles.

As K-pop evolves into a global powerhouse, Balming Tiger reminds us that the genre is far from one-dimensional. They offer a refreshing contrast to polished pop perfection, thriving instead in chaos, unpredictability and raw creativity. Here, we sit down with the group to learn about life as creatives in Seoul and how their hometown has shaped them into the artists they are today...

What Does An Average Working Day Look Like For You As Musicians In Seoul?

Mudd The Student: “When we were working on our EP Greatest Hits, we would gather in the studio twice a week, much like going to work. While there were times when we worked together in the studio, the process was mostly about each member doing their individual work and then coming together to collaborate and share ideas.”

Where In The City Do You Go For Inspiration?

Leesuho: “I go to the sauna to relax both my body and mind. While lying on the sunbed and letting my thoughts wander, ideas often come to me that help solve the problems I’ve been stuck on. The sauna I frequent is a secret, though, because it’s a bit awkward when I run into someone I know there... I prefer a clean, traditional Korean-style bathhouse over a large, luxurious spa.”

What Makes Seoul Unlike Anywhere Else In The World?

Omega Sapien: “The biggest difference is the passion. People here are very passionate in every aspect, even in love. This type of energy and heat is what I can feel in Seoul whenever I come back home .”

What Misconceptions About Your Hometown Would You Like To Set Straight?

Unsinkable: “There is a common misconception that people in Seoul are cold and indifferent. I was born and raised in a city outside of Seoul, and I also had that learned prejudice. However, after living in Seoul, I realised that there are many kind-hearted people here, and that many people, like me, are from other regions.”

How Has South Korea Influenced Your Sound?

San Yawn: “Some of us were born and raised in Korea, while some members have lived abroad as Koreans. I believe that all of these experiences bring diversity to the sound we create. As Koreans, we sometimes break away from the conventional norms that come with our identity, and at other times, we embrace them to such an extent that it highlights the contradictions within. We find enjoyment in both challenging and emphasizing these paradoxes.”

Discover Balming Tiger’s guide on where to eat, drink and hang out in Seoul here