In this week's FRONTPAGE, we get to know each member of alternative K-Pop band, Balming Tiger, along with an interview with their most recent collaborator, RM of BTS.
Once you hear the name Balming Tiger, it’s hard to forget. Once you hear their music, it’s even harder. The self-proclaimed, first and only “alternative K-Pop” band is completely rethinking the genre of what we know as Korean popular music, most recently with their RM-cosigned single, “SEXY NUKIM.” The experimental and vibey track—which translates to “sexy feel”—amassed over 11 million YouTube views since its music video released in September. Members Mudd the Student, Omega Sapien, and bj wnjn rap of “Asian sexiness” and “Asian cool”—Where were they when I, one of two Asian girls in my high school, really needed them?
“I’ve been their fan since I first came across 'JUST FUN!,' my all-time favorite jam up until this point,” RM tells Highsnobiety, referring to Balming Tiger’s 2021 song. The BTS leader featured in “SEXY NUKIM,” and also appears in the video. “I was interested in their visuals and music. While working together, I definitely learned a lot from their distinct colors.”
The collective's director, San Yawn, founded Balming Tiger in 2018, after a few years of working in artist management in Seoul. His eye for spotting genuine talent coupled with a passion for originality is what fuels the ever-evolving team. The fluid group now consists of close to a dozen singer-songwriters, rappers, producers, and directors. Unlike traditional K-Pop bands whose members only consist of the main performers, Balming Tiger counts visual artists and even writers as part of their team. In a larger sense, they’re more like a micro community, their own subculture representing Korea's most talented and rising youth.
Balming Tiger's whole embrace, and then subversion of, what we've come to know as "K-Pop" is important for listeners. They suggest an entirely new vision and sound, and challenge the dolled up, machinated image that is demanded of Korean artists. More than a music collective they are a platform of expression, with hopes to expand their representation to larger Asia.
Get to know some of them below, and also see what else RM has to say about them, in our exclusive interview.
RM
What made you want to work with Balming Tiger?
I’ve been their fan since I first came across “JUST FUN!,” my all-time favorite jam up until this point.
What did you have in mind when writing your portion of the lyrics for "SEXY NUKIM"?
As their first official featuring artist, I wanted my part to act as a tipping point. While working together, I definitely learned a lot from their distinct colors. Hopping on Balming Tiger’s musical journey was a challenging and special experience.
What do you want to tell international readers and listeners about Balming Tiger?
They are a group that produces one of the most original music and visuals in Korea, truly genuine and talented artists. I can’t wait to see their next steps in expanding their boundaries even further, becoming Korea’s next generation musicians.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I will be releasing my third record, which actually feels like my first official solo record, this year. I have poured my heart and soul to produce a satisfying output. I hope you look forward to it.
Omega Sapien
Position within Balming Tiger?
I mainly rap, but this is an old answer. Now I’m in charge of being cute in Balming Tiger.
What does BT mean to you?
Family, best friends, and business partners all in one shambles. I love it so much especially when we are on tour. Our bond gets extra strong — and extra weak sometimes due to altercations, lol.
Favorite BT song and why?
“Kolo Kolo.” It was interesting to assimilate Bali funk into our music since it isn’t really popular in Korea, so it felt good to show what is out there. My favorite part about this project is definitely the visuals. I think we look the most powerful when we look united.
What should we look forward to with BT?
We are pushing our agenda to broaden the genre of K-Pop. The world is not ready for this part of K-Pop yet. Welcome to the dark side <3.
Mudd the Student
Position within BT?
I am a singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer.
What does BT mean to you? They are like family to me because they are the first friends I met in Seoul when I turned 20. They are always dependable and supportive.
Favorite BT song and why?
Before joining Balming Tiger, I was shocked to see the music video for "Armadillo." It was their work that I saw and heard for the first time, and that was how I became fond of them.
bj wnjn
Position within BT?
I'm the lead dancer and lead vocalist, producer, and YouTuber.
What does BT mean to you?
Rehabilitation center. They keep me coming out of the world when I'm stuck in the house.
Favorite BT song and why?
“JUST FUN!” There was real synergy in our teamwork. Whenever I listen to the demo, I remember the energy from that time.
Unsinkable
Position within BT?
Producer, DJ.
What does BT mean to you?
My second home and family.
Favorite BT song and why?
I like the distinctly Korean metaphors in Omega Sapien’s “Serenade for Mrs.Jeon” music video.
Leesuho
Position within BT?
Producer video director.
What does BT mean to you?
We are colleagues, friends, and family who understand what each other wants to express. We make each other more three-dimensional.
Favorite BT song and why?
Personally, I like all of our songs and music videos, and I think other members will give me enough answers, so I want to pick the "The G.O.A.T" series. It is an animated series about Asian artists that shows we're moving toward a platform that deals with Asian culture, beyond just being a music team.
What should we look forward to with BT?
Our honest and healthy creations.
San Yawn
Position within BT?
I am a producer and director.
What does BT mean to you?
They are like home to me.
Favorite BT song and why?
I think it's "SEXY NUKIM." It is the first song and music video in which almost everyone participated in the current member composition.
What should we look forward to with BT?
We are going to walk the path everyone might think of but never dared to go.
Chanhee Hong
Position within BT?
I'm a photographer, a videographer, and a DJ when we perform. You can say that I do everything except music.
What does BT mean to you?
Funny people. We all have different personalities, so I think we're like a circus.
Favorite BT song and why?
Mudd the student's "Reborn," because I participated.
What should we look forward to with BT?
Expanding the scope of K-pop little by little. Working in a field other than music.
