
The tiger is coming!
Bursting onto South Korea’s music scene in 2019, LEENALCHI is an alternative-pop group that found viral success with their quirky fusion of pansori-style singing, electronic synths and groovy baselines. Rooted in the sounds and style of Korean folk music, they create catchy, invigorating songs with broad appeal to fans from Korea and beyond.
The six-piece band has won several Korean Music Awards for their first full-length album SUGUNGGA (2020), and contributed to various K-drama soundtracks such as Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born. The members are also notable in the Korean music scene, with bassist Jang Young Gyu composing the soundtrack of popular Korean movies like Train to Busan and The Wailing.
Ahead of their Singapore debut, KAvenyou had the chance to delve deeper into the world of LEENALCHI through an interview with them – exploring their latest release, “Lesser Gods And Chimeras”, and their thoughts on performing in Singapore for the very first time.
1) LEENALCHI recently returned with the digital single “Lesser Gods And Chimeras”. How are the tracks “Look At Me Look At Me” and “Watch Your Step” different as compared to LEENALCHI’s previous releases?
LEENALCHI’s first album, Sugungga, was based on one of the five traditional Pansori stories, Sugungga, which is considered a classic of the genre. In contrast, their second album is built on entirely new narratives created in collaboration with writer Kim Yeon-jae. Tracks released as singles, such as “Hihi Haha,” “Look At Me Look At Me,” and “Watch Your Step,” reflect this shift.
Musically, while the first album was the result of exploring and defining LEENALCHI’s artistic direction, the second album serves as a milestone that fully establishes their musical identity.
Additionally, there have been significant changes in the band’s lineup. Naturally, with new members, the texture of their music has also evolved. In this sense, this album can be seen as the first to introduce “Brand New LEENALCHI” (the name of their group chat, coined by member HYO JEONG).
2) LEENALCHI recently gained attention from newer international audience from there Korean historical drama Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, where “Bird” is featured as one of the OSTs. How will you introduce your sounds to people who have only gotten to know of LEENALCHI recently?
We believe the charm of LEENALCHI’s music lies in the sense of anticipation and joy found between familiarity and unfamiliarity, between exclamation marks and question marks. Not only is the lineup—three vocalists, two bassists, and one drummer—unique, but the sound created by this combination is also difficult to define in a single word. Some describe it as “minimal,” others as “psychedelic” or “danceable.” If you feel something entirely different when listening to our music, that’s great too. That’s part of the joy we aim to create through our music.
The vocal style, which you wouldn’t typically encounter in conventional pop music, is another aspect of LEENALCHI’s uniqueness. LEENALCHI’s vocals, infused with a raw and primal energy, are deeply rooted in Pansori, a traditional Korean vocal art form. The dynamic interplay of three vocalists—voices layering, separating, building, and dispersing—is an experience that only LEENALCHI can offer.
By the way, you can experience the full thrill of LEENALCHI’s music during our live performances, where we pour our all into singing, plucking strings, and drumming.
3) Mosaic Music Series marks LEENALCHI’s first performance in Singapore. Is there anything special prepared just for the Singapore audience?
Since last November, LEENALCHI has been releasing some of the tracks from their upcoming second album as singles. In early February, we will release “God of Mud,” and another new track is scheduled to be unveiled at the end of February. Audiences in Singapore will be the first to experience these songs live.
4) Besides in Korea, LEENALCHI has also performed overseas. Before every overseas stage, how does LEENALCHI prepare themselves for their performances? (e.g. adapting to the weather difference, warming up etc.)
It seems that there aren’t any “special” preparations specifically for international stages. The challenges and joys of performing are the same, whether it’s in Korea or abroad. We believe that all we can offer is good music and a great performance. The more we practice, the better the show will be, and if the performance goes well, the tour period will be more comfortable. This will make it easier to adapt to new environments, and we believe we’ll be able to enjoy that process as well.
5) Since it is LEENALCHI’s first time in Singapore as an ensemble, is there anything that LEENALCHI wants to try in Singapore?
NODDY : It’s so cold in Korea right now, so I’m really happy just thinking about going to warm Singapore. I want to enjoy the weather and the clean air, swim, and even get a tan.
YONG JIN : I hope we’ll have a great time dancing and playing together with the audience in Singapore, losing ourselves in the moment!
HYO JEONG : I want to experience Singapore firsthand. If I can walk the paths you walk, eat the food you eat, hear your language, and communicate through our music, that will be happiness. I want to immerse myself in that and briefly be part of your lives. I believe that’s what true communication and unity is.
SU IN : Since it’s a country that has endured the flow of dynamic history and is known for its culinary delights, I’m excited to enjoy Singapore’s vibrant culture and have a delicious meal! ❤
YI HO : Sing-along!
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch LEENALCHI LIVE in Singapore this February, at Esplanade’s Mosaic Music Series.

ESPLANADE PRESENTS | MOSAIC MUSIC SERIES – LEENALCHI
Date: 22 February 2025 (Sat)
Time: 8PM
Venue: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Ticket Prices: S$60 (S$48 for Students, NSFs, Seniors & PWDs)
Purchase tickets here: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/leenalchi0225
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