Leenalchi

Leenalchi (이날치)
Leenalchi at WOMAD in 2023
Leenalchi at WOMAD in 2023
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genrespansori, Alternative rock, gugak
Years active2019–present
LabelHIKE
Members
  • Jang Young-gyu
  • An Yi-ho
  • Choi Suin
  • Ra Seojin
  • Park Soo-beom
  • Ejae
  • Oh Hyung Suk
Past members
  • Lee Chul-hee
  • Lee Narae
  • Shin Yu-jin
  • Kwon Song-hee
  • Chun Hyo-jeong
  • Noddy Woo
  • Lee Yong-jin
  • Jeong Jung-yeop
  • Park Jun-cheol

Leenalchi (Korean: 이날치) is a South Korean pansori pop band formed in 2019.

Members

The band has a unique lineup, with two female and two male traditional Korean singers, two bassists and a drummer. The traditional singers are graduates of Seoul National University's traditional music department.[1] Bassist Jang Young-gyu scored the films "The Wailing" (2016) and "Train to Busan" (2016) and played bass for SsingSsing. Fellow bassist Jeong Jung-yeop previously played bass for Kiha and the Faces. Drummer Lee Chul-hee was also drummer for SsingSsing. The band is named after Lee Nal-chi, a pansori master and jultagi performer of the 1880s. All members participate in coming up with a song in a rhythmic way, "like a Wikipedia article written by many contributors".[2] The band members met during a 2018 performance of "Dragon King" at the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju.[3]

Work

Their first album was influenced by the pansori play Sugungga.[4] The band released its track "Tiger is Coming" as a non-fungible token.[5] Leenalchi were featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary mini-series Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream., performing in an episode about Seoul's nightlife.[6]

In 2026, the band signed with US label Luaka Bop,[7] and in June 2026 the band released a 6-song EP, Here Comes That Crow, in the U.S. and Canada.

Reception

The band has achieved considerable success, appearing in the Korea Tourism Organization "Feel the Rhythm of Korea" video series[8] promoting the cities of Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Mokpo, Andong, Gangneung, and Incheon[9] and winning three prizes at the Korean Music Awards in 2021 for Musician of the Year, Best Modern Rock Song, and Best Jazz & Crossover Album.[10] Judges called it the "sexiest album of 2020".[11] The band frequently collaborates with Ambiguous Dance Company.[12]

Members

Timeline

Discography

Studio Albums

  • SUGUNGGA (ZANPAR Inc., May 29, 2020)
  • HEUNGBOGA (HIKE, November 6, 2025)

Singles & EPs

  • Don't Move, I'll Snap for U featuring lIlBOI (January 22, 2021)
  • Please Don't Go (February 3, 2021)
  • 광자매 납신다 (Revolutionary Sisters) (March 28, 2021)
  • 의심 (Suspicion) (April 24, 2021)
  • Let's Live for Today (April 22, 2022)
  • 새타령 (Bird) (October 13, 2024)
  • Lesser Gods and Chimeras (November 5, 2024)
  • Hihi Haha (December 26, 2024)
  • God of Mud (February 6, 2025)
  • Go Forth and Learn to Live (October 29, 2025)
  • Here Comes That Crow EP (June 12, 2026) (U.S. and Canada)

References

  1. ↑ Shin, Yu-jin. "Excitement explodes in Seoul national university". Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  2. ↑ Park, Ji-won (7 July 2020). "Leenalchi blends alternative pop, traditional pansori". The Korea Times. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  3. ↑ Kim, Ho-jeong (30 July 2020). "Breathing new life, and rhythm, into traditional Korean music". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Kang, Haeryung (13 July 2020). "Korean Pop, Away From The Hit Factories". NPR. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  5. ↑ Yoon, Soyeon (25 June 2021). "Leenalchi to release 'Tiger is Coming' as an NFT". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  6. ↑ Lee, Si-jin (2022-02-06). "Netflix's 'Midnight Asia' director brings Asian nightlife to light with personal stories". koreaherald.com. The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-05. traditional Korean music-inspired band Leenalchi star in "Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream."
  7. ↑ "LEENALCHI 이날치". Luaka Bop. Retrieved 2026-07-10.
  8. ↑ "Tourism promotion videos featuring Leenalchi back with more Korean cities". Korea JoongAng Daily. Yonhap. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  9. ↑ "Sequel to Feel the Rhythm of Korea Revealed!". Korea Tourism Organization. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  10. ↑ Lee, Minji (18 February 2021). "BTS, Leenalchi, Jeongmilla sweep prizes at Korean Music Awards". Yonhap. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  11. ↑ Kim, Hoo-ran (26 February 2021). "Swift as a flying fish, Leenalchi breaks new ground". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  12. ↑ Byun, Hye-jin (26 May 2021). "Leenalchi, Ambiguous Dance Company return to LG Arts Center". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  13. ↑ "K-MUSIC 2023: LEENALCHI + JAMBINAI ⁠". KCCUK. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  14. ↑ "안녕하세요. 이날치입니다. ⁠". Instagram. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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