Korean Alternative K-pop group Balming Tiger / Provided by Balming Tiger – Yonhap News
Amid the ongoing K-pop craze worldwide, the New York Times (NYT) has spotlighted a Korean music group that breaks the mold of traditional K-pop.
On the 30th (local time), NYT introduced the group Balming Tiger, stating that some musicians challenge the notion that K-pop is only about boy and girl groups showcasing polished and perfect choreography.
Balming Tiger consists of 11 members: Omega Sapien and Mud the student (rappers), sogumm (vocalist), bj wnjn, Unsinkable, and Leesuho (producers), San Yawn (director), Abyss (A&R), video directors Leesuho and Hong Chanhee, among others.
In 2022, their song “SEXY NUKIM,” featuring RM from BTS, drew attention by reaching number one on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart.
In October of last year, they released their first full-length album, January Never Dies, and went on a world tour around Europe, Asia, and the Americas until the end of the year.
NYT pointed out that their way of working differs from most K-pop groups, which operate according to the plans of large management companies.
While most K-pop groups undergo years of rigorous training and strict management, such as diet control, after passing an agency’s audition, Balming Tiger seeks an ‘alternative’ approach from formation to operation.
Balming Tiger, named after ‘Tiger Balm,’ started as a party crew planning events with DJs.
Members cross various genres, such as Hip-Hop, Dance, and Electronica, creating music, videos, and dance routines.
For example, the main dance move for Balming Tiger’s song “Buriburi” involves extending your arms to the side and shaking your hips left and right.
Member Omega Sapien said, “This is not something professional choreographers would come up with,” adding, “It’s something organic that came from us.”
Balming Tiger emphasized that their music is also part of K-pop.
Since all music coming out of Korea is K-pop, they argue that Balming Tiger’s music also falls within this realm.
However, they do not consider themselves ‘idols.’
Vocalist Sogumm said, “What makes us more attractive is our imperfection,” adding, “We want people to look at us and think ‘K-pop is cool,’ beyond just being pretty and handsome. We want to appeal to a diverse audience.”
Omega Sapien also hopes that Balming Tiger’s work will broaden the horizons of K-pop.
“K-pop has the strength to break through the market. We’re adding another layer to that. This will become a legend and an asset for our future generations.”
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