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

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

Members

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The band has a unique lineup, with two female and one 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

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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]

Reception

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The band has achieved considerable success, appearing in the Korea Tourism Organization "Feel the Rhythm of Korea" video series[7] promoting the cities of Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Mokpo, Andong, Gangneung, and Incheon[8] 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.[9] Judges called it the "sexiest album of 2020".[10] The band frequently collaborates with Ambiguous Dance Company.[11]

Members

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References

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  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. ^ "Tourism promotion videos featuring Leenalchi back with more Korean cities". Korea JoongAng Daily. Yonhap. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Sequel to Feel the Rhythm of Korea Revealed!". Korea Tourism Organization. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  9. ^ Lee, Minji (18 February 2021). "BTS, Leenalchi, Jeongmilla sweep prizes at Korean Music Awards". Yonhap. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  10. ^ Kim, Hoo-ran (26 February 2021). "Swift as a flying fish, Leenalchi breaks new ground". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  11. ^ Byun, Hye-jin (26 May 2021). "Leenalchi, Ambiguous Dance Company return to LG Arts Center". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  12. ^ "K-MUSIC 2023: LEENALCHI + JAMBINAI ⁠". KCCUK. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  13. ^ "안녕하세요. 이날치입니다. ⁠". Instagram. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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