Leenalchi

About this event

Coinciding with the special exhibition Ten Kings of Hell: The Afterlife in Medieval Korea, the CMA is thrilled to present the groundbreaking South Korean band Leenalchi. Bursting onto South Korea’s music scene in 2019, Leenalchi is an alternative pop group from Seoul that found viral success with its fusion of pansori-style singing, electronic synths, and groovy bass lines. Rooted in the sounds and style of Korean folk music, the group creates catchy, invigorating songs that may remind you of Talking Heads. The band’s configuration is as singular as its sound—featuring two bassists, drums, keys, no guitar, and three singers. Leenalchi’s creator and visionary, bassist Young Gyu Jang, composed music for several beloved horror soundtracks, including Train to Busan and The Wailing, and was a member of the now-disbanded iconic art band SsingSsing, whose performance NPR’s Bob Boilen described as “one of my most memorable Tiny Desk Concerts of all time.” Leenalchi won several Korean Music Awards for the group’s first full-length album, SUGUNGGA (2020) and contributed to various K-drama soundtracks, such as Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. In addition, the band found international success through its collaborations with brands, including Gucci and the Korean Tourism Board, as well as through viral songs, such as Tiger Is Coming. This evening is Leenalchi’s first time performing in Cleveland.