Balming Tiger on their origins, lyrics to live by, and wildest tour story

May 2, 2024

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Balming Tiger appear in our Spring 2024 Issue with cover stars Liam Gallagher/John Squire, Kevin Abstract, the Marías, and Palaye Royale. Head to the AP Shop to grab a copy.

South Korean musical collective Balming Tiger are the inspired idiosyncrasy of the K-pop world. Self-described as “alternative K-pop,” their sound, disruptive style, and eclectic energy finds them exploring a colorful space somewhere between BROCKHAMPTON and BTS. That being said, as fluid as the members who make up the collective, no Balming Tiger track sounds alike, nor do the group claim any one genre. The goal here? Global impact, collaboration, and representation of Asia’s rich youth culture.

THE ORIGIN OF YOUR NAME

It is a name that was coined after discussing comfortably at the homes of the early members. We almost became Balming Koala, but we arrived safely at Balming Tiger.

WILDEST TOUR STORY

Our Europe tour, which took place right after COVID-19 was serious, was a time when airlines made a lot of mistakes due to the influx of people flying. All our personal luggage and tour luggage didn’t arrive, so we performed without any equipment or luggage throughout the tour. We also urgently bought tour costumes again and continued to endure with the clothes we wore on the plane. The luggage was returned to Korea about a week after the tour. I remember that we ended the tour with only our bare bodies.

THE HARDEST THING YOU’VE COME UP AGAINST AS ARTISTS

Does not exist. We think we’re very lucky to be able to live by creating. We have to be willing to accept the small difficulties that come with our creation because it’s our choice.

A TIME YOU WERE STARSTRUCK

When I was young, I once fell in love with Ayumu Kasuga from Azumanga Daioh, an animated series. It affected my ideal type, and I was attracted to weird and funny women.

LYRICS TO LIVE BY

“Trust Yourself”

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HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE INTERNET AND HOW YOU USE IT

Double-sided sword, for sure. Infinite inspirations but also the comparisons that come along. I’m usually mindlessly surfing on the web.

YOUR SAFE PLACE

When everyone is together, we’re sorry to Leesuho, but it’s Leesuho’s private studio that we’re currently using as Balming Tiger’s studio. It’s the first space where we all worked together, and sometimes we gathered to celebrate the members’ birthday parties and events. It’s a place with a lot of memories. Also, it seems to be a space where Balming Tiger’s content is posted on the web, like Balming Tiger’s YouTube channel.

YOUR LAST MEAL

Raw fish sashimi.

IF YOU COULD BE CARTOON CHARACTERS

Ninja Turtles.

YOUR 2024 GOALS

Last year, we focused on group activities, but this year, our goal is to release individual albums of the members, along with group activities. We also want to overcome the appearance of not allowing ourselves freedom, or limiting our roles by giving up our own definition of ourselves.

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