Lee Seok-won, the frontman of Korean modern rock band Unnine Ibalgwan (Sister's Barbershop), is making a comeback after eight years of retirement.
On March 13, Lee appeared on Melon's 'Track Zero Special', where he opened up about his decision to return to music after retiring in 2017.
🎙️ Why He's Returning to Music
💬 Lee shared:
"I've always had the desire to quit music, but after retiring, my life didn't change much. It felt unfinished."
🔥 What reignited his passion?
With his 30th debut anniversary approaching, Lee felt compelled to create again:
"I thought, why not use this as an excuse to start making music again?"
🎼 New Music Plans
- 🎶 A new single will drop later this year.
- 📀 A full-length album is set for release in November 2026.
- 🎸 Lee plans to form a new band for the upcoming album.
🎵 A Legacy in Korean Modern Rock
Lee Seok-won is one of the most influential figures in Korean modern rock.
- Formed Unnine Ibalgwan
- 🎵 Debuted in 1996 with the album Pigeons Are the Rats of the Sky
- 🎧 Released critically acclaimed albums, including:
- 후일담 (The Anecdote) (2nd album)
- 가장 보통의 존재 (The Most Ordinary Existence) (5th album)
- 🏆 Won 'Album of the Year' at the 6th Korean Music Awards
In 2017, he released his final album, Hollo Inneun Saramdeul (The Ones Who Are Alone), before officially announcing his retirement from music.
💬 "I no longer want to live as a musician," he declared at the time.
🎸 The Comeback Begins
With new music on the horizon, Lee Seok-won's return marks a major moment for Korean indie rock fans.
