Lee Chan-hyuk wins three awards at the Korean Popular Music Awards; folk punk band Chudaehyechagis wins Album of the Year
Lee Chan-hyuk of AKMU won three prestigious awards at the 23rd Korean Popular Music Awards, while folk punk band Chudaehyechagis took home the Album of the Year award for their sophomore album 'Minorities.'
At the 23rd Korean Popular Music Awards, held on the night of May 26 in Seoul, the folk punk band Chudaehyechagis, formed around the singer Chudaehye, won the Album of the Year award for their second album 'Minorities.' The band has developed a unique sound by blending traditional Korean folk music with modern genres like rock and punk, describing their style as 'psychedelic shamanic punk.' They garnered critical acclaim for their first album and have further expanded their musical achievements with 'Minorities,' which was recognized for its contemporary representation of traditional art forms.
The judging committee praised 'Minorities' as an answer to the question of why we still celebrate albums in an age of digital music. With a runtime of just over 40 minutes, the album revives the unfamiliar art form of shamanic music using contemporary language instead of traditional decoration. By incorporating instruments like trumpet and saxophone, it enhances the rhythmic structure while highlighting the distinct personality of the vocals and creating a unique atmosphere. The live-oriented recording approach has been commended for balancing density and authenticity in sound.
Additionally, Lee Chan-hyuk from the duo AKMU made a remarkable impact by winning three awards at the ceremony. He received the Song of the Year and Best Pop Song awards for 'Love in Danger' and also claimed the Best Pop Album award for 'Eros.' His work was highly praised for its combination of narrative and experimental qualities as a singer-songwriter. The ceremony showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the Korean music scene, bringing significant attention to both established and emerging artists.