Translation of article from Hankyoreh

This is an article from a newspaper, 'the Hankyoreh'. 
Original link - http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/culture/music/805691.html

‘Squall’ hits sunny day in Japan

Date : 2017-08-06 14:51
Interview with Guckkasten at Fuji Rock Festival, Japan

“Sing in Japanese and explain in Japanese
If the lyrics do not reach the audience, deliver with powerful performance and aggressive gestures”

10 years since the band organization
“We cast off prejudice that we need to lose the maniac source to become mass-appealing”

Guckkasten performing at Red Marquee on 30 July Fuji Rock Festival Japan. Provided by InterPark @Torii Yosuke

It had been raining the whole day before 30 July, but on the day it turned to drizzle. At 21st Fuji Rock Festival that was held at Naeba Ski Resort, Japan, a ‘Squall’ hit Red Marquee stage. As the dramatic and powerful sounds filled the stage, Guckkasten’s frontman, Hyunwoo Ha, kept pace with their wild audiences with his passionate gestures. ‘Squall’ is the name of Guckkasten’s summer concert tours, which began in 2015. Last year, more than 70,000 people came to see their concert and approximately 7,000 people came for this year’s concert, which was held for just two days. It always tends to rain whenever the band goes on stage, and members joke about this being the vocal’s fault as his name Hyunwoo (鉉雨) includes the meaning of ‘rain’. Fuji Rock Festival was no exception. I met with the members Hyunwoo Ha (vocal), Gyuho Jun (guitar), Jung-gil Lee (drums), and Kibum Kim (bass) at the musicians’ waiting area after their performance.

Hyunwoo Ha said “I had to sing with the in-ear’s mic sound being out of phase”. As their performance had been passionately dynamic, no one would have noticed that he had to sing under a poor condition. They had missed checking for this during the short turnaround time. Approximately 30 minutes of interval time is given between each performances and Gyuho Jun later commented that their stage was setup rather quickly for a band with supporting musicians. He further added “we have used almost the same equipment that professional staffs had setup in a studio, so luckily we had no troubles.”

Hyunwoo Ha singing at Red Marquee on 30 July Fuji Rock Festival Japan. Provided by InterPark @Torii Yosuke

Hyunwoo Ha had memorized the Japanese lyrics that were made long ago for this performance, and he sang ‘Mirror’, ‘Scarlet Field’, and ‘Faust’ in Japanese. He said “When I sing in Japanese, the power and balance changes from the way I sing in Korean, and this is interesting. I used big motions and I prepared Japanese explanations for the songs.” Jung-gil Lee added “The beat for our opening song ‘Scarlet Field’ is ¾ and this is quite tricky to actually get into the beat. But it was fun to see that audience got more and more excited as we performed.”

The band’s characteristic is delivering their abstract lyrics into multisensory images, and therefore performing at an overseas stage may come differently. To this, Hyunwoo Ha said “Koreans will also find it difficult to understand our lyrics. Koreans may get a grip with words that they can hear and understand, but foreigners will look at our performance mainly. We did not obsess over delivering our lyrics, but we just focused on our play and performance. Fuji Rock Festival is especially more ‘rocking’ than other festivals, so we made our set-list with songs that audience can focus musically.”

Indeed, a rather long prelude was included for ‘Mirror’ before they started playing the famous tune, and for ‘Thief’ Hyunwoo Ha stepped forward to the front of the stage to bring out the crowd’s response, marching to its striding beat. The band also played ‘Compass’, a song that Hyunwoo Ha, Gyuho Jun, and Jung-gil Lee made when they had formed the band ‘The C.O.M’, and presented their elegant performance.

2017 marks 10th anniversary of ‘Guckkasten’ with Kibum Kim joining as the last member of this band. Hyunwoo Ha confessed “When I look back at my younger days, I remember the sufferings rather than how hard I worked to live.” The turning point for the band was going on show programs such as <I am Singer> in 2012 and <King of Masked Singers> in 2016. The fact that only the frontman Hyunwoo Ha had appealed to mass through these programs may seem rather dangerous. However, Hyunwoo is rather relaxed saying “I don’t force myself to constantly remind the fact that I am a part of this band. If I can just continue my career naturally, I think I would be able to resolve this problem musically without much difficulty. I had worked a lot as a vocal through <King of the Masked Singers> and this helped immensely for the band.”

Members of Guckkasten. From left to right – Kibum Kim, Hyunwoo Ha, Gyuho Jun, Jung-gil Lee. Provided by InterPark

Late Haechul Shin had said during an interview in 2014 “No matter how many soldiers there are, it takes one good commander to lead on and win the war. Just like this, we need to have a superstar from the indie scene. A band like Guckkasten needs to get attention and become popular.” Guckkasten was a hope for all bands and this became a responsibility that Guckkasten had to bear. “We still have a long way to go for all the things that Haechul Shin achieved. The responsibility for us now is our fans and our music. We had some incredible experience after appearing on show programs. We even met elderly people in their 70s coming to our concerts, telling us that they regained their will to live. Through these fans, we became to question ourselves if we are the prejudiced ones towards our music. We feel we need to beware of dichotomic view of mass-appeal versus mania-appeal. We are confident we can find the value if we can focus on music for a long time.” said Hyunwoo Ha.

Hyunwoo Ha emphasized the word ‘value’ many times. “We’re still passionate about music, but we now think about ‘values’. We are grateful that we got to create something valuable for people through our music. We will maintain our health, stay together strong, and keep working on music for our fans’ rights to see us for ages long.”

After releasing their 2nd album, <Frame> in 2014, Guckkasten released a few singles including ‘Pulse’, and ‘Thief’. In their recent concert, they premiered ‘The Stranger’. “Our fans analyze the song just as thoroughly as the maker. The consumption patterns on music are changing and we think focusing on a song one by one is also good. We may release the new songs in single or in a mini-album format, as they are recorded.”

Guckkasten will also meet with their audience on 11th Aug as the headliner at Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival.

Yuzawa (Niigata, Japan)/Doolae Koo, anyone@hani.co.kr

Guckkasten Biography by Jina Ryu

This is a post that former bassist, Jina Ryu wrote about the band’s history and how he and Hyunwoo first met. He wrote total 3 posts and I’ve translated all of them together. Credits and many thanks to Jina Ryu for allowing me to translate these valuable posts. Notes made in purple italic for easier understandings for non-Koreans.

Warning: There are some profanities in this post. 


PART 1
http://club.cyworld.com/52172895115/74978403
Guckkasten in my views…..
by: Guckkapahng 2007.10.12 16:11

When I finished high school in early 90s, I applied for college of physical education, but I was not admitted and I was just lost..
Music came to me then…. I can still remember losing myself in music and devoting all my life…. In late 90s, when I was most active in music, I tried to form a music group in Ansan… so I went around and posted flyers on walls…. Internet wasn’t a common form of communication at that time, so I had to go around with glue and flyers…. I was running a music institute with bands that were formed every now and then, so I had no trouble in finding a place for music gatherings and practices…. the studio we had was just downright awesome…
The name of the music group was “Eum-sah-mo” (Korean word, short for ‘group that loves music’) – cheesy, right? I recall we had quite a lot of members…. As each members pursued different styles of music and played different instruments, our staffs had counseled each members one on one.

Then, by a strange fate, I came to spot a rather young looking boy in 11th grade, dressed in military style t-shirt and shorts (military look, you’d call now!), squatted down and leaning on one foot in front of our music institute. That bastard was none other than Hyunwoo Ha… At that time, I hadn’t the slightest hint that we’d come this far…

I got up to him to talk...

Me: Hey, kid, what grade are you in?
Hyunwoo(HW): I’m in fucking 11th (he was a rude little shit then as he is now)
Me: What can you do?
HW: I’m one hell of a singer!!

I bring my guitar and speak with Hyunwoo in a little room that’s used for practicing piano.

I make Hyunwoo sing.

He sings ‘She’s gone’ by Steel Heart… and this bastard sings better than Steel Heart’s vocal…
Or was the song something else? B612’s song, ‘Your looks that only I know(나만의 그대 모습)’? It’s confusing because it was too long ago….
Then Hyunwoo asks, ‘Hey, do you know any rock bands with vocals similar to my voice?’..
Skid Row was hot at that time, so I introduced ‘18 And Life’.
The next day, Hyunwoo goes into a record store….
Hyunwoo says---

Sir!!! Can I have ‘Skid Row’ by 18 And Life………….
Idiot!!!!! He got the band and the song’s name mixed up…

I spent my days with Hyunwoo like this… I remember trying to talk him into enrolling for ‘College Singing Contest’ when he goes into uni… (All colleges students in Korea can try out for College Singing Contest and it used to be one of the gateways to start professional music career. Crom Haechul Shin also made his musical debut by winning 1st prize in this contest)’
Soon after, I go lost again due to numerous failures in public exams, economical and money issues.. I naturally lose contact with Hyunwoo… Why? I wasn’t very friendly with this kid…..

I give up on music and study mechanics….. After becoming a certified mechanic, I work at a mechanics shop next to a gas station for about 2 years….

One of the colleagues and I become good friends and he asked me to teach him guitar…  I go to a store with him and we shop for an electrical guitar, amp, tuner, distortion, and I give him lessons after work…
My colleague tells me that one of his friends is an excellent singer and he said he would introduce this guy to me someday.. But as I have not seen anyone who can sing better than Hyunwoo, I think to myself…. ‘He won’t be as good as Hyunwoo’. It’s been several years since I last saw Hyunwoo…. I suddenly miss him… I knew nothing about his whereabouts……

But it turns out my colleague’s friend was that son of a bitch, Hyunwoo…

We get together immediately and we plan to try out for College Singing Contest, so we record our song in my place and enroll. I wrote the song and it was brilliant… but we didn’t make it…

While I was meeting Hyunwoo, he said he will introduce his friend… someone who cannot live without music and a crazy psycho…. I tell him I’d meet this guy at once… because I am the lord of all psychos….. I meet this fellow at Chung-Ang-dong of Ansan…

And that guy is Gwang-gil….. (aka Jung-gil, the drummer)

Me, Hyunwoo, and Gwang-gil, us three got along so well….. then was it me or someone else, said we should form a band…. Everyone says okay almost right away…..
I was close to 30 at that time….
We look for a guitarist through the Internet…. After all twists and turns, we find our guitarist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that is Gyuho!!!!!
Gyuho was a brilliant guitarist then, too……….

I quit my job…… find ways for us to do music….
I go to college……. because I was able to do music without doing anything……………

Mr, Jung-gil, Gyuho, Hyunwoo form our first band……
And I start sketching the blueprint of my future with these boys….
My relationship with them started here………………

1st part over!! 2nd part ----- later…

COMMENTS:
Gribouill: “it turns out my colleague’s friend was that son of a bitch, Hyunwoo”… hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha gosh… this is so moving, bro~!!! Almost brought tears to my eyes~! Brings back lots of memories~~ hehe (13 Oct 2007 09:15)
Gwang-gil: Ahaha~~~!!!!!!!!!!! Sir~!! This is such a drama! Hahaha (13 Oct 2007 11:29)



PART 2
http://club.cyworld.com/52172895115/75251119
Part 2
by: Guckkapahng 2007.10.14 22:34

I still love these kids,,,,, and another thing,,, that I can certainly say is, even then and until now,,,, the musical passion and something that makes my heart swell is still the same now as it was before................. not being able to do music,,,, and the fact that I’m aging,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, matures me more and more...................................................

Going to a college to do music at 30 years of age?
Downright crazy…. and the school was far out in the country side,,,,,,,,,,,, the reason behind this is my family thought I was just studying...........................
I didn’t study at all,,,, I went out to the suburbs just a day before the matriculation ceremony….
I went on the 23:30 train to Jeolla Province after performing at a club in Hongdae area.
Pierced eyebrow,, pierced ears with some earrings,,,,, long hair,,, with bass guitar,,,,,,,
People saw me as a girl in the suburbs,,, haha

Myself, Gyuho, Jung-gil, and Hyunwoo got together… Now is the start//
“Please remember
New Un-balance, for the new clash to this world….”

This is what Hyunwoo said.

We spoke with our eyes,,,,,,, there was no tomorrow for us,,,,,, we were just happy in the moment that four of us were together..

Before I went to college I had earnings because I worked at the mechanics,,,
To Hongdae, Hapjeong,,,,,, we went to studios and practiced,,,,,,,
I took care of all the expenses,,,,, I couldn’t do a lot for these boys because my earnings weren’t that big,,,

I could cover just studio rental fees and meals, perhaps?

We were just too happy,,,,It was a crazy thing to do something that did not guarantee future at age 30,,,
But I was able to let go of everything because I had these friends,,,, even my family,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!!!!

Hyunwoo is such a fantastic singer,,,, he’s the best vocal in this country,,,
Gyuho had brilliant musical sense, being able to copy and play most of songs the moment he hears them,,,,,,

We started off with copied music,,
Guns N’Roses, Blackhole, RATM, Limp Bizkit.............................................

Going around in Hongdae,,,,, we searched for clubs that would have us,,,,,,,,,

After we practiced for an hour,,,, during the break we suddenly realize,,, we don’t have a name for our band.. GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We thought a lot,,,, on the band’s name.................

Gwang-gil(Jung-gil) suddenly breaks silence,,,,,,,,,,,,,

How about 'Feet Stench'? He suggested 'Feet Stench' for the band’s name,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

It wasn’t received so terribly but that name was put off,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, then all of sudden,,,,,,we spot Jung-gil with New Balance shoes!

Yeah, we’re not New Balance but New Un-balance,,,, said somebody.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
!
Something which we pursue that goes against the world,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, something that cries out to this  friggin’ world!!!!!!!!!

New Un-balance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From now on our band will be known as New Un-balance,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part 3 to be continued.........................

COMMENTS:
Gribouill: hahahahaha It wasn’t received so terribly hahahahahahahahahaha (16 Oct 2007 13:43)
Gwang-gil: Stupid grown-up. Hyunwoo suggested Feet Stench and I suggested New Un-balance when I saw my shoes -_- Hahaha (16 Oct 2007 15:36)    



PART 3
http://club.cyworld.com/52172895140/143476361
Guckkasten biography part 3 – the final
by: Guckkapahng 2011.01.26 15:55


I thought a lot on whether I should upload this or not……………..
This post is about how Guckkasten was formed…..
It’s a long story ,,,, and because it’s so long, you can skip if you feel you can’t read it///
Read if you are interested……. and read well………. because I put lots of efforts into this………..

Before you read this, I suggest you read the 1st and 2nd part of the Guckkasten bio that I wrote before……. It will make your understanding better…
That, too, is a long read….

This is part 3, the final part of the biography..

Although there are lots more to say, I’ll tell you in another time………….
As the 1st and 2nd part of Guckkasten’s history had good feedbacks, I’d like to wrap this up nicely..

I know I should filter some words
but I’m going to use them just as they were used to give you the kind of sense that we shared at that time…..
So, now, I’m going to start part 3 of Guckkasten’s bio………..
Let’s travel back to that time in 2001!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our first performance was held in Slugger..
We rented the place. Well, no one really asked for us, and the ‘club culture’ wasn’t as active then as it is now. I thought  Jung-gil had the recorded video of that performance but he told me he lost it.
We finished our first stage successfully. It was a historical moment.
The set list was 100% covered singles. Haha.
I was in a college then, and I made an excuse to my family and told them I had to stay in the suburbs during school break because I was busy. I sneaked out food and all other stuffs from home and went to Gyuho’s place in Seoul and not where I told my family I would be. Haha.
Every day I spent with Gyuho and Jung-gil, we would eat, sleep, practice, and practice…
drink and get wasted, work our asses off, beat up and harass Jung-gil the bastard………. each day was another same day but we were extremely happy.
As we were in Jong-am-dong(Gil-eum), we could go to Hongdae without having to change the bus.
Hyunwoo would come time to time when we had to practice and had other band matters.
(When I started my graduate school in 2006, I had to fight back tears. I knew Kookmin University was in Gil-eum, but I didn’t know the school was so close to the place that I lived with Gyuho and Jung-gil before. I often walked around Gil-eum Station before going to class.)
We performed and went on stage seriously.
When we auditioned for Jammers Club, we were over the moon. We passed the audition…
Not just Jammers but we were recognized more and more in Hongdae. We went on stage anywhere and everywhere in Hongdae. Making songs and copying songs were just exhilarating and ecstatic.
The only problem we faced was the financial problem……
One day, I packed instruments and equipment with Gyuho and Jung-gil and met up with Hyunwoo in front of a club and the four of us were just chatting and chilling out… We hadn’t eaten then but we were broke.
One of the bands there had a full time employee as their member and so they could stroll into a canteen and stuff themselves with yummy instant noodles with a bowl of rice. But we were starving.. Hyunwoo and Jung-gil had just turned 20 and Gyuho was 22~23 something.. I couldn’t help but let these boys go hungry when their appetites were at peak. I didn’t care if I couldn’t eat, but..……
I think I had just one KRW 1,000 note with me (approx. US$ 1.00) then.
The street hamburgers were sold at KRW 1,000 back at those days (you can still find these burgers).
I bought one hamburger with that and the four of us each took a bite.. Jung-gil the bastard bit off the biggest chunk………
We lived like that…… there were no future….. but we had the world with a bite of a hamburger.
I had Gyuho, Hyunwoo, and Jung-gil beside me. Nothing was to be afraid of when we were together.

Last performance of New Un-balance………….. (27 Oct 2002)

But
After a year, and another year, I suddenly think about the despairing future.
What was I doing?!
I was 32! But Hyunwoo and Jung-gil were ignorant 22 year old babies that didn’t even complete their military service.
I could feel the end drawing in.
Gyuho was lodging in a rooftop room at Sanglocksoo so we crashed there.
The four of us got together in a small café somewhere in Jung-ang-dong of Ansan.
Winter of 2003…………………….
I could not be in Seoul during weekdays because I had to attend classes.
Hyunwoo thought we should devote everything into the band regardless of weekdays and weekends.
I was standing at a crossroads…. would I put everything in music or would I continue studying for my future…..
I went to bed early that day at Gyuho’s place
and early next day I quietly went off to the suburbs with my bass guitar without saying a word about my choice in studies (college)
I can still remember what Gyuho said to my back half asleep in that early morning.
Gyuho: Bro, where are you going?
Jina: …………………

I think I didn’t want to show my musical pride to these kids.
At that time I was determined never to see these kids again for the rest of my life… and hopped on the train…

At this point, I find it such a shame… why? There are two things.

One, I went back to school and I’m living just like this (as at 2011).

Two,
if
if I had stayed and focused only in music with these kids, would I be the bassist of Guckkasten now… I think not.
It is because the boys went to serve military… there was a break period then, and before the boys formed Guckkasten and made their debut, there were more years of another break period…. I wouldn’t have stood those times…… haha… not as an unemployed music freak…………

Anyway
I broke off contact with them for about a little over 9 months. But I was able to catch up on their news through the Internet.
They seemed to have forced themselves to find a bassist………… and they went on stage as The COM and went on Ssamzie Rock Festival as the Hidden Whiz…
Well, it was only natural…. Who else would go on stage if New Un-balance didn’t……… don’t you agree…..?!
I was teaching students at that time at a mechanics training school in Suwon.
I was working day and night….
One evening when I was hanging out with other teachers there and looking for the next place for 2nd round of drinks
I get a call from an unknown number..

Jina: Hello..
Hyunwoo: It’s me..
Jina: (eyes naturally welled up) Yeah, let’s catch up someday…

From then on, I met up with them a lot…….
They told me they were going on stage of Ssamzie Rock Festival….. I was so happy for them….
3rd October 2003 at Ewha Women’s University, they performed proudly as the Hidden Whiz of Ssamzie Rock Festival.
A thought ‘it should have been me on that stage as the bassists’ flash passed but it was a dangerous delusion(thought)… It’s because the members were planning to dismember and go to serve military..

Photo below_ 2003 Ssamzie Rock Festival (the red cap at the bottom right corner is Jina)

If The COM had continued their band life after this stage, they would have become a superstar……
Band like Rumble Fish, Pia, Nell, Loveholic………….. were active then….
But the military service………………………..……………………….. what a pain in the ass…………
I started searching for institutions to get the boys treated as an exception and finish their military service at a national defense….
I took Hyunwoo and Jung-gil to an institute for craftsman electricity…. And get them enrolled….
They attend the class earnestly(?) but an unbelievable case of Jung-gil passing the exam for craftsman electricity license and Hyunwoo failing, occurs…….. you crazy shit!
Jung-gil serves at a cement factory in Yeoju and works there for a little over a year and moves to a factory in Banwol industrial area (This place is near Ansan) and is discharged there.
For your info, Jung-gil’s supervisor at the company he worked for, was my very old friend….
Another interesting fact is that his name is Jung-gil (Kim) as well… this Jung-gil Kim knew I was doing music and he knew that Jung-gil (Lee) was playing drums, but he didn’t know that we were in the same band.
What a small and funny world………… we got to find this out at my wedding… (Nov 2007)
There’s much more to say but I’ll wrap this up here…..

Next, Hyunwoo went to serve military… because he failed in acquiring certified license…. Crazy shit….He spends more than 2 years in a military camp near Anyang or Myunghak………..
I kept in touch with Hyunwoo from time to time
And he comes out for a holiday
Because he was having too much fun with his friends (girls?) he calls me just as he was going back in…..

Hyunwoo: Unky, I’m going back to the camp…. Sorry……. Let’s catch up at my next holidays. I’ll call you….. my precious one and only unky!!
Jina: You fucking bastard

I went to visit Hyunwoo when he was in military, but there was nothing I could do to help….

I hung out with Gyuho at his place and we did guitar ensemble when we got bored….. drank every day when we had the chance…. Gyuho did a bit of band activity with an underground band in Hongdae…….

Time passed like that…
The four members of New Un-balance all walking on different paths…..
There was something that I told each one of the other members whenever we went out for drinks…
(Though I will be out, you three must get together for music, you must, must, must, must…………)

But who could guarantee the future for us………… Hyunwoo makes a comment……

Jina: You son of a bitch, you really must get back on the music scene after you’re discharged, you can be the best, you guys must get together
Hyunwoo: Fuck, whatever

One day I went for a drink with Jung-gil and crashed as his place when he was working in the cement factory near Yeoju IC for national defense service..
The place he was in was probably the worst I’ve ever seen….. we were talking and drinking and fell asleep after a cig.
I told Jung-gil as well

Jina: You fucker, you really must get back on the music scene after you’re discharged, you can be the best, you guys must get together
Jung-gil: Fuck, whatever

In early 2006, Hyunwoo gets discharged……………. I was so happy for him….. Now that he’s a civilian he can focus solely on music for the rest of his life…..

Gyuho had gone back to Dunnae in Gangwondo where he grew up by this time….
Like salmons that return to their natal streams…………

After getting discharged, Hyunwoo had prepared himself to go to Dunnae………

In Dunnae, Gyuho and Hyunwoo worked themselves to death in making music, practicing, working at a bar in the evening, making music, practicing, drinking, and making songs again and again……….
Jung-gil was discharged from national defense 6 month after Hyunwoo did…. I think it was late in summer of 2006..

Gyuho, Jung-gil, and Hyunwoo made music while they were running a bar named “Chun doong buhl guh soong I”.. (It means reckless amateur, simpleton, in Korean)
Song like ‘Mirror’, ‘Vitriol’………… these songs were made then…
FYI, I don’t like ‘Mirror’.. just my personal opinion……..
I won’t say about this anymore…

I went to Dunnae regularly to see these boys….
At that time I was working for a company in Incheon and as the starting and finishing hours were very well kept, I had no trouble in being a member of a band.
I’ve been with a hardcore band in Incheon, “Hammering” for several years……….
And I was also in a band “ The Soul Engine” in Seoul…..
I just played in a band that wouldn’t interfere with my company life…
They were all good friends…… haha

Then Hyunwoo tells me..
The name of the band is “Guckkasten”…………………. Jan/Feb of 2007 he calls me out of the blue.

He told me that Guckkasten needs to be on stage but they’re missing a bassist….
From Feb 2007 to 2nd week of May 2007, I go to Dunnae, Gangwondo every week.
We play together again for the concert …………….
I have more memories for drinking and getting blacked out than practicing… haha
I think we were just too damn happy together..

On the evening of Friday of 3rd week in May 2007, everyone got together at my place in Incheon.
Saturday next day was the day that Guckkasten would perform for the very first time.

We soared once again as Guckkasten and not as New Un-balance.

Saturday of 3rd week in May 2007_Guckkasten’s first performance

Guckkasten had its first performance in Ssamzie Club.
It was a historical moment… I would used to fly across the stage when I was playing in New Un-balance… but all of us including myself were rather nervous that day.
Because it’s been several years when we last went on stage…………….

For me, this day is especially unforgettable.
It’s because I passed by a lady
Who took photos of Guckkasten in front of me
I just played on stage.
This lady is my wife……….. as we speak.
My wife is a photographer… for your info, my wife took the photos in Guckkasten’s 1st album.
She is the president that runs a photo studio in Chungdamdong haha

I take her out for a meal in June 2007 and I marry her in November of that year
and go on a honeymoon to Europe……….
How time flies…………………………
Now, it’s January 2011 and so much time have passed. I’m close to my forties.
One thing for certain is that we haven’t changed a bit. The way we think…. Always fun when we’re together…. still ignorant…. FYI, my mental age is probably younger than Jung-gil….
I got together with these boys after some years and we drank through the night

Something that I find relieving is that Kibum, who is far better than me, is playing the bass at Guckkasten….
He is no doubt the best bassist in Korea in skills and visuals….. but I’m more handsome than him…. Hahahaha
Kid, you gotta admit the truth!!!! Haha
But you gotta fix that cheekiness of smoking behind the grown up….. watch out kiddo……

They will now become the music tycoon in Korea………..
I have one thing that I long for……….
These boy may be too young to realize this, but…………..
It may be impossible for them to hold Guckkasten as their profession in their 40s and 50s.
Because they are in Korea.
Because I know this so well, I want to walk with them in their musical path…
Not just for them, but for me as well…
I hope one day that I would join them in their world tours in their private jets………….

I now wrap up Guckkasten’s biography here……………  

[Translation] PlayDB article 3 July 2017

This is a translation of the PlayDB article that was published on 3 July 2017. Translated by GKST-ENG
Original link: http://www.playdb.co.kr/magazine/magazine_temp_view.asp?kindno=4&no=1964&page=1&sReqList=&sort=1&NM=Y

[Exclusive] Guckkasten ‘Squall’ sweeps Japan, at the site of their 1st solo concert in Japan (3rd July 2017)

The rock band Guckkasten is continuing their remarkable activities in both domestic and overseas scenes. Guckkasten will be holding their concert at The Olympic Hall on 8th July, and they will be going on stage of Fuji Rock Festival at the end of July, which is the most historically renowned rock festival in Japan. After appearing on ‘I am Singer’ in 2012, Guckkasten has become one of the most popular rock bands in Korea with their powerful music and outstanding stage performances.

On 5th June, Guckkasten met with their overseas fans in Japan by holding their 1st international concert, Squall in Japan 2017. The tickets sold out in 5 minutes after opening and it was the perfect chance to check their popularity widening beyond Korea. PlayDB will deliver the exciting scene of ‘Squall in Japan 2017’ that was held in Tokyo, exclusively.

▲ Guckkasten leaving for Japan (Bassist Kibum Kim, Percussionist Hoonsik Kim)

4th June, a day before their 1st concert in Japan
Although Japan is a neighboring country, it is imperative to adjust to the local conditions to maintain their utmost health condition on the day of concert. Guckkasten arrived a day before their official itinerary to take a rest and their started their official schedule from 4th June, which is a day before their concert.

The weather was good in Shibuya, Tokyo. The members gather together from early morning after getting their hair and make-ups done. They had in-store even at HMV and Tower Records, the two famous record shops in Japan. A mini-interview with their Japanese fans had been scheduled at HMV BOOKS, located at Shibuya.

Guckkasten arrived early at the event site and had a short meeting with the managers of the record store and prepared themselves for the interview. As it was the 1st solo concert in Japan, all the members including Hyunwoo Ha were lost in practice with their guitars and instruments, and they practiced their short introduction in Japanese for the interview.

▲ Guckkasten going to the Tower Records

(Guckkasten arrived early at the event site and had a short meeting with the managers of the record store and prepared themselves for the interview. As it was the 1st solo concert in Japan, all the members including Hyunwoo Ha were lost in practice with their guitars and instruments, and they practiced their short introduction in Japanese for the interview.)

4:30 PM, the first mini-interview with their Japanese fans began at last. There were also Korean fans that flew from their countries to support Guckkasten. Guckkasten members seemed quite surprised to see more fans than they had expected. As each member introduced themselves in Japanese, there were cheers and applause from the audience. Questions were asked on Guckkasten's Japanese activities in future, and Guckkasten responded earnestly. As a response to their fans’ fervent support, Hyunwoo sang ‘Scarlet/Red Field’ in Japanese, and their first mini-interview closed successfully.

▲ A picture with their local fan/manager

Guckkasten then moved to Tower Records Shinjuku and after having quick dinner, they moved on for ‘High Touch’ event from 7:00 PM. Again, many fans attended this event and the emergency exit staircase was full of fans waiting. Approximately 500 fans that won the event’s attendance, high-fived the members and laughed all along the way. It was the first time for Guckkasten to hold such ‘High Touch’ event and they were excited to see the fans’ joyful reaction. The members later commented “it was a whole new world”, “it was amazing and it has been a long time that we met our fans this close”, and “we’re so amazed and grateful for so many fans from all over the world and from all ages.”

5th June, the concert day 
The concert day came at last. After having lunch, Gyuho Jeon, Jung-gil Lee, and Kibum Kim went to the concert hall for sound checks, and Hyunwoo Ha joined them around 3:00 PM for vocal and overall sound checks. Hyunwoo Ha greeted the fans waiting in line to buy the limited merchandise goods and went inside the hall for rehearsal and checked the sound meticulously.

▲ At waiting room, Drummer Jung-gil Lee

▲ At waiting room, Lead guitarist Gyuho Jeon

▲ Audience waiting in the rain


About 2.5 hours before the concert around 5:00 PM, the sun that was shining high above was suddenly clouded heavily and it started to rain. It was a perfect weather for the name of the concert ‘Squall’ but it was not a welcoming weather for the staffs or the audience waiting in line. Although the fans were in an inconvenient situation with the sudden change of weather and different concert procedures, they became excited to see Guckkasten's first solo concert in Japan when they were ushered into the concert hall after Guckkasten had finished their rehearsals.

▲ In the elevator just before going on stage

 
▲ At concert


7:33 PM Guckkasten finally took stage after getting everything ready. Although the size of the concert was not as big as it usually is in Korea, the cheers from the audience were just as loud. The concert went on for approximately 2 hours and Guckkasten sang ‘Scarlet/Red Field’, ‘Faust’, and ‘Mirror’ in Japanese to return the support from the Japanese fans. It was easy to see how much Guckkasten had prepared themselves for this concert, as Hyunwoo Ha prepared most of his comments in Japanese.

Guckkasten is broadening their musical realm by holding their 1st solo concert in Japan and attending Fuji Rock Festival. They will meet with their fans again in Korea on 8th and 9th July through their concert ‘Squall’, which will be held in Olympic Hall in Olympic Park.

Arrangement: In-A Park (Magazine PlayDB iapark@interpark.com)
Photo: InterPark
[ⓒ PlayDB playdb.co.kr]

Hyunwoo Ha, the reason why he loves Haechul Shin

This is an article that is based on an interview with Hyunwoo Ha, who talks about late Haechul Shin, aka Crom. There is a fund raising site in Korea for Haechul Shin, which is currently raising funds to open an exhibition and support the productions of arts in memory of Shin. The long term goal is to build a space to keep a record on Shin’s works and footsteps.

Original link - https://storyfunding.daum.net/episode/22735
(Article translated by Guckkasten-English)

Hyunwoo Ha, the reason why he loves Haechul Shin
Article date: 24 May 2017

The below is the contents of interview with Hyunwoo Ha, which has been arranged by the music critic, Soontahk Bae. During the interview, Hyunwoo used formal terms when he indicated the late artist to show his respect, but we have just used ‘Haechul (Shin)’ in this article for the smooth flow of the contents.

Arrangement: Soontahk Bae (Music critic, writer for ‘Music Camp’, a radio program with Chulsoo Bae as the DJ)
Interviewee: Hyunwoo Ha (Vocal and guitar of Guckkasten)

It started since I was in primary school. I came across the song ‘Urbanite’ by N.EX.T (abbreviation for ‘New Experiment Team’) from a compilation of pop music cassette tape, and I found myself lost in the world of Haechul Shin and his music after listening to this song. The song was, first and foremost, so interesting, unique, and wonderful. The lyrics just portrayed the life of urbanites.

“To me, N.EX.T was the only band like this”

I also liked songs that were fully sensitive. I remember listening to songs like ‘Knight for the doll’ and ‘Fly, little chick’ many times. I admired and envied the charisma of Haechul Shin most of all.

Well.. as far as I know, there were no other rock bands that were as energetic and powerful as N.EX.T in Korea. They were visually stunning, and just downright awesome. To me, N.EX.T was the only band like this. I, of course, sang lots and lots of songs by Haechul in singing rooms. I also copied and played his music when I in a school band, and I shared N.EX.T’s concert video tapes with my friends.

I find it such a shame that I had no personal connections with Haechul. I am well aware that he said “Guckkasten should release their new album as soon as possible” when he was still of this world. I saw him a few times at the backstage of concerts, but I could not approach him as he was such a big musician and also someone I admired so much. I just watched him with huge respect. I often heard that he spoke highly of Guckkaten. I can only say that I am deeply grateful for this.

Although I had no personal connection, one of my friends in this music industry was quite close with Haechul. I remember that he suggested a little get-together.

“It would be perfect to meet him when we release our 2^nd album. He said we should release this ASAP, so we will make a good impression then.”

However, he passed away just a few weeks before we released our album, so we could not give it to him in person. I had not met him properly while he was in this world.

image source - http://gall.dcinside.com/board/view/?id=guckkasten&no=503246

“I really wanted to sing this song”

I think I sang ‘Lazenca, Save Us’ the most when I went to singing rooms. ‘Invitation to daily life’ was the song that I enjoyed the most when listening.  As for ‘Dream of a freshwater eel’, the staffs of <King of the Masked Singers> tried to talk me out of singing it on stage. It was because although the song is a masterpiece, it may not have advantage in the tournament as the song does not have a climax point.

But I really wanted to sing this song no matter what. I remembered that the late artist had mentioned ‘this song will resonate my funeral’, and this song was indeed being played when I went to his funeral. Therefore I sang this song earnestly to cherish the memory of him.

I also wanted to sing ‘Here, I stand for you’. But I thought ‘if I sing too many of his songs, I could be bringing unnecessary troubles to the deceased’, so I didn’t sing in the end. I sang impromptu of this song when I was shooting for ‘My Little Television’ and I was amazed at myself for remembering all of the lyrics. It was an awakening moment of realizing that I truly adored his music. 

"I always endeavored to be like him."

The reason why I love his music is because it has every ideal musical element that I pursue. The lyrics, the messages, the experimental sources, and above all, the prominent mass appeal. Haechul Shin was the musician that covered every aspect, and at the same time, his performance and visuals were outstanding.

I always endeavored to be like him, and I tried to ponder his musical aspects continuously and use them as a foundation. I wish the artist’s music and message, and most all, his ideas and values would maintain it vitality and be inherited for ages long.

 

Gribouill’s appeal

This is a post that Hyunwoo’s friend wrote at Cyworld Club. (Translation by Guckkasten-English).
Original source: http://club.cyworld.com/52172895115/75110363

Gribouill’s appeal
Written by Jaewan Lim (14 Oct 2007 06:47)

Shameless and simple… Hyunwoo’s quotes


(1) Today’s quotes

Rrrrrrring~

Jaewan(J): Whatcha doin’? Why’d ya call yesterday~
(skip)
J: Where are you?
Hyunwoo(H): I’m just out of Ansan for a day~
J: You meeting your girlfriend?
H: Yep
J: Lucky you, I’m caught up working
H: You jealous? Just be handsome like me~

Cheeky shameless Hyunwoo who resembles Munch’s ‘The Scream’ with some Jaesuk Yoo plus Chicken Little in reality…

For your convenience, I've attached the 3 pictures that Jaewan said Hyunwoo looks like...

 

BTW, Hyunwoo looked like this in 2007 (picture from: http://sopfa20.tistory.com/29 )

(2) Hyunwoo’s special way of getting free food

Just go into any diners and ask… “Ma’am, do you have any leftovers?”
The important point here is to ask for “leftovers” only and not “food”.

“Wait a second~” the waitress would say and will ask the owner.
When this happens, there is more than 80% that you would be served a free meal.

He said that this is in most cases..

But if they respond “No, we don’t~” then the chances of getting free food would drop way down below 50%..

His tip for increasing the success level is that you will need to limp a bit when you are walking in…
and he deliberately doesn’t shave or shower for several days.

He would carry a huge bag on his back on purpose… and he would ‘decorate’ his bag by hanging a big water bottle on the side, letting it dangle to and fro.
  

(3) Hyunwoo’s way of living his life
  
“Jaewan, when you are living your life, just let go of your ego, and all will be easy…”

He would beg for some money from a stranger passing by, saying “excuse me sir, I’m really starving.. could you please spare me some changes~” with a pitiful face…

And 8 or 9 out of 10, he would get some money for food..


(4) When Hyunwoo came to my room...

H: Hey, do you use this room all by yourself?
J: Yep~
H: I’m gonna crash here for a while before I go. Ah, right, I don’t have any fares to go back to Gangwondo. Then I’ll just live here!! Hehehehe


(5) Few days ago

J: Hyunwoo, what’s your favorite food in the entire world?
H: Me? Jajangmyun! (Note: “Jajangmyun” is a Korean style of Chinese noodle, which is made with thick black soybean sauce)
J: There are lots of other tasty things. Why do you like jajangmyun the best?
H: I just like jajangmyun the best, it’s the most delicious food!!
J: When I become successful, I’ll treat you lots with things yummier than jajangmyun.
H: Treat me with jajangmyun now when you’re not successful
J: Hahahaha okay, I will
H: (without missing a beat) When??


(6) Few days ago 2

At my place.. Hyunwoo, Jung-gil, Jin-uk, Jaewan, sitting together.

We were watching some few cuts from ‘Violet Wand’ music video..
Lost in his own actions...
He said..

"Wow, really, come on..... what would this band do without me?~"
   

Hyunwoo Ha, he is all or nothing..
A successful musician, or a beggar, or an ascetic

May be 10 years later, somewhere in Taeback Moutains of Gangwondo… He might be practicing levitation with Gyuho........


And Hyunwoo left a comment on this post as below.

Gribouill: Wow... what’s amazing is.... how do you remember all this??? Great stuff hahaha (14 Oct 07 14:49)

Translation of Hyunwoo's article for Mint Paper

Mint Paper December's POTM (People of the Month): Guckkasten - Album production story from Hyunwoo Ha

Original post: https://www.mintpaper.co.kr/2010/12/potm_1012_2/

Guckkasten, POTM of Mint Paper's December edition.

We have prepared the behind story of Guckkasten's EP [Tagträume] that was released on 7th December.

Shall we begin the album production story directly from Hyunwoo Ha, the vocal of Guckkasten?

Hi Everyone.

We made an EP called [Tagträume].

Actually, we had planned to release our official 2nd album right after releasing our 1st Re-Recording [Guckkasten] album.

Frankly speaking, about 9 songs are made and we were continuously designing and producing our works, but as we needed more time to fine-tune our album, we decided to produce a single with 'Scarlet Field', and 'Manicure', which we had recorded together with our 1st Re-Recording album.

However, as we were preparing to produce the single, another desire had ignited and we started making variations of 'Scarlet Field', and 'Manicure', in acoustic and electronic versions, respectively.

This album, which we began working rather light heartedly, had ignited into a burning hot album with our endless desires.

1. July 2010: Music Video

I discussed the video for EP with my friend, Jaewan Lim, who is a music video director and a former vocal of a band called "Mookhyang".

He who can make exceptional videos at a very low cost tells me.

"I'm getting married."

I tell him.

"I'll be your wedding singer. Make me a music video, pronto."

2. August 2010: Filming of ‘Manicure’ music video

We wore a mask but as it was too hot our annoyance clouded heaven and earth.

The good ol' memories of all of us suffering without getting much sleep are popping up again.

It was an abandoned factory at Ansung and it was just dirty and shabby enough to our taste, so all good.

3. October 2010: Moving of personal working studio

We moved our working studio while we were making this EP.

Kibang(Kibum Kim)and I use this studio, and two is the max it can occupy. There are no spare seats.

This place is about 6.6m² in size and it is much like 'goshiwon* for performers', and so the work efficiency is beyond imagination.

And this place even has heated floors. It also has an air-conditioner on the wall.

(*A goshiwon is a very small room that people rent to study for an important exam. Some people use goshiwon to stay if their residence is far from their schools and/or working place.)

4. October 2010: ‘Scarlet Field’ Acoustic Live Performance @ GMF2010
Premier of 'Scarlet Field' acoustic live performance.

It included tap dance and Tapper-J (Eun-Sung Jee), a friend that stubbornly pursued tap dance for a very long time at Hongdae playground, has participated in the performance.

“Thank you so very much, Eun-Sung.”

A cool dude. Because he participated in Guckkasten's album.

5. Mid September 2010: Instrumental song

We have 4 songs. We made a variation and we have a totally different songs and they are just awesome.

'This is not a single. Let's just make this as an EP! Then maybe one more song would complete it.

We spoke too much in these four songs, so let's sing without words.'

Hence came the instrumental song ‘Tagträume’

This word, which means 'day dream', has a charming story of images appearing as if dreaming when one is not dreaming.

6. Late September 2010

We need morin khuur (aka horsehead fiddle, or Mongolian fiddle) for this song.

So I call Junghoon Lee, the vocal of 'Hanumpa' and a morin khuur player.

Hyunwoo (Ha): Hello, dear Junghoon.

Junghoon (Lee): Hey, Hyunwoo. What's up?

Ha: You still have morin khuur, right?

Lee: Huh? Well... yeah... why?

Ha: Where are you?

Lee: I'm a little busy right now

Ha: It'll only take a moment.

...

After recording,

Junghoon's morin khuur skill improved a lot.

Thank you!

7. Early November 2010: Recording studio

Me listening carefully to the recordings with eyes gently closed.

Such a pro.

Umm... was I sleeping?

CEO of Tone Studio, Rock Daesung.

"We are truly sorry for causing so much pain whenever we make an album.

You went home late on your wedding anniversary because of our recording, were you in trouble by your wife?"

8. Mid November 2010: Angel and bird

We need an awesome image for the cover of our album.

So I call Gyu-Seok Choi, the cartoonist and author of 'A bit obscure to cry', and 'Natives of Korea'.

Hyunwoo (Ha): Big bro, we're making an EP and we're wondering if you could draw for us?

Gyu-Seok (Choi): Hmm... what do you need?

Ha: An image of an angel falling into a bird!

Choi: Okay. Don't have your hopes up too high.

Ha: Alright! Yay! Thank you.

Choi: I'll give you my bank account number.

Ha: Excuse me???

9. Mid November 2010: Album design

‘An image for an album will not be good enough. We need a technician.’

So I ask anyone and everyone.

Then I catch one.

“Hey, handsome Jaehoon. It's me.”

“Hey, big bro! What's up?”

“Yeah, why don't we catch up over some meal.”

“Yay!”

And for several days, that little bro looks at me resentfully.

Sorry. (It's 6am now)

10. Late November 2010: Recording for an on-air program

I really hate sitting still doing nothing at a waiting room of a broadcasting studio.

As we are a hard-wording band, we always go on stage although we are working on a new album.

It goes the same for on-air programs, too.

Even in the midst of mixing an album, we bang our heads like this and go back to the recording studio...

  

Guckkasten members, say cheese!

Click.

Kibang: “Bro. Let's go home…”

11. December 2010: EP released. Signing the CDs

We need to sign 100 CDs.

One by one, we sign earnestly.

Absolutely beautiful

  

Whenever I see myself and our band members signing like this from time to time, I think

'So this is what brings us to sing, play, and struggle tenaciously'

and such thought concludes with an exclamation of 'thank heavens'.

I am determined to die singing no matter how nasty this world is.

For what?

For me!

12. 7th December 2010: Release of Guckkasten EP [Tagträume]

The vague dream showed up in scarlet and appeared vividly

What a noble excrement this is!

Mint Paper

Written by Hyunwoo Ha

Photos provided by Guckkasten

Edited by Moon-Hee Jin