Biography
Jannabi is a South Korean indie rock band that gained significant attention for their retro, vintage-inspired sound and unique blend of folk, rock, and indie elements. Formed in 2012, the band initially consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Choi Jung-hoon, who brought his love for old-school music and vintage styles to the band’s identity. Jannabi’s name, which means “Squirrel” in Korean, symbolizes the band’s cheerful yet warm approach to music.
Though their music primarily draws on indie rock, folk, and alternative rock influences, Jannabi has been known for blending modern elements with retro sounds, often likened to music from the 60s and 70s. They have cultivated a loyal following with their charming sound and distinctive approach to songwriting.
Jannabi Profile
- Name: Jannabi (잔나비)
- Genres: Indie Rock, Folk Rock, Alternative Rock
- Origin: Seoul, South Korea
- Years Active: 2012–present
- Label: Antenna
Members:
- Choi Jung-hoon (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
- Kim Do-hyung (Guitar)
- Choi Joon-ho (Bass)
- Lee Seung-jae (Drums)
- Yoon Kyul (Keyboard)
Career
Jannabi’s early years were marked by a slow, yet steady rise. They gained traction in Korea’s indie scene with their first few releases, but it wasn’t until their 2018 album “Monkey Hotel” that they achieved mainstream success. The album’s title track, “For Lovers Who Hesitate,” garnered significant attention for its retro and nostalgic vibe, resonating with a wide audience. It was this album that marked their breakthrough into the mainstream, earning them recognition as one of the top indie acts in South Korea.
Their fame only grew with subsequent releases, and they became known for their emotive live performances and ability to fuse different musical genres effortlessly. In 2020, the band took part in the popular Korean variety show Sing Again, where Choi Jung-hoon’s distinctive voice and the band’s musical ability were widely praised, further cementing their place in the Korean music industry.
Notable Songs
- For Lovers Who Hesitate – From Monkey Hotel (2018)
The track that propelled Jannabi into mainstream success. Its catchy melody and nostalgic feel became a favorite among fans. - Summer, Summer – From Mono (2019)
A light-hearted and summery track that captures the essence of youthful freedom and nostalgia. - She – From Mono (2019)
A poignant and soulful song that showcases the band’s ability to blend emotional depth with their retro musical style. - Hate You – From Monkey Hotel (2018)
A darker and more intense track compared to their usual sound, but it resonated deeply with listeners. - Moonlight – From The Land of the Morning Calm (2020)
A slow, dreamy ballad that further demonstrates their range and the emotional depth of their music.
Albums
- Jannabi (2015)
Their debut album, which established the foundation of their unique sound, mixing folk rock with indie elements. - Monkey Hotel (2018)
This was the breakthrough album, which brought them mainstream attention. The album was a mix of indie rock, pop, and retro vibes, with the hit song “For Lovers Who Hesitate.” - Mono (2019)
Another well-received album that continues to showcase the band’s versatility with tracks like “Summer, Summer” and “She.” It reinforced their position in the indie rock scene. - The Land of the Morning Calm (2020)
A more refined album that demonstrates their growth as musicians, including tracks like “Moonlight” that show off their more mellow and emotionally charged side.
Controversies
While Jannabi has enjoyed widespread popularity, the band has faced a few controversies over the years.
Indie band Jannabi, which burst out of years of obscurity with a hit album in March, 2019 has been struck by violence/corruption scandals involving key members. Keyboard player Yoo Young-hyun made a surprise announcement of his departure on Friday, admitting violence to a classmate 11 years ago.
On August 7, 2022, Jannabi performed at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, which took place from August 5-7. Following their performance, a controversial incident began circulating on social media. The band made comments that were perceived as disrespectful towards the next band, Vampire Weekend, who performed right after them. Jannabi told the audience, “We started as the Pentaport Super Rookie in 2017 and played on the smallest stage. But we’ve come all the way here little by little. The high ground wasn’t far away.” They further stated, “One team taking over this stage is enough. I don’t know who the next team is, but I want to tell them so. We’ll take over the Pentaport. Everyone, go home now. We’ll play ‘Come Back Home’ and leave.”
These remarks sparked backlash from fans and online communities, who criticized Jannabi for their lack of consideration for Vampire Weekend and the festival schedule.
On August 8, 2024, actress Han Ji-min confirmed she was dating Choi Jung-hoon, the lead singer of Jannabi. However, their relationship quickly became controversial after it was revealed that Choi Jung-hoon’s father had been sentenced to three years in prison for fraud. This led to significant public backlash.
On November 13, 2024, Peppermint Music, the agency of Jannabi, announced that they would no longer be proceeding with the employment of You Young-hyun as a sound assistant. In a public statement posted on their fan café, CEO Choi Jeong-jun apologized, acknowledging that the process of handling the situation with fans had been inadequate and expressing regret for the disappointment caused by poor judgment and insufficient response.
You Young-hyun had previously left the band in 2019 amid school bullying controversies. However, it was recently revealed that he had been working as a sound engineer at concerts and band rehearsals. This revelation led to some fans raising concerns, prompting the agency to remove protesting fans from the fan café, which escalated the controversy.
Choi Jeong-jun confirmed that he had worked with You Young-hyun but emphasized that there was no intention to hide or conceal the issue. He explained that they had planned to address it more thoroughly after resolving an ongoing matter related to You Young-hyun’s past issue. Furthermore, Choi clarified that rumors of You Young-hyun participating in Jannabi’s music production were false and warned that legal action would be taken against the spread of misinformation.
In response to the growing backlash, Jannabi’s lead vocalist, Choi Jeong-hoon, issued an apology, expressing regret for the inappropriate handling of You Young-hyun’s inclusion in the crew and offered a heartfelt apology to fans.
Fun Facts
- Name Inspiration: The band’s name, “Jannabi,” means “Squirrel” in Korean, symbolizing the group’s playful yet warm personality.
- Retro Style: Jannabi’s distinctive retro sound is heavily influenced by 60s and 70s music, which is a hallmark of their unique musical identity.
- Musical Influence: The band cites bands such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys as key influences on their music.
- Rising Stardom: After their breakthrough with Monkey Hotel, they quickly became a staple in the indie music scene in Korea, and their live performances are known for their heartfelt and emotional delivery.
- Connection to Sing Again: Choi Jung-hoon gained even more attention after participating in the popular Korean variety show Sing Again, where he impressed viewers with his vocals and gained additional fans.
