TUKUTZ's 'Artist Syndrome' and Red Carpet Mosaic... Epik High Members Reveal the Sorrows of a 20-Year Career

To mark their 20th anniversary since debut, the members of Epik High shared the process of the team's formation and various episodes they have experienced over the years. In the released video, Tablo, TUKUTZ, and Misrai cited the fact that they began to fully understand each other as the driving force that allowed them to maintain the team for the long period of 20 years.

"Must turn off the lights"… TUKUTZ's 'Artist Syndrome' and changes on stage

The members shared anecdotes related to the so-called 'Artist Syndrome' that TUKUTZ experienced in the past. According to Tablo's explanation, during a certain period in the past, TUKUTZ showed behaviors such as needing to turn off all the lights in the room or close the curtains, and never going outside during the day. Additionally, the process of how TUKUTZ first began to dance on stage within the team was mentioned. This included the content that the choreography team worried about TUKUTZ's role, as he did not move every time they prepared a song.

The anecdote continued that when TUKUTZ later performed a solo dance with the choreography team to a danceable song, the reaction was unexpectedly good, causing TUKUTZ's performances to gradually become excessive. Tablo recalled that TUKUTZ was the first among the team members to start wearing sunglasses, and felt the change in the team when seeing TUKUTZ getting out of a foreign car at the time.

"It's a red carpet, but the face is mosaicked"… The mistreatment and sorrows experienced by the members

The Epik High members also opened up about experiences related to the so-called 'mistreatment' they faced during their activities. Tablo mentioned the period when their treatment at broadcasting stations changed due to hit songs like 'Fly', and shared a situation where the broadcasting production team suggested TUKUTZ's role handling DJ equipment be like the decoration of revolving sushi.

An episode from an awards ceremony red carpet was also revealed. According to Tablo's explanation, while walking the red carpet at an awards ceremony in the past, it rained and they were holding umbrellas, and there was a time when TUKUTZ's face was mosaicked in a news article. The members recalled the situation, saying that the sight of Epik High stepping on the red carpet was portrayed as if they were a guard or a friend.

Collaborations with BTS RM and SUGA and musical achievements

The members also mentioned their experience working with BTS's RM and SUGA and their interactions with them. Tablo mentioned that those artists had stated they listened to Epik High's music and dreamed of becoming rappers, and they talked about the situation where they became world stars. Furthermore, they shared that the musical connection continues, as their fans also visit Epik High's overseas world tours.

Mentions of Epik High's musical achievements also followed. In particular, the 4th album is considered a masterpiece of Korean hip-hop, and the video confirms it was a period when they were recognized for both popularity and musicality, such as winning the Best Hip-Hop Album at the Korean Music Awards.