Diverse musicians explore jazz and alternative rock at 2026 Hello Rookie

Folk band Yeomsoui Ppul Gaeui Simjang, Old But Goodie, and alternative rock group Yeon And Pil performed at the 2026 Hello Rookie stage presented by EBS Space Gonggam, showcasing everything from 1930s swing jazz nostalgia to social-satirical folk music.

Music, literature, guitar, and piano converged toward a single destination. On the 2026 Hello Rookie stage presented by EBS Space Gonggam, musicians with different characteristics gathered to unfold their individual narratives through music.

"Writing text, then moving it to the piano": The working method of Yeomsoui Ppul Gaeui Simjang

The folk band Yeomsoui Ppul Gaeui Simjang carries a social-satirical and philosophical meaning in its name. They explained that they combine the symbolism of a goat's horns with "Heart of a Dog," a title taken from a philosophical novel, to sing about the harsh facets of reality. The two members on stage emphasized that their emotional lines are closely connected, creating music based on a bond where if one feels sad, the other feels sad as well.

Their working process follows a unique collaborative method. When one member writes down ideas or stories in a memo pad, the other member views them and hums melodies while playing the piano. The song is completed by refining the lyrics to match those melodies. In particular, the lyrical and deep lyrics that form the core of their music have prompted mentions that the member writing the lyrics is "worthy of receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature."

On stage, a series of songs led the audience into deep concentration amidst the silence. Through songs containing tragic yet beautiful lyrics, such as "Cut open my belly and scatter the white bone pieces inside into the sea," they delivered a performance that drew the audience into the depths of their inner selves.

Old But Goodie recreates the nostalgia of 1930s swing jazz

Old But Goodie, whose name means "old but good things or people," filled the stage. They presented standard jazz with a modern sensibility, reminiscent of the golden age of 1930s swing jazz. Using English lyrics, they offered the audience a free musical experience with a suggestion to travel back to the golden age of jazz.

For the group, who had little experience with standing performances, this stage was a new challenge to breathe with the audience. Through the song "Good old days," they sang of times spent sitting on a sofa looking at the sky and of past memories, realizing a stage that evoked the nostalgia of big band sounds.

A meeting led by similar playlists: Yeon And Pil

The final group to appear, Yeon And Pil, shared the story behind their name. It began with the name "Yeonpil" given by a friend, but because the search results were too numerous, they added an "N" in the middle to arrive at their current name. They began working together after discovering that their musical tastes, reflected in their playlists, overlapped significantly.

Defining their music as "alternative rock," they stated that they aim to create music that allows the audience to face emotions they might have feared or wanted to avoid. Advocating for "music that allows one to face oneself," they continued a performance that seemed to seek light within the darkness.

Source: original video (YouTube)