Nucksal

Nucksal is a South Korean rapper and television host renowned for his warm, encouraging hip-hop style that emphasizes relatable storytelling and avoids aggressive gimmicks. Born Lee Jun-yeong (March 24, 1987) in Seoul, he debuted in the underground hip-hop scene in 2009 as a member of the duo Future Heaven before launching a solo career.^[1] After joining the label Vismajor Company in 2014, Nucksal released his debut studio album The God of Small Things in 2016, which featured tracks like "Skill Skill Skill" and established his signature vocal delivery.^[2] His visibility surged in 2017 as the runner-up on the rap competition Show Me the Money Season 6, marking a breakthrough from underground roots to mainstream recognition. Subsequent releases include the 2017 single Nuckle Flow, the 2020 sophomore effort 1Q87, and the 2022 collaborative EP Sincerely Yours with the band CADEJO, showcasing his versatility in blending hip-hop with other genres.^[3][4] Beyond music, Nucksal has expanded into broadcasting, serving as an MC for programs such as High School Rapper Season 3 in 2019 and co-hosting the dating variety show Skip in 2022 alongside Yoo Jae-suk and Jeon So-min.^[5][6] His approachable persona has made him a staple in Korean hip-hop media, including appearances on Amazing Saturday and contributions to events like the 2022 Korean Hip-Hop Awards.^[7][8]

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Nucksal, whose real name is Lee Jun-yeong, was born on March 24, 1987, in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea.^[9] He grew up in the urban environment of the city, where the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the late 1980s and 1990s began to take root through imported American influences and emerging local artists.^[10] Nucksal is the youngest of four siblings with three older sisters who enjoyed hip-hop, and he was surrounded by friends who shared a passion for hip-hop and rap, fostering an early interest in the genre. This exposure came naturally through communal listening and discussions, shaping his formative years amid Seoul's evolving cultural landscape. Influenced by Korean duo Dynamic Duo and American rapper Common, he developed a deep appreciation for lyrical storytelling and rhythmic expression before pursuing more structured musical activities.^[4][11] His early hobbies centered on music and creative pursuits, sparked by the vibrant peer environment and family influences rather than formal training.^[4]

Education and early interests

Nucksal attended local schools during his formative years. He graduated from Seoul Yeonhui Elementary School and Seoyeong Middle School before completing his secondary education at Hansung High School around 2005.^[12] His academic performance was reportedly modest, leading him to forgo immediate university enrollment after high school.^[11] Despite his interest in creative pursuits, Nucksal unsuccessfully applied to Seoul Institute of the Arts three times for creative writing, passing the practical exams but failing the interviews. He later earned a bachelor's degree in Entertainment Studies from International Cyber University.^[11][13] Nucksal's passion for hip-hop emerged during his middle school years, sparked by watching Juseuk's performance in the TV program Last Man Standing, which introduced him to the genre's competitive and expressive style.^[11] This interest deepened in high school when a friend named Chansu shared Common's track "I Used to Love H.E.R.," profoundly impacting him and prompting him to begin writing his own lyrics as a teenager.^[11] He has described Common as a longstanding role model, crediting the artist's conscious and warm approach to hip-hop for shaping his early aspirations since around age 15.^[11] By age 20, he engaged further in the scene through events like the Miller Rap Battle, honing his skills in rap battles and informal cyphers before turning 21.^[11]

Musical career

Duo debut and early releases

In 2009, Nucksal, born Lee Jun-young, formed the hip-hop duo Future Heaven alongside producer Animato, marking his entry into South Korea's underground music scene. The partnership blended Nucksal's lyrical delivery with Animato's production, focusing on conscious hip-hop themes amid a period when the genre remained largely confined to niche audiences.^[14] Future Heaven debuted that same year with the EP Sine Qua Non Vol. 1 on May 26, introducing tracks like "Disco Lounge" and "Addressee Unknown" that showcased their raw, introspective style. They followed swiftly with Sine Qua Non Vol. 2 later in 2009, further establishing their presence through additional singles such as "No Doubt Funk" and "Flow Snake," which highlighted the duo's experimental beats and narrative-driven lyrics. These early releases were self-produced and distributed primarily through independent channels, reflecting the DIY ethos of the era's hip-hop community.^[15] The duo performed at local underground venues in areas like Hongdae, Seoul, where the Korean hip-hop scene was burgeoning but faced significant hurdles, including limited mainstream media exposure, financial instability, and competition from dominant K-pop acts. Artists in this period often relied on small club shows and cyphers to build a following, navigating a landscape where hip-hop was still viewed as a subculture rather than a viable career path, with many performers balancing day jobs amid sparse attendance and inadequate promotion.^[16] Nucksal and Animato's efforts contributed to the genre's gradual growth, though their visibility remained confined to dedicated fans. Following their initial output, Future Heaven's momentum was paused by Nucksal's mandatory military service, which he completed between 2010 and 2012.^[17] Upon discharge, the duo resumed activities with sporadic performances and contributions to the underground circuit until mid-2014, when Nucksal shifted focus to solo endeavors, effectively dissolving the partnership while maintaining occasional nods to their collaboration in later work.^[4] This transition aligned with the duo's evolution from joint projects to Nucksal's independent pursuits in a scene increasingly open to individual talents.

Solo breakthrough and major albums

Nucksal's transition to solo artistry began following his early experiences in the duo Future Heaven, where he honed his skills as a rapper. His initial exposure to a broader audience came through participating as a contestant in the second season of the rap competition Show Me the Money in 2013.^[18] This appearance, though not advancing far, showcased his lyrical potential and laid groundwork for future opportunities. Building on this, Nucksal focused on developing his solo material, leading to the anticipation around his debut full-length album. In early 2016, Nucksal released his debut solo album, The God of Small Things, on February 4 via Vismajor Company.^[19] The album, inspired by Arundhati Roy's novel of the same name, features 12 tracks blending conscious hip-hop with heavy, atmospheric beats characteristic of the VMC sound.^[20] Standout tracks include the opener "NFS," which highlights his rapid-fire delivery and introspective wordplay, and "Make It Slow" featuring DJ Ytst, emphasizing moody production. Critics praised the project for its emotional depth and technical prowess, with one review noting its weighty beats and positioning it among the year's stronger hip-hop releases.^[20][21] The album marked a significant step in establishing Nucksal's solo identity, earning him Album of the Year at the 2016 Korean Hip-Hop Awards.^[22] Nucksal's mainstream breakthrough arrived with his appearance on Show Me the Money 6 in 2017, where he competed under Team Dynamic Duo and finished as runner-up.^[5] This high-profile second-place finish, coupled with standout performances like "It's Worth the Call" alongside Woochan and Hanhae, propelled him to wider fame and solidified his reputation for authentic, skillful rapping.^[23] The exposure from the show amplified interest in his prior work and set the stage for subsequent releases. Four years later, Nucksal delivered his second studio album, 1Q87, on September 30, 2020, again under VMC.^[24] Drawing from dystopian themes reminiscent of Haruki Murakami's 1Q84, the 13-track project explores personal reflection, societal pressures, and futuristic introspection through abstract hip-hop elements and experimental production.^[25] Tracks like "BAD TRIP" and "AKIRA" (featuring Gaeko) blend heavy synths with vulnerable lyrics, earning acclaim for Nucksal's versatile flow and thematic maturity.^[26] The album received a nomination for Best Hip-Hop Album at the 18th Korean Music Awards, underscoring its impact within the genre.^[27] In 2024, Nucksal continued his solo output with the single "Parole Examiner Lee, Pt. 2 (Original Soundtrack)," released on November 26 as part of the OST for the drama Parole Examiner Lee.^[28] The two-track release, including the lead "Back On The Game," ties into the series' narrative of redemption and resilience, featuring Nucksal's signature introspective style adapted for cinematic context.^[29] This OST contribution highlights his ongoing evolution as a solo artist bridging music and media.

Collaborations and label affiliations

Nucksal signed with Vismajor Company (VMC), the hip-hop label founded by Deepflow, in 2014, which helped elevate his profile in the industry. As a prominent artist under the label, he contributed to VMC's creative output and operational efforts, including co-producing the seventh season of the rap survival program Show Me the Money with Deepflow in 2018.^[30][31] Post-2017, Nucksal expanded his collaborative work through features on tracks by fellow artists and group endeavors. In 2020, he guested on the funk band CADEJO's single "Cyber Holiday," merging rap verses with instrumental grooves to create a crossover sound. These partnerships underscored his adaptability within the Korean hip-hop scene while strengthening ties to VMC's network. In 2022, Nucksal teamed up with CADEJO for the collaborative EP Sincerely Yours, a nine-track release under VMC that blended hip-hop lyrics with the band's jam-oriented funk instrumentation. Standout track "Good Morning Seoul" exemplified the project's innovative fusion, earning the EP nominations for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2023 Korean Popular Music Awards in the rap/hip-hop category. This partnership not only highlighted Nucksal's role in bridging genres but also reinforced his label's commitment to experimental collaborations.^[32][33]

Artistic style

Musical influences

Nucksal's musical style has been profoundly shaped by the Korean underground hip-hop scene, particularly through the mentorship and artistic guidance of rapper Deepflow, who discovered him during his early preparations for the album The God of Small Things and signed him to Vismajor Company in 2014.^[34] Deepflow's emphasis on authentic, beat-driven rap in the boom bap tradition influenced Nucksal's approach to crafting introspective tracks that prioritize emotional resonance over commercial trends.^[34] Additionally, early Korean hip-hop acts like Epik High served as foundational inspirations, with their blend of lyrical storytelling and experimental production elements helping to define the introspective tone prevalent in Nucksal's work during his formative years. On the international front, Nucksal has cited American rapper Common as a key influence since his adolescence, admiring the depth and emotional conveyance in Common's lyricism, which impacted his own focus on themes of personal struggle and resilience.^[4] In interviews, he has expressed a desire to replicate the evocative power of Common's music, stating, “I listened to a lot of music by Dynamic Duo and Common. When I make a song, I still worry about ‘Is there any feeling that is conveyed like when I listen to their music?’”^[4] Korean duo Dynamic Duo also played a significant role, with their smooth, narrative-driven flows inspiring Nucksal to infuse his raps with relatable emotional narratives that connect deeply with listeners.^[4] Nucksal's production choices often reflect exposure to jazz, soul, and funk, incorporating sampled elements from these genres to add layered, atmospheric textures to his beats. For instance, in the track "Brother" from his 2020 album 1Q87, producer Buggy sampled "I Don’t Want To Play Around," a 1970s soul record by Ace Spectrum, highlighting Nucksal's appreciation for vintage soul's warm, emotive qualities in hip-hop production.^[25] This sampling approach draws from the golden age of hip-hop's tradition of repurposing jazz and funk loops, allowing Nucksal to create beats that underscore lyrical introspection without overpowering the vocals.^[25] As Nucksal transitioned from his duo days with Future Heaven to a solo career, his influences evolved in tandem with personal growth, shifting toward more mature explorations of vulnerability and self-reflection while retaining core underground roots.^[4] This progression is evident in his increasing emphasis on collaborative projects that blend his foundational inspirations with contemporary sounds, reflecting a broader artistic maturation.^[4]

Themes and lyrical content

Nucksal's music frequently explores themes of everyday struggles, self-reflection, and the significance of "small things" in life, as exemplified in his 2016 debut solo album The God of Small Things, where lyrics depict personal hardships like working in confined spaces amid financial and environmental challenges.^[35] These motifs highlight the resilience found in mundane experiences, portraying the artist's journey through urban poverty and personal growth without romanticizing adversity. His conscious rap approach often weaves in social commentary on the pressures faced by Korean youth, addressing issues like societal expectations and isolation in tracks that critique the hip-hop industry's commercialization.^[36] Lyrically, Nucksal employs introspective storytelling infused with humor to balance heavy topics, using sharp wordplay and metaphors to convey complex emotions, such as comparing life's burdens to everyday objects in songs like "밥값" (The Price of a Meal).^[36] Bilingual elements appear sporadically, incorporating English phrases to enhance rhythm and universality, as seen in his verses that blend Korean idioms with Western hip-hop slang for layered meaning. This style draws from influences like Nas, which shape his emphasis on deep introspection, though Nucksal adapts it to local contexts through personal anecdotes and light-hearted delivery.^[1] Over time, Nucksal's themes have evolved from raw expressions of anger in early works, such as the aggressive narratives in his 2011 mixtape Milli Tape, to a more mature focus on resilience and emotional fortitude in his 2020s releases like 1Q87, where he emphasizes living in the present and providing listeners with a sense of solidarity amid difficulties.^[36] This progression reflects a shift toward empowering messages, encouraging perseverance through self-awareness rather than confrontation, as he discusses evoking strength in interviews about his creative process.^[4]

Discography

Studio albums

Nucksal's debut studio album, The God of Small Things (Korean: 작은 것들의 신), was released on February 4, 2016, through Vismajor Company (VMC) in collaboration with Stoneship and distributed by Genie Music.^[37] The album consists of 12 tracks and runs for approximately 45 minutes, featuring production from Deepfry and collaborations with artists such as DJ YTST.^[38][39] It explores themes of everyday struggles and resilience, drawing inspiration from Arundhati Roy's novel of the same name, and marked Nucksal's breakthrough as a solo artist in the Korean hip-hop scene.^[40] His second studio album, 1Q87, followed on September 30, 2020, under Vismajor Company, Stone Music Entertainment, and Genie Music.^[41] Comprising 12 tracks over 36 minutes and 44 seconds, the project adopts a dystopian, sci-fi aesthetic with introspective lyrics on societal pressures and personal freedom.^[42][25] Key tracks include "Won" featuring Woo Won-jae and ODEE, and "Akira" featuring Gaeko, which highlight Nucksal's technical rap delivery and thematic depth.^[43] The album achieved physical sales exceeding 2,500 copies in South Korea.^[44] No additional solo studio albums have been released by Nucksal as of November 2025.

Extended plays

Nucksal's early solo output included the mixtape Mili-Tape, released on November 7, 2011, as an independent project featuring 17 tracks that highlighted his lyrical skills and production during the shift from his duo era.^[45] The release served as a foundational work in his solo career, with tracks like "Milli Tape" (featuring Animato) and "FUTURE DIVINE" demonstrating his conscious hip-hop approach.^[46] Following his major label debut, Nucksal did not release any solo EPs between 2017 and 2019, focusing instead on singles and full-length albums. His next extended play was the collaborative effort 당신께 (To You, also known as Sincerely Yours) with producer CADEJO, issued on June 17, 2022, via Vismajor Company in partnership with Stone Music Entertainment and Genie Music. The 9-track EP, running approximately 29 minutes, fuses hip-hop with jazz and funk influences, featuring standout collaborations such as "알지도 못하면서" with Jay Park and "숲" with Echae Kang.^[47] It marked a creative pivot toward introspective, poetic themes and received acclaim for its innovative sound, winning Best Rap & Hip Hop Album at the 2023 Korean Music Awards.^[48][49]

Singles

Nucksal's early singles were released under the duo Future Heaven, marking his entry into the Korean underground hip-hop scene with laid-back, introspective tracks that blended melodic elements and lyrical storytelling. Notable examples include "Summer Roller" featuring Yong Wu, which highlighted the duo's signature chill vibe and was distributed digitally in 2012. Subsequent releases like "Blackhole" in 2013 further solidified their presence, though they remained niche within hip-hop circles without major commercial charting. His transition to solo work brought greater visibility, beginning with "Make It Slow" featuring DJ YTst in 2016, a track from his debut album that emphasized smooth flows and production, contributing to his rising profile post-Show Me the Money 6.^[50] This period saw Nucksal focusing on lead singles that showcased his versatile lyricism, often peaking modestly on platforms like Melon but gaining traction through fan support and performances. In the 2020s, Nucksal's singles increasingly incorporated collaborations, reflecting his network in the industry. "Good Morning Seoul," a 2022 collaboration with CADEJO, captured urban introspection and earned critical acclaim, winning Best Rap & Hip Hop Song at the 2023 Korean Music Awards for its innovative blend of hip-hop and funk influences.^[51][48] More recent efforts like "EXPEND4BLES" featuring ODEE in 2023 maintained his momentum with aggressive, cinematic energy tied to film promotion, though it did not achieve top-tier charting.^[52] In 2024, Nucksal contributed "Back On The Game" to the Parole Examiner Lee OST Part 2, showcasing his continued activity in soundtrack work.^[53]

Media appearances

Television roles and competitions

Nucksal first gained visibility on television as a contestant on the rap competition show Show Me the Money 2 in 2013, where he competed among emerging hip-hop artists but did not advance far in the tournament.^[18] He returned to the series for Show Me the Money 6 in 2017, advancing to the finals and finishing as runner-up, which significantly boosted his public profile within the Korean hip-hop scene.^[55] In 2018, Nucksal took on a hosting role as the main MC for High School Rapper 2, guiding high school contestants through their performances and providing commentary alongside mentors. That year, he also transitioned to a producer role on Show Me the Money 777 (season 7), teaming up with Deepflow under the Vismajor Company banner to mentor and select contestants, marking his shift from competitor to industry evaluator.^[31] He reprised this hosting position for High School Rapper 3 in 2019, maintaining his role in fostering young talent on the youth-oriented spin-off. By 2021, he served as the MC for High School Rapper 4, continuing to shape the show's format with his on-screen presence.^[56] Beyond rap competitions, Nucksal joined the cast of the variety program Amazing Saturday ~ DoReMi Market as a regular panelist in March 2019, participating in comedic challenges and music-based games until January 2025. In 2022, he co-hosted the dating variety show The Skip Dating alongside Yoo Jae-suk and Jeon So-min, contributing to its lighthearted segments on modern relationships. He also hosted Office Romance in 2022, exploring workplace dynamics through celebrity interactions. In 2025, Nucksal made a guest appearance on episode 8 of the TV show Newbie in the Club.^[5]

Radio and web broadcasting

Following his success on television rap competitions, Nucksal expanded into radio and web broadcasting, focusing on hip-hop discussions and artist interviews. From 2016 to 2017, he co-hosted the web radio program Hwangchi and Nuchchi on HipHopPlaya alongside Dunmills, conducting in-depth interviews with key figures in Korean hip-hop, including Beenzino in episode 21 and The Quiett in episode 16.^[57][58] In November 2020, Nucksal took on the role of special DJ for three weeks on KBS Cool FM's Kiss the Radio, succeeding Park Won as host and featuring guests like Big One and Don Mills to explore their musical journeys and industry challenges.^[59] Nucksal has appeared as a guest on various podcasts, such as episode 5 of Jay Park's Broken GPS on Naver NOW in September 2019, where the two '87-line rappers bonded over career trajectories, creative processes, and evolving trends in Korean hip-hop.^[60] After confirming his relationship and marriage in 2022, Nucksal incorporated personal stories into his web appearances; for instance, in a July 2025 episode on the YouTube channel hosted by Lee Eun-hyung and Kang Jae-jun, he discussed family life and the backstory of his then-upcoming second son, Yoon-geon.^[61]

Awards and nominations

Hip-hop specific awards

Nucksal has garnered recognition within the Korean hip-hop scene primarily through the Korean Hip-Hop Awards, an annual ceremony honoring excellence in the genre since 2017. His debut studio album The God of Small Things (2016) earned him the inaugural Hip Hop Album of the Year award at the 2017 ceremony, highlighting his lyrical depth and production as a standout in underground and mainstream hip-hop circles.^[62][63] Subsequent works have also received nominations, underscoring his consistent impact. The 2021 album 1Q87, known for its introspective themes and technical prowess, was nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year, though it did not secure the win.^[64][62] Similarly, his 2022 collaborative album Sincerely Yours with producer Cadejo was nominated in the same category at the 2023 Korean Hip-Hop Awards, reflecting the project's innovative blend of hip-hop and experimental elements.^[65][62] No nominations or wins for Nucksal were reported in hip-hop categories at the 2024 or 2025 Korean Hip-Hop Awards.^[62][66]

Broader music awards

In 2023, Nucksal and his collaborator CADEJO received significant acclaim at the 20th Korean Music Awards, winning both the Best Rap and Hip Hop Album award for their collaborative project Sincerely Yours and the Best Rap and Hip Hop Song award for the track "Good Morning Seoul". These victories highlighted the project's innovative blend of hip-hop and alternative elements, earning recognition from a panel of critics and music professionals across genres.^[48]

Personal life

Military service

Nucksal enlisted in the Republic of Korea Army in November 2009, shortly after the release of his duo Future Heaven's EP Sine Qua Non Vol. 2, which he delayed briefly to complete amid personal challenges including an injury from a drinking incident.^[11] He served in the 7th Infantry Division's Search Battalion, stationed at the DMZ frontline in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, where he performed demanding duties such as search and ambush operations in one of the most arduous units.^[67] His approximately 15-month term of active duty included witnessing national tensions, such as the aftermath of the 2010 Cheonan ship sinking and Yeonpyeong Island shelling, which occurred during his service.^[68] Nucksal was recognized by peers as a model senior, earning praise for his leadership and positive influence in the barracks, including rapping Dynamic Duo tracks to entertain fellow soldiers.^[69] The mandatory service led to a hiatus in his music releases, with Nucksal writing lyrics during downtime in the barracks but recording only on leaves; he was honorably discharged in February 2011.^[11] Upon return, he briefly resumed group activities with Future Heaven before transitioning to solo pursuits.^[70] In a 2016 interview, Nucksal described his enlistment as a crucial turning point at age 23, pressured by family and driven by a desire to escape a self-destructive lifestyle and avoid becoming a "trash" figure, ultimately fostering personal growth and resilience that later informed lyrical themes of perseverance in his hip-hop work.^[11]

Relationships and beliefs

In July 2022, Nucksal confirmed he had been in a relationship for two years with a non-celebrity office worker who is six years his junior.^[71] The couple married on September 24, 2022, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family from the entertainment industry.^[72] Their first child, a son named Lee Yoon-woo, was born on February 16, 2023, five months after the wedding.^[73] On October 16, 2025, Nucksal announced the birth of their second child, a son named Lee Yoon-geon.^[74] Nucksal identifies as Protestant and has incorporated religious themes into his music, such as in his 2016 album The God of Small Things, where lyrics reference God and personal faith, including lines like "If you're broke, even the son of God has to work."^[75] He has not frequently discussed his beliefs publicly beyond these artistic expressions, maintaining a low-key approach to his spirituality.^[76] Post-military service, which provided a foundation for personal stability, Nucksal has pursued hobbies like board games, resuming them actively after his marriage to balance his routine. He has shared glimpses of this lifestyle on social media, emphasizing family time and relaxation without delving into professional commitments.^[72] Nucksal generally upholds privacy regarding his personal life, confirming details like his relationship and family milestones through his agency or selective Instagram posts while shielding his wife's identity from media scrutiny.^[77] This stance aligns with his preference for discretion, as seen in limited public disclosures about non-celebrity aspects of his household.^[78]