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Samuel Seo
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Samuel Seo (Korean: 서사무엘; born May 3, 1991) is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Born in Seoul, he spent his youth living in his home country, as well as Japan, the United States, and Canada. An aspiring pianist, Seo's exposure to hip hop music in his teens led him to pursue the genre. He released a series of singles before enlisting and serving two years in military service.
Key Information
Seo released his first studio album Frameworks (2015), which earned him the award for Best R&B & Soul Album at the Korean Music Awards in 2016. He released his second album Ego Expand (100%) in May of that year, which earned him nominations for Best R&B & Soul Album, as well as Best R&B & Soul Song for its lead single "B L U E". As a solo artist, Seo released one of his most recent albums, "My Body and My Heart", which garnered awards for Best R&B and Soul Album. This was followed by a new release of his third album, the fourth volume of his book Eros, which garnered an award for Best Book.
Life and career
[edit]1991–2012: Early life and career beginnings
[edit]Samuel Seo was born Seo Dong-hyeon on May 3, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea.[1] He began to learn to play the piano between the ages of four and five.[2] His father, who worked for the Japanese company Hitachi at the time, was transferred to Tokyo; this resulted in Seo and his family moving to Japan at the age of five. He was enrolled in kindergarten there, where he spent the following two to three years in the country and learned to speak Japanese. Throughout his remaining youth and adolescence, he lived in the United States and Canada. He learned English in the former between visiting family and studying at a community center.[3] He attended and graduated middle school in Canada, where he sought to become a lawyer.[4]
Upon returning to South Korea to attend high school, Seo began to focus on becoming a pianist.[2] While exploring his university options, he entered a club and heard "Outta Control" by American rapper 50 Cent, his first experience with hip hop music.[3] Impressed by the genre, the exposure led him to pursue it.[3][5] He came across Bigdeal's "Deal with Us", his first time listening to Korean hip hop. During this time period, the Bigdeal Squads collective was holding auditions; after successfully auditioning, Seo was signed to the record label in 2008 and became part of the collective.[6][7] Unsatisfied with his given birth name, Seo chose his stage name after the biblical Samuel: "His words became truths and people took them as sacred. I liked that position. I mean, not sacred, but I hope people hear my words seriously."[7] In spite of his name, he identifies as irreligious.[2] Encompassing ambient, electronic, and new-age music, Seo released his first single "Raindrop" in 2010.[5] The following year, he released his first mixtape Now or Never before being subject to conscription in South Korea and enlisting in military service.[1]
2013–2016: Frameworks and Ego Expand (100%)
[edit]Seo completed his military service and was discharged in 2013.[1] A member of the New Block Babyz and Guereallaz collectives, he released his debut extended play Welcome to My Zone in October of that year.[6][7][8] The singles "Vibe" and "Ocean of You" followed in the subsequent months.[9] After a year and a half hiatus, Seo released "New Dress Girl" on September 14, 2015, in precedence of his first full-length album.[10] Contributing to the songwriting, composing, and arrangement on the record, as well as playing all instruments with the exception of bass, Frameworks was released on October 2.[11] The album earned Seo the award for Best R&B & Soul Album at the 13th annual Korean Music Awards.[12]
Seo released the digital single "Kafka" on February 17, 2016. Influenced by Franz Kafka's novel The Metamorphosis, the song is a collaboration with rapper Verbal Jint.[13] He released his second studio album Ego Expand (100%), along with its lead single "B L U E" on May 27.[14] After holding a showcase for the album, he embarked on his first series of concert tours in Asia.[15] On October 28, he released the post-album single "Float" featuring C Jamm.[16] Seo was nominated for Best R&B & Soul Album and Song, respectively, for the 14th Korean Music Awards for Ego Expand (100%) and "B L U E".[17]
2017–present: Collaborative works
[edit]Seo released a collaboration single with former 4Minute member Jeon Ji-yoon in March 2017.[18] On June 8, he released the collaborative project extended play Elbow with Qim Isle.[19]
Musicianship
[edit]Due to his extensive involvement in his music, Seo has been referred to as a "genius artist".[1][20][21] In addition to singing and rapping, he contributes to the songwriting, composition, arrangement, and production of his material.[5][22] He also incorporates various genres into his work, including R&B, soul, hip hop, funk, electronica, and synthpop.[23][24] He has been complimented on his "unique style".[25][26]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaon Album Chart [27] | |||
| Frameworks |
|
94 | |
| Ego Expand (100%) |
|
49 |
|
| Unity |
|
69 | |
| The Misfit |
|
70 |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Welcome to My Zone |
|
| Elbow (with Qim Isle) |
|
| D I A L |
|
| Unity II |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaon Digital Chart | ||||
| "Raindrops" | 2010 | — | "Raindrop" | |
| "Tonite" (with Gray) |
2011 | — | Non-album single | |
| "When You Need Me" (with Daniel Star) |
— | |||
| "Just Say Yes" | — | |||
| "The Pink Room (Bubble Gum)" (featuring 2Tak) |
2013 | — | Welcome to My Zone | |
| "C.U.I.O (Count Until It's Over)" (with High Flies, Dok2, Skyzoo, and Ugly Duck) |
— | Non-album single | ||
| "Vibe" | — | |||
| "Ocean of You" | 2014 | — | ||
| "New Dress Girl" | 2015 | — | Frameworks | |
| "Make Up Love" | — | |||
| "G O Y O" | — | |||
| "Kafka" (featuring Verbal Jint) |
2016 | — | Non-album single | |
| "B L U E" | — | Ego Expand (100%) | ||
| "Sandwich" (featuring Jung-in) |
— | |||
| "S W I R L (Onstage Ver.)" | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Float" (featuring C Jamm) |
— | |||
| "Entourage" | — | Entourage Mixtape | ||
| "Cavalia" (카발리아; Kaballia) (with Bong Tae-gyu and Raw by Peppers) |
— | Sing Street | ||
| "Window" (창문; Changmun) | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Cliche" (with Jeon Ji-yoon) |
2017 | — | ||
| "Incheon Port of Farewell" (이별의 인천항; Ibyeoleui Incheonhang) | — | Incheon – Sound of Incheon (Part 1) | ||
| "Off You" | — | Non-album single | ||
| "greengreengreen" | 2018 | — | Sum (Sum∞) Eighth Greenplugged Official Omnibus Album | |
| "G O Y O 2018" (고요 2018; Goyo 2018) (featuring Nucksal) |
— | Breakers Part.1 | ||
| "5am" (다섯시; Daseotsi) | — | Breakers Part.4 | ||
| "Jazz in My" | — | Unity | ||
| "Happy Avocado" | — | |||
| "I Hate Holidays" | 2019 | — | Non-album single | |
| "Cruise" (비가 그쳤네; Biga Geuchyeotne) | — | |||
| "D O W E" | — | |||
| "Jungle Riot" | — | |||
| "Let Us Talk" | 2020 | — | ||
| "Let Us Talk (Bedroom Version)" | — | |||
| "Gae Na Ri" (개나리; Gaenari) | — | D I A L | ||
| "Soon" (with Eden) |
— | Eden_Stardust2 vol.01 | ||
| "Cycle" (굴레; Gullae) | — | Unity II | ||
| "Cloud" (운; Un) | — | |||
| "Automatic Remix" (with Chancellor, Jay Park, Lee Hi, Bibi, Jamie, Moon, Bumkey, Suran, Babylon, Hoody, Sumin, MRSHLL, Ann One, Elo, twlv, oceanfromtheblue, Jiselle, Sole, Thama, K.vsh, Jinbo, Jerd, Soovi, B.E.D., Xydo, Owell Mood, and None) |
— | Non-album single |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title[30] | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaon Digital Chart | ||||
| "Slide to Unlock" (밀어서 잠금해제; Mireoseo Jamgeumhaeje) (Kruxx Beatz featuring Samuel Seo and Shin Ho-rim) |
2013 | — | Non-album single | |
| "Young & Great" (청춘; Cheongchun) (Qwala featuring Zizo and Samuel Seo) |
— | Young & Great | ||
| "The Monster" (2Tak in Quantize featuring Outsider and Samuel Seo) |
— | Before Christ | ||
| "I Didn't Know Breaking Up Could Be This Easy" (쉽게 헤어질줄 몰랐어; Swipge Heeojiljeul Mollasseo) (Sang Ji featuring Samuel Seo) |
2014 | — | "Jkey Project Vol.01" | |
| "A Dream" (Damian Kang featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Non-album single | ||
| "Think Twice" (Cielo featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "Dancehall Where the Demons Dance" (악마들이 춤 추는 댄스홀; Angmadeuri Chum Chuneun Daenseuhol) (Nucksal featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "Everything and More Remix" (RiLord featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "E.B.I.T (Every Breath I Take)" (MGFC featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "Dot Uh" (Rawyall featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "Tell Ya" (Young Jay featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "The Crow" (Jinsol featuring Penomeco, Dowby, and Samuel Seo) |
— | |||
| "L O V E A S O N G" (Mushland featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Cohail Dream | ||
| "P.A.P.E.R" (Qwala featuring Loco and Samuel Seo) |
— | Monsta Truck 2014 | ||
| "Red-Colored Night" (붉은 빛깔의 밤; Bulgeun Bitkkareun Bam) (Still PM featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Non-album single | ||
| "Le Mans" (르망; Leumang) (Jayho featuring Samuel Seo) |
2016 | — | Le Mans | |
| "Fatalism" (운명론; Unmyeongnon) (Jang Hye-jin featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Ordinary | ||
| "Home" (집; Jip) (H2ADIN featuring Samuel Seo and Nucksal) |
2017 | — |
|
High School Rapper Final |
| "Why, You?" (넌 왜?; Neon Wae?) (Park Bo-ram featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Orange Moon | ||
| "Sweet" (OLNL featuring Samuel Seo) |
2018 | — | All Available | |
| "WTF" (뭐다냐; Mwodanya) (AshRock featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Kenzasburg | ||
| "I" (OLNL featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Show Me the Money 777 Semi-final | ||
| "TTL" (Cadejo featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Non-album single | ||
| "Ding Dong Ditch" (벨튀; Beltwi) (Gree featuring Samuel Seo, Gaeun) |
2019 | — | Vague | |
| "Lonely Boy" (Damye featuring Samuel Seo) |
— | Non-album single | ||
| "Moonlighting" (P-Type featuring Samuel Seo) |
— |
Soundtrack appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Release | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Slowly but Surely" (티 내볼게; Ti Naebolge) (Minsu, Samuel Seo) |
2019 | I'm Not a Robot OST Part 1 | [30] |
| "Pain or Death" | Doctor John OST Part 4 |
Guest appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Other performer(s) | Release | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "B.B.B (Remix)" | 2013 | Jayho, Nucksal | "American Girl" | [30] |
| "Triple Double" | Young Jay, Jayho, Nucksal, Qwala, New Champ | No Stress, No Drama | [30] | |
| "Who Are You" (누구냐 너; Nugunya Neo) | Issac Squab | Hotspicyradio : Spicyflava (2/2) | [30] | |
| "Just Celebrate" | Prizmoliq | Spirit of the Times | [30] | |
| "Doping Test" | 2Tak in Quantize, New Champ, KittiB, Koonta, Innovator, Jung Moon | Before Christ | [30] | |
| "Finale2013" | Scotch VIP, Roydo, KittiB | "Day n' Night" | [30] | |
| "Lightly" (가볍게; Gabyeopge) | 2014 | New Champ | Sound Providers of Korea | [32] |
| "187" | Vasco | Code Name :187 | [30] | |
| "Oppa" (오빠) | All That | Trilogy | [30] | |
| "Shoulder Gang" (어깨깡패; Ekkaekkangpae) | Don Mills | Young Don | [30] | |
| "Shall We Dance" | Riby-J | Collabo No. 1 – Livin' in da Keywest | [30] | |
| "F.O.M" | Mushland, Cielo | Cohail Dream | [30] | |
| "Cohail Dream" | [30] | |||
| "Her in the Mirror" (거울안의 그녀; Geouraneui Genyeo) | 2015 | JJK | Noble Collision | [30] |
| "Sky Walker" | Brasco | Divin' to Earth | [30] | |
| "Good Days" | 2016 | TK, Young Jay | Tourist | [30] |
| "LO:OP" | Giriboy | Mechanical Album | [30] | |
| "Natural" (내가 무슨 말을 어찌; Naega Museun Mareul Eojji; lit. "What Do I Say") | 2017 | Hanhae, Kang Seung-hyeon | Tribe of Hip Hop2 Final I | [30] |
| "Music Is Difficult" (음악은 어려워; Eumageun Eoyreowo) | Han Yo-han | The Blade Dance | [30] | |
| "On" | Primary, George | Shininryu | [30] | |
| "Check-In" | 2018 | Reddy | Telescope | [30] |
| "a r o m a" (내린 뒤; Naerin Dwi) | N/a | Breakers Part.5 | [30] | |
| "Choose" (추수; Chusu) | Eluphant, TakeOne | U | [30] |
Filmography
[edit]Variety show
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | King of Mask Singer | Contestant | as "Manhole" (episodes 285–286)[33] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Korean Music Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Frameworks | Best R&B & Soul Album | Won | [12] |
| 2017 | Ego Expand (100%) | Nominated | [17] | |
| "B L U E" | Best R&B & Soul Song | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | "Off You" | Nominated | [34] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d 서사무엘(Samuel Seo) 소개. Mnet (in Korean). CJ E&M. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c Noh, Ji-young; Kim, Ruby (January 26, 2016). 파란 머리, 사무엘. Dazed Korea (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c 連載 SAMUEL SEO/SAMUEL ON DEMAND 『S.O.D』. Hiphop Konvey (in Japanese). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Exclusive Interview with Samuel Seo. Singapore: OfficiallyKmusic. July 26, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c Ryu, Ho. 서사무엘 (Samuel Seo). Nanjang (in Korean). Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b Samuel Seo INTERVIEW (2013.10). Hiphop Konvey (in Japanese). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c Lee, Jin-seok; Hwang, Du-ha (June 22, 2016). 서사무엘 – 현재진화형, 워너비에서 독자적인 아티스트로. Rhythmer (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Yoo, Hye-ji (October 31, 2014). [HD] 서사무엘, 힙합 아티스트 최초 카페와 '콜라보레이션' 작업 진행. Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Kim, Ye-na (February 23, 2016). [인터뷰] 서사무엘, 경계를 허물고. bntnews (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Lee, Chun-woo (September 14, 2015). 서사무엘, 1년 반 만에 새 싱글 'New Dress Girl' 발매. Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Kim, Ye-na (September 14, 2015). 서사무엘, 신곡 '뉴드레스걸' 발표…10월 첫 정규 선공개곡. bntnews (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b Han, Hye-won (February 29, 2016). 빅뱅, 한국대중음악상서 '올해의 노래' 등 3관왕. Yohap News (in Korean). Yonhap. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Kim, Ye-na (February 16, 2016). 서사무엘, 새 싱글 '카프카' 17일 발매…버벌진트 피처링 참여. bntnews (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Seon, Mi-gyeong (May 27, 2016). 서사무엘, 오늘 정규2집 발매..정인•기리보이 등 피처링. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Park, Ji-eun (June 8, 2016). 서사무엘, 2집 발매 후 본격 '아시아 투어' 나서. Hangang Times (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ 서사무엘, 새 싱글 'float (Feat. C JAMM)' 10/28 발매. Hiphopplaya (in Korean). October 26, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b Kim, Su-jeong (February 7, 2017). 트와이스•볼빨간사춘기•비와이… '올해의 신인' 누구?. No Cut News (in Korean). CBSi. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (February 10, 2017). 포미닛 출신 전지윤, 3월 신곡 발표 '서사무엘과 콜라보'(공식). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Beasel (June 8, 2017). 서사무엘 X 김아일, 프로젝트 앨범 [Elbow] 발표. HiphopLE (in Korean). Retrieved June 10, 2017.
- ^ 서사무엘 (Samuel Seo). Mintpaper (in Korean). August 2, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Lee, Eun-ho (October 10, 2015). [신보 수배] 10월 첫째 주, 놓치기 아까운 음반. 10asia (in Korean). Korea Entertainment Media. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Lee, Chun-woo (October 5, 2015). 힙합씬 보컬 서사무엘 첫 정규앨범 '프레임웍스' 발표. Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Jang, Yu-cheol (June 2, 2016). 본고장 최고의 알앤비, 소울, 힙합 아티스트 한국으로 집결. Brain Media (in Korean). iBrain. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Kim, Seur-a (October 16, 2016). 서사무엘•넉살•오사마리, 감각적인 힙합 R&B 콘서트 'City Night'. Hangang Times (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Kwak, Min-gu (July 16, 2016). 비와이-씨잼-자이언티-지코-딘 '더 몬스터 콘서트'서 총집결 '최강 라인업'. Focus News (in Korean). Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Bae, Sun-tak. 6월 1주, 이주의 발견 – 국내 : 어반 자카파 외 5매. Naver Music (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ "Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e 서사무엘(Samuel Seo) 앨범. Mnet (in Korean). CJ E&M. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ 2016년 06월 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x 서사무엘(Samuel Seo) 참여 곡. Mnet (in Korean). CJ E&M. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ 2017년 13주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ 서사무엘(Samuel Seo) 곡. Mnet (in Korean). CJ E&M. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
- ^ Lee Seung-hoon (December 20, 2020). '복면가왕' 부뚜막 고양이, '故 종현' 추억→7연승 성공..낸시∙황규영∙서사무엘∙타루 정체 공개 [종합]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved December 27, 2020.
- ^ 장르분야 (in Korean). Korean Music Awards. February 6, 2018. Archived from the original on February 7, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Samuel Seo
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Life and career
1991–2012: Early life and education
Samuel Seo was born Seo Dong-hyeon on May 3, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea.[9] His early childhood was primarily spent in Seoul, though his family relocated to Japan when he was five years old, providing early exposure to Japanese culture and language, in which he became fluent.[9] He later lived in the United States and Canada, further immersing him in multicultural environments that shaped his worldview and would influence the eclectic, genre-blending approach in his future music.[9] From ages four to five, Seo began piano lessons and developed a strong interest in classical music, aspiring to become a professional pianist during his teenage years.[9] This period of formal training laid the foundation for his musical ear and production skills. However, while attending high school in South Korea, he encountered hip-hop through tracks like 50 Cent's "Outta Control," sparking a profound shift away from classical pursuits toward contemporary genres including hip-hop, R&B, and soul.[9] Seo's initial foray into music production and performance occurred in the underground scene; in 2008, he joined the group Bigdeal Squads, adopting the stage name Samuel.[9] By 2010, he made his professional debut as a rapper under the independent label Digital Record, releasing his first single "Raindrop" and the mixtape Now or Never that year.[9][10] He then enlisted for mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army, serving for two years and being discharged in 2013. He actively participated in Seoul's vibrant underground hip-hop community, contributing to collectives such as Guereallaz and New Block Babyz, where he honed his craft through collaborations and live performances.[11]2013–2016: Debut and breakthrough albums
After his discharge from military service, Samuel Seo resumed his career with the release of his debut mini-album Welcome to My Zone on October 20, 2013, marking a shift toward incorporating singing alongside his rapping style.[12] The nine-track project, self-produced, mixed, and mastered by Seo, blended 90s ambient sounds and southern hip-hop rhythms with classical piano elements and personal narratives drawn from his life experiences.[11] As the newest member of the underground hip-hop crew New Block Babyz, the album featured collaborations with artists including Jayho, Nucksal, and Jinsol, emphasizing raw expression over mainstream trends.[11] Seo maintained an independent production approach for his subsequent releases, signing with Stoneship for his first full-length studio album Frameworks, issued on October 2, 2015.[13] The 13-track effort, largely produced by Seo with arrangements co-handled by Jun Beck, explored emerging R&B influences through introspective lyrics and versatile vocal delivery, spotlighting tracks like the pre-released "New Dress Girl" and the title track "Make Up Love."[13] Bass elements were contributed by No Suntaek, adding depth to Seo's self-orchestrated instrumentation across the album.[13] Building on this momentum, Seo released the digital single "Kafka" featuring Verbal Jint on February 17, 2016, which drew thematic inspiration from introspective literary motifs while fusing rap verses with melodic hooks.[14] Later that year, on May 27, Seo dropped his second studio album Ego Expand (100%) via Craft and Jun in collaboration with Stoneship, venturing deeper into experimental R&B with somber synth flourishes, interlocking guitars, and swinging rhythms.[15] The 10-track collection included guest spots from Giriboy on "DO:OM," Ja Mezz, and Nucksal, alongside a soulful duet with Jeong In on "Sandwich," creating a pensive atmosphere that seamlessly alternated between singing and rapping.[16] These early releases garnered initial critical praise for Seo's innovative fusion of neo-soul and hip-hop elements, with reviewers noting the thoughtful lyricism and accessibility of his sound.[16] Frameworks in particular was recognized for laying the groundwork of his jazz-inflected R&B/soul aesthetic, while live performances during this period highlighted his dynamic stage presence and vocal range.[17]2017–2019: UNITY and The Misfit
Following his breakthrough with Frameworks, Samuel Seo continued to evolve his sound through more introspective solo projects. In 2018, he released his third studio album UNITY on September 12 under Craft and Jun, an eight-track effort that emphasized themes of harmony, collaboration, and personal introspection.[18] The album shifted toward organic, analogue production, limiting auto-tune to highlight Seo's natural vocal delivery and incorporating jazz influences through collaborations with musicians like Ashrock.[19] Tracks such as "Jazz In My" and the lead single "Happy Avocado" exemplified this approach, blending smooth R&B grooves with live instrumentation to foster a sense of unity among performers and listeners.[19] Seo debuted selections from UNITY at the MU:CON music conference in Seoul on the day of release, marking an early step in his expanding live presence within indie circles.[19] In early 2019, Seo transitioned to the independent label Magic Strawberry Sound, which supported his deepening exploration of neo-soul and personal identity.[20] This move aligned with the release of his fourth studio album The Misfit on October 31, a neo-soul-infused project addressing themes of alienation and outsider status in mainstream society.[21] Drawing from '90s R&B influences like D’Angelo and incorporating elements of jazz, bossa nova, and psychedelic soul, the album offered emotional introspection and societal commentary, as seen in tracks critiquing educational pressures in South Korea.[17] Critics praised its meticulous craftsmanship and versatile melodies, noting how it expanded Seo's signature jazz-forward aesthetic into a more cohesive, replayable work.[17] That August, Seo contributed to the soundtrack for the SBS drama Doctor John with the track "Pain or Death," a soulful ballad released as Part 4 of the OST, further showcasing his vocal range and thematic depth.[22] During this period, Seo's recognition grew steadily in South Korea's indie and hip-hop scenes, bolstered by targeted live performances. He mounted his first solo concert tour, culminating in the THE MISFITS show on November 23, 2019, at Hyundai Card Unders Stage in Seoul, where he performed the full The Misfit album alongside fan favorites.[23] Earlier that year, he appeared at the Live in Hongdae event on July 22, engaging local audiences with intimate sets that highlighted his evolving stage presence.[24] These outings, combined with festival spots like MU:CON, solidified his reputation as a thoughtful innovator bridging R&B, soul, and hip-hop.[7]2020–present: UNITY II, recent releases, and collaborations
In 2020, Samuel Seo released the EP D I A L on May 11 through Magic Strawberry Sound, serving as a transitional project that bridged his earlier introspective themes with a focus on emotional connectivity and subtle electronic elements.[25] This release marked his continued exploration of personal vulnerability amid the challenges of the global pandemic, incorporating minimalist production to highlight raw vocal delivery. Later that year, on October 21, Seo issued UNITY II, a follow-up EP that emphasized themes of renewal and self-reinvention, building on the unity motifs from his prior work while incorporating jazz-infused neo-soul arrangements.[26] Tracks such as "One" and "Pale Blue" exemplified this shift, with "One" delivering a meditative opener on solitude and rebirth through layered harmonies, and "Pale Blue" evoking serene introspection via atmospheric instrumentation.[27] The EP received acclaim for its sophisticated production, earning the R&B Album of the Year at the 2021 Korean Hip-Hop Awards and solidifying Seo's role in advancing neo-soul in South Korea.[28] Seo adopted a more prolific approach to solo singles in the ensuing years, releasing "MEMO" in December 2022 as a reflective piece on fleeting memories, characterized by its intimate piano-driven composition. This was followed by "Swing Slam" on January 26, 2023, a upbeat track blending funk rhythms with lyrical nods to resilience, and "Some Things Don't Change" on March 9, 2023, which offered a contemplative ballad underscoring enduring personal truths amid flux.[29][30] On July 6, 2023, Seo released the EP Love Eventually via STUDIO OPC, delving into romantic maturation through warm, soulful soundscapes that contrasted his earlier more isolated narratives.[31] The project explored evolving relationships with a mature lens, featuring organic instrumentation and vulnerable lyrics that highlighted emotional growth.[32] Throughout this period, Seo expanded his collaborative footprint, contributing to diverse projects that showcased his versatility as a vocalist and producer. Notable efforts included his feature on Eden's Eden_Stardust2 vol.01 with the track "Soon" in 2020, a dreamy collaboration blending R&B and alternative elements, and participation in the multi-artist "Automatic Remix" that same year, which amplified his presence in the indie scene.[10] He also provided soundtrack contributions, such as vocals for the Doctor John OST, integrating his style into narrative-driven music.[33] By 2025, no full-length albums had emerged, but Seo maintained independent production through STUDIO OPC, focusing on live performances and selective features, while prioritizing artistic experimentation over commercial volume.Artistry
Musical style
Samuel Seo's musical style is primarily rooted in contemporary R&B and neo-soul, often infused with elements of hip-hop, electronica, funk, and synth-pop to create a multifaceted sound.[34][35] His work blends soul, jazz, and R&B traditions, incorporating rare groove and deep house influences that evoke a sense of spacious exploration.[26] This genre fusion allows for a dynamic range, from smooth, soulful tracks that highlight vocal intimacy to more experimental pieces with improvisational jazz overtones.[4] A hallmark of Seo's artistry is his smooth vocal delivery, characterized by a signature falsetto supported by baritone tones, enabling effortless slides into rhythmic pockets.[26] His pristine, clean vocals span a wide range, often layered with personal harmonies without relying on background singers, fostering emotional depth and technical precision.[26] Rooted in his early piano training as a child, Seo frequently employs piano-driven melodies that underscore his neo-soul leanings, adding a classical-influenced melodic foundation to his contemporary sound.[4][36] In production, Seo adopts a self-directed approach, contributing to songwriting, composition, arrangement, and beats across his discography.[35] His techniques emphasize atmospheric textures through open, spacious arrangements, subtle syncopation, and minimalism, allowing vocals and instruments—like acoustic guitar or drum brushes—to breathe without overcrowding.[26] This calculated subtlety prioritizes rhythm and emotional resonance over dense layering, often drawing from improvisational processes involving multiple takes to refine each element.[4][26] Lyrically, Seo's work maintains thematic consistency around introspection, personal identity, and cultural fusion, reflecting conscious-driven narratives inspired by literature and lived experiences.[4][37] These elements convey soulful emotion and a sense of unity, often exploring rebellion and comfort within broader cultural contexts.[26]Influences and evolution
Samuel Seo's musical journey began with exposure to Korean hip-hop during his high school years in Seoul, where a chance encounter with a boombox ignited his passion for the genre and prompted him to attend concerts that shaped his early artistic aspirations.[38] His nomadic upbringing, spanning South Korea, Japan, the United States, and Canada, further broadened his horizons, introducing him to diverse sounds including heavy metal bands like Slipknot and Deftones, which contrasted with his classical piano training as a child.[4] This multicultural background fostered a blend of global influences, allowing him to infuse personal experiences into his work while grappling with his Korean identity.[3] In his formative years, Seo drew heavily from neo-soul pioneers such as D'Angelo, whose production style he admired enough to dream of collaborating with.[38] He has also cited Erykah Badu for her emotive lyricism and fusion of soul with jazz.[3] Other key figures like Raphael Saadiq influenced his shift toward introspective, rhythm-driven compositions, emphasizing emotional depth over mere imitation of Western styles.[7][3] His time in Japan, though not yielding direct musical heroes, exposed him to broader Asian cultural nuances that subtly informed his genre experimentation, particularly in later productions like his work for Japanese artist Sky-Hi.[39] Seo's artistry evolved from a rap-heavy focus in his 2013 debut mixtape Welcome to My Zone, characterized by aggressive flows and hip-hop roots, to a more soulful and introspective approach by the mid-2010s, as seen in albums like Frameworks (2015) and UNITY (2018), where he prioritized lyrical vulnerability and cultural authenticity.[7] This transition was driven by his desire to integrate Korean elements—such as traditional themes of education and identity—into non-native genres, moving away from superficial copies of American hip-hop toward a hybrid sound reflective of his heritage.[7] Experiences like military service and early collaborations with artist collectives further refined this phase, encouraging self-production and a rejection of mainstream trends.[7][3] By 2019's The Misfit, Seo had embraced experimental minimalism, stripping down arrangements to highlight jazz and funk undertones while exploring personal alienation, a stylistic pivot influenced by his ongoing quest for inner peace amid industry pressures.[17] Affiliation with Magic Strawberry Sound provided creative freedom, enabling bolder genre fusions without rigid label constraints, though he has navigated the Korean music scene's challenges by focusing on independent output.[4] Post-2020, particularly with UNITY II (2021), Seo's evolution accelerated in response to the digital streaming era, incorporating subtle electronic and synthpop elements to enhance accessibility while maintaining neo-soul's conscious lyricism.[3] This adaptation reflects a matured minimalism, with quieter, improvisational tracks that underscore his growth into a multifaceted vocalist and producer, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial viability.[37] As of 2023, releases such as the EP Love Eventually and singles like "Swing Slam" and "Some Things Don't Change" continue this trajectory, blending chill R&B with introspective themes reflective of his ongoing cultural and personal exploration.[8][10]Discography
Studio albums
Samuel Seo's debut studio album, Frameworks, was released on October 2, 2015, under the independent label Craft and Jun (in association with STONESHIP).[40][13] This full-length project features 13 tracks and marks his transition to a more vocally focused sound, blending contemporary R&B with jazz and experimental elements.[41][42] The album received critical acclaim for its fusion of R&B and soul influences, establishing Seo as a prominent voice in the Korean indie scene.[43][44] His sophomore effort, Ego Expand (100%), followed on May 27, 2016, also released independently through STONESHIP.[20] Comprising 10 tracks, the album expands on experimental themes, incorporating introspective hip-hop and R&B production with features from artists like GIRIBOY. It was praised for its thoughtful depth and sonic innovation, earning nominations in major R&B categories and solidifying Seo's reputation for boundary-pushing work.[16] UNITY (2018, Magic Strawberry Sound) expanded to eight tracks, such as "Jazz In My" and "Keep It Simple," focusing on introspective themes of harmony and interpersonal bonds, with smooth jazz and R&B production underscoring emotional unity. This release experimented with acoustic versions, like "창문 (Acoustic Version)," to create a cohesive narrative of self-reflection and connection, bridging his earlier rap roots with emerging neo-soul sensibilities.[45][46] In 2019, Seo delivered The Misfit on October 31 via Magic Strawberry Sound, a 15-track neo-soul and contemporary R&B outing that delves into themes of alienation and personal introspection.[20][47] The album's lush, jazz-infused arrangements and emotional lyricism garnered widespread critical praise as a masterful evolution in his artistry, with reviewers highlighting its cohesive narrative and sonic richness.[17][48]Extended plays
Samuel Seo's extended plays mark pivotal experimental forays in his discography, often serving as bridges between full-length albums by delving into introspective and genre-blending explorations of soul, R&B, and hip-hop. These shorter releases, typically featuring fewer than ten tracks, highlight his evolution from raw rap-infused sounds to more polished neo-soul textures, emphasizing personal renewal and emotional connectivity.[10] His debut EP, Welcome to My Zone (2013, Digital Record), introduced a rap-soul blend across nine tracks, including "The Entrance (Enough Said)" and "The Green Room (Die for Today)" featuring Jinsol, establishing Seo's early fusion of introspective lyrics with rhythmic flows. Released shortly after his military discharge, the project captured a raw, zone-like immersion into his artistic world, blending pop-rap elements with soulful undertones to signal his shift from underground guerrilla performances.[12][49] Elbow (2017, Craft and Jun), a collaborative EP with Qim Isle, features five tracks including "Mango" and "Monk" (feat. George), blending R&B and hip-hop in experimental production. The project highlights Seo's versatility in joint efforts, exploring themes of flexibility and connection through jazz and soul influences.[50][51]- D I A L* (2020, Magic Strawberry Sound), a compact five-track EP, employed dial tones and phone motifs in its title track to metaphorically evoke the anticipation and anxiety of human connections, akin to a dial-up internet era's tension. Produced with influences from '60s/'70s soul and hip-hop, tracks like "GAE NA RI" (feat. Yerin Baek) delved into earthy neo-soul intimacy, marking a transitional pivot toward darker, more vulnerable expressions amid the pandemic.[52][53]
Singles as lead artist
Samuel Seo's discography as a lead artist features several standalone digital singles and lead tracks from his projects, showcasing his evolution in contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences. These releases often highlight his introspective lyricism and production style, with promotional efforts tied to album cycles or independent drops under labels like Magic Strawberry Sound and STUDIO OPC. His debut digital single, "Kafka" featuring Verbal Jint, was released on February 17, 2016.[14] Inspired by themes of transformation akin to Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, the track marked an early collaboration in his career, blending rap verses with soulful melodies.[56] In 2019, during the promotion of his album The Misfit, Seo released "Playaplayaplaya" as the lead single on October 31.[57] The track serves as a self-reflective "diss" to his younger, more materialistic self, incorporating playful wordplay and neo-soul elements that contributed to the album's recognition as Best R&B & Soul Album at the 2020 Korean Music Awards.[58] "MEMO" was issued as a standalone single on December 13, 2022, under STUDIO OPC.[59] This release emphasized Seo's minimalist production and emotional depth, aligning with his post-enlistment return to music. "Swing Slam" followed on January 26, 2023, also as an independent single.[29] The song's rhythmic, upbeat structure highlighted his versatility in blending hip-hop beats with R&B vocals, serving as a bridge to his subsequent EP work. Finally, "Some Things Don't Change" was released on March 9, 2023.[30] This piano-driven track explores themes of constancy amid personal growth, promoted through live sessions and social media to connect with fans during his ongoing solo phase.Featured appearances and collaborations
Samuel Seo has made notable contributions to Korean drama soundtracks both as a solo artist and collaborator. In August 2019, he released "Pain Or Death" as the lead track for Doctor John OST Part 4, a poignant R&B piece that underscored the series' themes of suffering and resilience in a medical context. Earlier that year, in June 2019, Seo collaborated with Minsu on "Slowly but Surely (Prod. Ra.D)," featured on I'm Not a Robot OST Part 1, where his smooth vocals complemented the track's introspective vibe about budding romance.[60] Beyond soundtracks, Seo's guest features span R&B and hip-hop projects, highlighting his versatility. He appeared on Kim Oki's "Story" from the 2020 album For My Angel, delivering a soulful verse that evoked nostalgic storytelling amid ethereal production.[61] In November 2020, Seo joined an all-star ensemble for "AUTOMATIC REMIX," a sprawling 15-minute reworking of CHANCELLOR's original track, alongside artists like Jay Park, LeeHi, BIBI, JAMIE, BUMKEY, SURAN, and Hoody; his contribution infused the remix with introspective lyricism in the crowded hip-hop/R&B crossover.[62] Seo has also lent his talents to hip-hop collaborations, often bridging underground scenes. On BILL STAX's 2014 album Code Name:187, he featured on the gritty track "187," adding melodic hooks to the rapper's raw delivery about street life.[63] In 2017, he contributed to Primary's mini-album Shininryu with "On" (feat. Samuel Seo & George), a laid-back R&B-hip-hop fusion exploring perseverance.[64] Other appearances include oceanfromtheblue's 2021 track "Wings (Like Sisqo)" from Messages, where Seo's feature brought airy, uplifting energy to the indie-leaning project.Television appearances
Variety shows
Samuel Seo made his notable television variety show debut on the singing competition King of Mask Singer in December 2020, competing as the masked contestant "Manhole" during episodes 285 and 286.[65] Disguising his identity to focus on vocal performance, he delivered renditions that highlighted his versatile tone and emotional depth, ultimately finishing as runner-up in the round after advancing through preliminary battles. This appearance emphasized his ability to adapt his style to masked formats, drawing attention to his neo-soul influences without revealing his rapper background. In 2022, Seo participated as a regular contestant in Mnet's survival variety program Artistock Game, which spanned 10 episodes from October to December and featured 48 artists competing in music-based challenges treated like stock trading.[66] He engaged in group and individual performances, showcasing collaborative skills and stage presence amid eliminations based on viewer and panel votes, ultimately placing 38th overall.[67] The format allowed him to demonstrate adaptability in competitive settings, blending his songwriting prowess with live improvisation. Earlier that year, Seo appeared as a guest on the music-focused variety-radio hybrid Juk Jae's Night Studio in episode 150, joining host Juk Jae for discussions on his creative process and recent releases.[68] The segment provided an intimate platform for him to share insights into his artistry, fostering deeper fan connections through casual conversations about influences and upcoming projects. These variety show outings collectively boosted his public profile, with the King of Mask Singer elimination sparking online buzz and increased streaming engagement for his discography.[65]Music and talk programs
Samuel Seo has made several appearances on music chart programs to promote his releases, showcasing his blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul influences through live performances. In 2017, he featured on Park Boram's track "Why, You?" during an episode of M COUNTDOWN, highlighting his vocal contributions to collaborative projects.[69] For his 2019 album The Misfit, Seo performed the lead single "Playaplayaplaya" on M COUNTDOWN's October 31 episode, emphasizing the track's funky, retro-inspired production during the promotional cycle.[70] In addition to chart shows, Seo has been a frequent guest on radio programs, often discussing his creative process, influences, and recent works. On Arirang Radio's K-Pop Live Session series, he delivered acoustic performances tied to his releases, such as "Pale Blue" during a Tea Time Thursday segment in March 2023, where he explored themes of introspection in his neo-soul style.[71] Later that year, in August, he appeared on the Play11st UP edition to perform "a r o m a (내린 뒤)" and "Let us Talk," tracks from his ongoing experimentation with atmospheric R&B elements.[72] By September 2023, Seo returned for sessions featuring "G O Y O" and "Jazz In My," reflecting on jazz and funk roots in live interviews.[73] Seo's involvement extends to hosting roles on talk-oriented radio segments, where he engages in discussions about music trends and artist spotlights. Since around 2020, he has co-hosted the "Oh My Idol" segment on Arirang's Super K-Pop radio show on Tuesdays alongside Sam Carter, covering K-pop and indie scenes through interviews and performances, including a December 2020 episode where he performed "Ordinary Kids."[74][37] He also co-hosts Men on Air on TBS eFM Fridays with Greg Priester and others, focusing on R&B and soul conversations; in September 2020, during UNITY II promotions, they covered a rendition of "RainDrop," tying into Seo's emphasis on emotional depth in his work.[75][37] For international outreach, particularly in 2021, Seo participated in the Korean Cultural Centre UK's K-Music Showcase, an online event on May 26 that served as an indie music platform, where he performed selections from The Misfit and discussed his genre-fusing approach to hip-hop and R&B.[35] This appearance aligned with his broader promotional efforts for UNITY II, released in late 2020, during which radio spots on Arirang and TBS allowed him to elaborate on the EP's themes of harmony and personal growth, incorporating traditional Korean elements like the janggu in tracks such as "Cloud."[37] More recently, in September 2025, Seo headlined an unplugged special on Arirang Radio's Radio'n Us for the station's 22nd anniversary, performing stripped-down versions of his catalog and reflecting on his evolution as a producer up to that point.[76]Awards and nominations
Korean Music Awards
Samuel Seo's debut studio album Frameworks (2015) earned him the Best R&B & Soul Album award at the 13th Korean Music Awards in 2016, marking his breakthrough recognition in the genre. This win highlighted his transition from rap to a comprehensive R&B sound, solidifying his position as an innovative artist blending hip-hop and soul elements. In 2017, at the 14th Korean Music Awards, Seo received nominations for Best R&B & Soul Album for Ego Expand (100%) and Best R&B & Soul Song for "B L U E" from the same album, though he did not win. These nods reflected critical acclaim for his sophomore release, which explored themes of self-expansion through introspective lyrics and layered production. In 2018, at the 15th Korean Music Awards, Seo was nominated for Best R&B & Soul Song for "Off You", further acknowledging his songwriting prowess. Seo secured his second victory at the 17th Korean Music Awards in 2020 with The Misfit (2019) winning Best R&B & Soul Album, praised for its mature evolution in personal storytelling and sonic depth. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to supporters and emphasized the album's role in his artistic growth, noting its focus on embracing imperfections. This accolade further cemented his influence in Korean R&B, inspiring subsequent works like UNITY II. The wins across these ceremonies underscored Seo's consistent impact, elevating his career from underground roots to broader industry respect.| Year | Ceremony | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13th Korean Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul Album | Frameworks | Won |
| 2017 | 14th Korean Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul Album | Ego Expand (100%) | Nominated |
| 2017 | 14th Korean Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul Song | "B L U E" | Nominated |
| 2018 | 15th Korean Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul Song | "Off You" | Nominated |
| 2020 | 17th Korean Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul Album | The Misfit | Won |