HarryBigButton’s Lee Sung Soo talks passion, industry, and his secret music producer

Written by Jess Howell

After rocking the walls off Cheong Chun Ye Chan on Sunday night, band lead and vocalist Lee Sung Soo joined us at a cafe for a twenty-minute interview. The night was already full of cigarettes and rock ‘n roll, all that was left was coffee. 

Lee has been a fixture in Korea's rock scene for decades, starting long before many of his current fans were born. "I started my first band in 1985. That was my high school band," he explains with a hint of nostalgia. "My professional music career in Korea started in 1988. A very long time ago."

When asked what listeners should feel when hearing HarryBigButton's music, Lee's answer is pure rock philosophy: "Just follow your instinct. That's what Rock n' Roll is all about. You don't think about it in your brain." He clarifies with a laugh, "Good animal instincts, yes."

While global audiences might think of AC/DC or Metallica when they hear the phrase “rock 'n' roll”, Lee hopes that HarryBigButton has become synonymous with Korean rock. He's quick to point out, however, that Korea's rock scene runs much deeper than most realise. "There are many rock 'n' roll bands in Korea. People just don't know about them because they have no idea what's going on in our music scene."

Lee offers a brief history lesson, explaining that rock was actually mainstream in Korea from the 1960s through the 1990s. "But after the 90's going into the 2000's, big labels and production companies started focusing on more commercialised music that can sell. Around that time, the first K-Pop idol groups became globally popular." This shift relegated rock to subculture status, though Lee and his contemporaries have continued to carry the torch.

The conversation turns to corporate involvement in the indie scene, as I mention that Kakao is sponsoring an upcoming Live Club Day. Lee doesn't hesitate to challenge the big players: "They should spend more money on the Korean indie scene." He suggests that supporting subcultures is not just good PR but smart business. "If big companies spend more money on indie music or indie movies, they'll end up making more money. It's like a long tail business strategy."

He criticises the shortsighted focus on finding "the next BTS" or "the next Black Pink," noting that these phenomena "happen in waves, but never last forever." His message to corporate decision-makers is clear: "If you're a smart guy working in a big company, and have to talk to the big-wigs, they need to know that they should spend more money on these subcultures in the future."

Lee's musical influences might surprise fans who know him only for his hard-rocking performances. While David Bowie and Motorhead have shaped his sound, he reveals unexpected inspirations. "I grew up with and love 80's pop and I love classical music." He elaborates, "Influences are often a more spiritual connection, rather than style of music. I love Michael Jackson. I love Cyndie Lauper." Perhaps most surprising is his guitar hero: "My favorite guitarist and influence is Segovia, the classic guitarist."

This classical foundation isn't immediately evident in HarryBigButton's sound, and Lee laughs when asked about his transition from classical to rock guitar. "Classic guitar was kind of boring," he jokes before explaining that high school friends needed a guitarist for their band. "From then, I naturally transferred from a classical guitarist to a rock guitarist. It looked quite fun. You're playing with friends rather than playing alone."

The social aspect of music has kept Lee in bands throughout his career. "Think about watching a very good movie alone, or watching a very good movie with friends. Which do you prefer?" he asks. The answer is obvious to him: "Playing music with friends is one of the greatest things. That's why I'm still in a band."

Tonight's show was significant as it marked the departure of the band's bassist, a change that highlights the challenges of balancing musical passions with life's practicalities. "He's had to juggle being a band member and living his daily life with a job," Lee explains. "As you get older, you have more responsibility than when you were young. Reality and your ideal life always conflict with one another."

When asked about his own balancing act between rock and responsibilities, Lee responds philosophically: "If you care about real life, you cannot choose. You always have to think about the balance, but there really isn't a right answer. Everyone has to figure it out themselves, and life keeps going."

During tonight's show, Lee was visibly impressed with the opening act, Gilchi, a young rock band. "When I met them, I asked 'why did you choose rock and metal at your young age?'" In an era dominated by "soft, more pop-oriented music," Lee admires their commitment to rock. "They totally know rock. It's not trendy music. But they chose a very difficult path. They're very brave. I'm really happy."

Later in the interview, Lee reveals an unusual creative partnership. "My cat Gumi is my producer," he says with earnest enthusiasm. "He listens to my music all the time. If he thinks 'yes' and likes it, the music is good to go. But if my cat doesn't seem to like it, I have to drop it." Gumi's approval manifests as focused stillness, while disapproval is shown by simply walking away. 

Lee's relationship with his feline producer has inspired a forthcoming book titled, simply, "I Have a Cat," which will be available in bookstores in March.

As our coffee cups empty and our time draws to a close, I ask Lee for advice to aspiring indie musicians trying to follow their artistic vision. His guidance is as straightforward as his rock philosophy: "Do whatever you want, and there will be no regrets."

When faced with the classic rock rivalry question—Oasis or Blur—Lee doesn't hesitate: "Blur," he says with a laugh, perhaps another unexpected choice from a musician who has spent decades forging his own path.

As we part ways, the night seems to encapsulate Lee's ethos: coffee, cigarettes, and a lifetime dedicated to keeping rock 'n' roll alive in Korea, one electrifying performance at a time.

For more information on HarryBigButton, follow them here.

For more information on Gilchi, follow them here.

I'd like to extend great gratitude to Chris Koo for facilitating this interview, Rina Suh for taking great pictures, and of course, Lee Sung Soo for having such a candid conversation after playing his ass off on stage. Stay Hard and Keep on Rocking.