yonglee & the DOLTANG
Worldwide Excluding Korea
Winner of the 2026 Deutscher Jazzpreis (German Jazz Prize) — Debut Album of the Year International
yonglee & the DOLTANG, a group of improvisational musicians with rocker DNA that has gained significant recognition not only across Korea but on a global scale, is led by pianist and composer Yonglee. Their music satirically explores the complex desires and absurdities of modern society.
DOLTANG’s sound fuses structural elegance with emotionally charged improvisation, balancing complexity and simplicity. Their music blends a wide range of contemporary genres, including rock, pop, contemporary jazz, and free improvisation, resulting in experimental and innovative compositions. The integration of electronic instruments, sonic experimentation, and layered rhythms creates an immersive sound that sets them apart with its unique quality.
yonglee & the DOLTANG, a group of improvisational musicians with rocker DNA that has gained significant recognition not only across Korea but on a global scale, is led by pianist and composer Yonglee. Their music satirically explores the complex desires and absurdities of modern society.
DOLTANG’s sound fuses structural elegance with emotionally charged improvisation, balancing complexity and simplicity. Their music blends a wide range of contemporary genres, including rock, pop, contemporary jazz, and free improvisation, resulting in experimental and innovative compositions. The integration of electronic instruments, sonic experimentation, and layered rhythms creates an immersive sound that sets them apart with its unique quality.
The journey of their music began when five individuals, once dispersed across different corners of the world, finally came together in Seoul—sparking a creative energy unlike any other. After three years of collective effort to broaden the horizons of jazz, they recorded their first album, Invisible Worker. This album is not just a collection of music; it is a testament to the struggles of artists who, despite their dreams of becoming musicians, find themselves trapped in the ceaseless grind of artistic labor—an experience that mirrors the challenges faced by anyone trying to escape the relentless pressures of modern life.
The group has performed on prestigious international stages, including Jazzahead! 2024 in Germany, the Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea, and Opus Jazz Club in Hungary. Following the release of their debut album Invisible Worker (Unit Records, 1/5/2025), they performed 11 shows in 9 cities across Europe, including venues such as Bimhuis (NL), Enter Enea Jazz Festival (PL), Ronnie Scott’s (UK), and Jassmine (PL). They are now set to return to Europe this summer with performances including Nattjazz (NO) and Jazz Fest Budapest (HU).
VIDEOS
CURRENT PROJECT
Invisible Worker
Invisible Worker is the debut album of yonglee & the DOLTANG, a band that has drawn attention not only across Korea but internationally. Led by pianist and composer yonglee, the album brings together Youngwoo (synthesizer, electronics), Yechan (guitar), Hwansu (bass), and Dayeon (drums) to create a compelling set of nine tracks.
The album began when five musicians, once scattered across different parts of the world, finally came together in Seoul, igniting a distinctive creative energy. More than a collection of music, Invisible Worker reflects the struggles of artists who pursue their dreams while navigating the relentless demands of modern life.
Invisible Worker
Invisible Worker is the debut studio album of yonglee & the DOLTANG, a band that has drawn attention not only across Korea but internationally. Led by pianist and composer yonglee, the album brings together Youngwoo (synthesizer, electronics), Yechan (guitar), Hwansu (bass), and Dayeon (drums) to create a compelling set of nine tracks.
The album began when five musicians, once scattered across different parts of the world, finally came together in Seoul, igniting a distinctive creative energy. More than a collection of music, Invisible Worker reflects the struggles of artists who pursue their dreams while navigating the relentless demands of modern life.
Drawing inspiration from the rock music that first shaped him, yonglee channels these tensions through layered rhythms and emotionally charged compositions that explore the intersection of society and personal identity. Harsh electronic textures, powerful drumming, and nostalgic synth sounds from the ’90s and 2000s blend with the group’s intricate interplay, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and deeply expressive.
Tracks such as “Pay Day,” “Fluorescent Light,” “Drops,” and “Shell” explore themes ranging from everyday anxieties to the desire for freedom. Together, the album paints a collective portrait of life in today’s world—offering listeners both reflection and quiet reassurance.