Yonglee compositions and piano · Yechan Jo guitar · Youngwoo Lee synthesizers and electronics · Hwansu Kang bass · Dayeon Seok drums
Yonglee & the DOLTANG is a group of improvising musicians with a rocker DNA that has achieved significant recognition not only in Korea but also worldwide, led by pianist and composer Yonglee. Their music ironically explores the complex desires and absurdities of modern society.
DOLTANG’s sound combines 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.
Their musical journey began when five individuals, previously scattered across different corners of the world, finally came together in Seoul, generating unprecedented creative energy. After three years of collective effort to expand 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 being musicians, find themselves trapped in the relentless routine of artistic work—a reflection of the challenges anyone faces trying to escape the unyielding 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 have played 11 concerts in 9 European cities, including stages such as Bimhuis (NL), Enter Enea Jazz Festival (PL), Ronnie Scott’s (UK), and Jassmine (PL).
yonglee & the DOLTANG has won the 2026 Deutscher Jazzpreis (German Jazz Prize) for International Debut Album of the Year.
Their debut album Invisible Worker (2025, Unit Records) is a bold fusion of rock, electronic, and experimental music rooted in improvisation, offering a satirical exploration of the complex desires and absurdities of modern society.
Since its release, the album has generated significant momentum — including an 11-show European tour across 9 cities in 2025, with performances at Enter Enea Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, BIMHUIS, Jazzmine, and more. This summer, they continue touring Europe with appearances at Nattjazz and JazzFest Budapest.
