Mowg (Korean: 모그; RR: Mogeu), born as Lee Sung-hyun (Korean: 이성현, born in 1972), is a musician and composer of film scores. He adopted the name Mowg after his peers in New York nicknamed him due to his resemblance to Mowgli from The Jungle Book when he was in his 20s.[1]
In addition to his film work, Mowg produced albums by other artists, including the debut album by Korean star Jang Yoon-ju titled Dream,[8] and Jazz album of vocalist Malo.[9]
Early life
Lee Sung-hyun did not encounter music for any particular reason. The piano academy he attended, due to his working parents, fostered an environment that nurtured his enjoyment of music. He also found joy in films aired on "Saturday Night Movie." Two pieces that he remembers vividly are Joaquín Rodrigo's "Aranjuez Concerto," which served as the signal music for "The Masterpiece of Saturday," and "Exodus," the theme music of the same program.[1]
His eclectic taste in movies and music extended to radio programs, where he listened to various genres, including jazz, blues, pop, rock, new country, and new wave. He recorded these on cassette tapes and memorized their stories. The music and films he encountered provided him with strength during his sensitive adolescence.[1]
Lee's parents were not supportive of his musical interests. His father, a former rugby player, encouraged him to join the school rugby team, believing it would distract him from music and help him manage his emotions. To build his physique, he was required to eat two slices of tofu each morning and pushed himself to the limit during training sessions. Over time, he developed a rugby player's physique. However, during this period, his personality exhibited contrasting traits—sometimes quiet and withdrawn, at other times outgoing and energetic, reminiscent of manic-depressive tendencies.[1]
By the time he graduated from high school, Lee became immersed in the local jazz scene, performing at "All That Jazz" in Itaewon. Jazz pianist Lee Young-gyeong, a prominent figure at the venue, encouraged him to pursue his musical aspirations in New York. Despite his family's objections, Lee was determined to follow his dreams. He stated, "I couldn't live in a system that opposed my love for music. When faced with the choice of giving up on myself or my family, I ultimately chose to leave my family behind."[1] In 1993, he prioritized his passion for music over his family's disapproval and moved to New York.[10]
Career
For Mowg, New York represented freedom. He enrolled in school to maintain legal residency in the U.S., though he had little interest in studying. He led a vibrant life and longed for freedom, but his difficulty communicating may have hindered his adjustment to school. Music in New York was not just a dream for him; it was a matter of survival. He collaborated with various artists across genres, including jazz, and participated in Broadway shows. He was nicknamed Mowg due to his resemblance to Mowgli from The Jungle Book.[1]
Proficient in multiple instruments, such as bass, guitar, keyboard, and drums, living in Harlem exposed Lee to a diverse cultural environment that influenced his music.[1] Although Mowg can play several instruments, he is most recognized as a jazz bassist, often playing a 7-string bass, which distinguishes him from the typical 4-string bass players. He has been referred to as "the greatest star of fusion jazz."[11] As a session player and producer, he frequently traveled between Seoul, New York, and Los Angeles.[1]
In 2004, Mowg released his first bass-only album, titled "Desire,"[12] making him the first Korean to release a bass performance album. The album "Desire" consists of two CDs, with all 16 songs being his original works except for two covers: Antonio Carlos Jobim's "How Insensitive" and Jeff Beck's "Cause We've Ended as Lovers." He was praised for his excellent composition skills. He also expanded his musical horizons by performing on stage with Kim Deok-su's Samulnori band and modern dancer Ahn Eun-mi. He won the Best Performance Award at the 2nd Korean Music Awards.[7][13]
Mowg began working in the film industry in 2006 with the anthology film Doomsday Book, which was released in 2011. This three-part anthology was directed by Kim Jee-woon and Yim Pil-sung. Lee received the opportunity from his friend, director Yim Pil-sung, whom he met in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s when Yim was an aspiring director. They connected over their shared passion for film and became friends.[14] Upon returning to Korea, Lee was introduced to several directors by Yim Pil-sung, including director Kim Jee-woon, Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook.[1][14]
In 2009, Mowg was acclaimed as Korea's best bassist. To celebrate the release of his third album, Nite's Secret, which debuted in April, he held a concert as part of the "Space Sympathy" series. Set in a "modern lounge" atmosphere, Mowg opened with tracks such as "Agent W," "Old Brazilian Jam," and "Gaudi," creating a vibrant mood. He showcased lounge music through several pieces from his album, including "Rodrigo," "Lament," "Suffer," and "Together." A standout moment of the concert was "Can U Hear Me," a tribute to his late grandmother, Ian, who died the previous year. The performance began with her image displayed on a screen. The performance was noted for its lasting impression on the audience. This concert marked Mowg's first domestic performance in three years and was attended by prominent directors Kim Jee-woon and Yim Pil-sung. Additionally, the concert was broadcast on EBS at 12:05 AM on Tuesday, June 16th.[15]
Director Kim Jee-woon became one of his most frequent collaborators. They have since worked together on several other works, including I Saw the Devil (2010). In just four years, Lee established himself as a prominent music director in Chungmuro, crediting Kim Jee-woon for helping him grow as a composer.[1][16]
In 2015, Mowg work with director Yim Pil-sung and choreographer Choi Jin-wook. They adapted move the story of 'Red Shoes' to the late Joseon Dynasty. His role was to express the primitive energy of stirring desire through music. As it is a work by the National Dance Company, music with a Korean traditional music feel is inserted, but there is not a single piece of music using Korean traditional instruments. The play is divided into five acts, and the music also accompanies each act with its own breath. To achieve this, the plan is to present minimal music that slightly varies one theme. The music developed by repeating and combining simple motifs and chords, similar to the music of Steve Reich (79), a representative American minimalist composer.[17][18]
Influences, collaborations, and musical philosophy
When Mowg first became interested in film music, guitarist and music director Lee Byung-woo was a prominent figure in the South Korean film industry. Lee was closely associated with director Kim Jee-woon, who had known him since childhood. Through this connection, Mowg learned about Lee’s development as a composer, noting his deep knowledge of classical music and musicality.[12] Mowg also admires Shin Byung-ha, a bassist involved in many films during the 1970s and 80s, whom he met through a his dad's friend when he was young.[19]
Mowg has received significant direction from Kim Jee-woon, who is attentive to film scoring. During production, Kim often considers what type of music can enhance the film's mood. Their collaboration typically begins with the script, where Kim shares his musical ideas and poses questions about various genres. For instance, the script for The Age of Shadows was inspired by Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, aiming to create a "cool" spy film characterized by cold melodies and harmonies to establish a dynamic soundtrack.[19]
Mowg's ability to handle various musical styles is notable, and directors and producers who have collaborated with him consistently praise his contributions. They often remark that "Mowg provides a great deal of inspiration when working on scenarios." In response, Mog humbly states, "It’s not that grand." He adds that his diverse life experiences allow him to generate a wide range of ideas after reviewing scripts, which directors find appealing.[1]
Mowg worked with music director Kim Jun-seong on Masquerade. Working with Kim Jun-seong, who has studied classical music since a young age, has also significantly contributed to Mowg's growth as a composer.[12]
For the music score of film Deliver Us from Evil, Mowg drew heavy inspiration from French New Wave films of the 1980s. The artificial yet aesthetic approach can be observed in films like Leos Carax's Boy Meets Girl, Jean-Jacques Beineix's Betty Blue, and Luc Besson's The Big Blue. This stylish work presented a challenge for him as a creator, but it was also a valuable experience to have the opportunity to work on such an experimental project.[21]
Mowg leads Filmuziker, a music team specializing in film scores.[22] The team's motto is: "We must work faster than any other team and produce a significant amount of music." This philosophy is driven by Mowg's belief in the power of a strong team to achieve success. He compares it to a baseball game where, if the opposing team's closing pitcher can throw only 20 pitches, his team must be ready to throw 50 pitches, focusing on both speed and variety. This competitive approach has earned Mowg the reputation of being "a music director who approaches his work like an athlete."[1] Mowg as the team leader at Filmuziker, working closely with his mentees, Music Director Lee Eun-joo [22][23] and Na-rae.[24]
In 2011, Mowg was appointed as full-time professor of Department of Applied Music and Arts, Department of Instrumental Music, Seoul Institute of the Arts.[26][27]
After becoming a film score director, Lee has been busy and rarely performs as a musician. However, he occasionally performs at film festivals. In 2010, he participated in the Director's Cut Award congratulatory performance.[28] In 2015, he performed at the 3rd Muju Mountain Film Festival.[29] In 2019, music director Mowg's band playing the OST for director Lee Chang-dong’s Burning (2018) in the opening ceremony of The 20th Jeonju International Film Festival.[30] In 2021, he took part in Incheon Film Week.[31]
In April 2013, He was also appointed as Public Relations Ambassador of KT&G Sangsangmadang Music Film Festival.[32]
Mowg is a faculty member of The Jecheon Film Music Academy, a talent development program where participants can produce film music through a practical work process and receive one-on-one mentoring from the best music directors in South Korea, which has been held at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival since 2006.[33] Alongside Mowg, the faculty includes music directors Shim Hyun-jung, Kim Jun-seong, Han Jae-kwon, Kim Bo-hyeon, Kim Tae-seong, Park Ki-heon, and Choi Won-seop. Director Yoo Young-min is in charge of the film music division at Netflix.[34]
In 2024, Mowg became composer evaluator for open recruitment of film projects and film composers of The 2024 Jecheon International Music & Film Festival, Music Film Market, which celebrating its 20th anniversary. He was part of a judging panel of six experts—three from the film sector and three from the music sector.[35]
^Kim, Hyo-jeong (2024-09-10). "음악 영화 만든 영화 음악 장인, 모그 감독을 만나다 [제천국제음악영화제에서 만난 사람들]" [Meet Director Mog, the film music craftsman who created music films [People I met at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival]]. arte(아르떼). Retrieved 2024-09-15.
^ ab"베이시스트 '모그', '스페이스 공감'서 3년만의 공연" [Bassist 'Mog', performance at 'Space Sympathy' for the first time in 3 years]. 브레이크뉴스. 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
^Moon, Sang-yoon (2013-12-17). "[비장의OST]영화음악감독 인터뷰2: 모그" [[OST of the Secret] Interview with Film Music Director 2: Mowg]. www.kmdb.or.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-09-16.
^"제천국제음악영화제". jimff.org (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-09-19.
^Shin, Se-ra (2011-10-04). "실력파 음악감독 모그, 영화 '도가니'흥행과 함께 교수 임용" [Talented music director Mog, appointed professor along with the success of the movie 'Silenced']. The Naeil News (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-05-14 – via Naver.
^Jo, Shin-hee (2011-10-04). "'도가니' 음악감독 모그, 서울종합예술학교 교수 임용" ['Silenced' Music Director Mog Appointed as Professor at Seoul Institute of the Arts]. Chungcheong Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-09-16.
^ abc"영화음악감독 모그" [Movie music director Mowg]. topclass.chosun.com. 2018-11-01. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^"TV리포트". TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^"[영화 리뷰] 역린, 연기·영상 빛났지만... '현빈표 정조' 아쉬웠다" [[Movie Review] Disgrin, acting and video were shining... but 'Hyun Bin-pyo Jeongjo' was a pity.]. 독서신문 (in Korean). 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^"[팝업리뷰]'여배우는 오늘도', 수많은 동사가 붙는 문소리의 삶" [[Pop-up Review] 'Actress Today', Moon So-ri's life with many verbs]. 헤럴드팝 (in Korean). 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^"안양대 김민주 교수의 실용음악이야기...영화음악, 그 중심에 음악감독 모그(MOWG)가 있다" [Anyang University Professor Kim Min-joo's practical music story... Film music, at the centre of it is the music director MOWG.]. 퍼블릭뉴스 (in Korean). 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^무, 비스트. "MOVIST". www.movist.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^Lim, Ga-ul (2022-09-07). "영화 ′달이 지는 밤′, 영화음악 감독 모그X이민휘 참여 화제" [The movie 'Moon's Night', movie music director Mog X Lee Min-hwi's participation topic]. m.sportsw.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-05-14.
^Kim, Na-yeon. "박훈정 감독, '귀공자'로 컴백..김선호 "가르침 주는 은인"" [Director Park Hoon-jung makes a comeback with 'Gwigongja'.. Kim Seon-ho "A teaching-giving sages"]. Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-05-18.
^"블락비, SBS '비밀의문' 통해 OST 왕자 노린다" [Block B, aiming for the OST prince through SBS 'Secret Questions']. 블락비, SBS '비밀의문' 통해 OST 왕자 노린다 스포츠월드 (in Korean). 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
Park, Soo-in (2024-08-01). "'폭군'으로 더 강력해진 박훈정 유니버스, 김선호 "'마녀' 사랑했다면"" [Park Hoon-jung universe strengthened by 'The Tyrant', Kim Seon-ho "If you loved 'The Witch'"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-08-02.
Park, Soo-in (2024-08-01). "'폭군'으로 더 강력해진 박훈정 유니버스, 김선호 "'마녀' 사랑했다면"" [Park Hoon-jung universe strengthened by 'The Tyrant', Kim Seon-ho "If you loved 'The Witch'"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-08-02 – via Daum.
^ abcKim, Hyo-jeong (2024-09-10). "음악 영화 만든 영화 음악 장인, 모그 감독을 만나다 [제천국제음악영화제에서 만난 사람들]" [Meet Director Mog, the film music craftsman who created music films [People I met at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival]]. 한국경제 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-09-10.
^Im, Soon-hye (7 October 2013). 부일영화상 작품상 '설국열차', 여우주연상 한효주 수상 [Snowpiercer wins Best Film, Han Hyo-joo wins Best Actress at Buil Film Awards]. OhmyNews (in Korean). Retrieved 14 October 2015.
^Ha-neul Lee (October 24, 2023). "제59회 대종상영화제, 남우주연상→여우주연상 후보 및 각 부문별 선정" [59th Grand Bell Awards, Best Actor → Best Actress Award nominations and selection in each category]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
^Bo-ra Kim (December 7, 2023). "정유미x강하늘, 10회 한국영화제작가협회 女男주연상 [공식]" [Jung Yu-mi x Kang Ha-neul, 10th Korean Film Producers Association Awards [Official]]. OSEN (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved December 7, 2023.