One of 2025's most awaited collaborations is finally upon us as Balming Tiger and Yaeji unveil their collaborative double single 'wo ai ni / break it even'. The combination of Balming Tiger's signature alt, K-pop sound and Yaeji's dance, electronic music manifests in a pair of absolute bangers that pack addictive melodies and hard-hitting beats.
The duo single was first officially announced by Yaeji during their set at the Busan International Rock Festival. Having admired each other's work for a long time, the collaboration between the pair was surprising yet not unexpected. After they crossed paths while working on HYUKOH’s Oh Hyuk, their mutual connection grew.
Inspired by the pace of life and the exchange of experiences in Seoul and New York, the process behind creating the tracks really highlighted the essential nature of working in person and sharing experiences and perspectives rather than the inevitable disconnect that hinders the creative flow when it comes to working remotely.
Through the connections and observations Balming Tiger and Yaeji made as they worked out the overall idea behind each of the tracks, each of their musical individualities sparked inspiration for them both as they built on shared experiences like visiting the Nakwon Arcade for photos, talking at retro audio shops, and sharing kimbap and noodles. Another way Balming Tiger grew their ideas was at Yaeji's home studio, where they watched spring rain fall over her terrace.
Translating to "I love you", 'wo ai ni' is a romantic and dreamy track that captures the feeling of falling into love, throwing away all inhibitions and surrendering to the overwhelming warmth and depths of the feeling. It sonically translates the concept of love being a universal language by literally portraying it in various different languages in a language-defying masterpiece. The track's refreshing style feels close and personal as it captures the relatability of love.
Directed by Jan' Qui, the music video followed an extremely unique concept with its heavy fan participation and features. For the first time, the collective’s music video includes their fans, whose participation brings the song’s message to life in a heartfelt and uplifting way.
Capturing the essence of autumn is the cool and chill track 'break it even'. The track draws from the gray, rain-soaked industrial landscapes of Brooklyn, where Balming Tiger visited Yaeji’s studio, reflecting on the deep importance of human connection in cultivating genuine understanding.
Together, 'wo ai ni / break it even' embody everything that makes this collaboration special — a seamless fusion of Balming Tiger’s boundary-pushing creativity and Yaeji’s introspective, genre-blending vision. The double single stands as a celebration of connection, authenticity, and artistic chemistry, reminding listeners that music transcends borders, languages, and even distance.
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