'Parasite,' 'Squid Game' music composer releases debut album via Decca Records

• Published date: 28 February 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Jung Jae-il, the musician and composer behind the soundtracks for the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" and hit Netflix series "Squid Game," released his debut album via Decca Records.

His album, "Listen," is comprised of seven tracks of piano and minimalist string arrangements. "The songs are focused on piano because piano is my native language. I feel more comfortable communicating through piano than through spoken language," he said in a recent press conference for his album "Listen" in Seoul, Friday.

The multi-instrumentalist explained the meaning behind his album title, "Listen," and how it was inspired by nature.

"I simply named the album 'Listen' because I wanted to encourage others to listen to what nature is telling them. I believe the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of wars occurred because we didn't listen to the Earth," he said.

"I live near the sea and whenever I go out for a walk, I like to stare at the sea watching the waves crash and roll and birds fly over the fields nearby. I think about how nature would be beautiful if there were no man-made things such as high-rise buildings or cars."

Jung recorded the tracks at Rainbow Station in Oslo, Norway, which remains one of the world's finest recording studios. "The songs are mostly piano pieces, so I needed the highest quality instruments and recording equipment. Luckily, I was able to fly over to Rainbow Studio in Oslo and spend about 10 days working on my album there. I recorded seven hours a day," he said.

Musician and composer Jung Jae-il talks during a press conference for his album 'Listen' held at the JCC Art Center in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Universal Music

An album cover of Jung Jae-il's seven-track record, "Listen" / Courtesy of Universal Music

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