Noridogam aims to 'bust truths' in 2nd album ahead of Asia tour

The cover image for "Truthbuster," the latest album by Noridogam / Courtesy of Noridogam

Singer-songwriter Noridogam, the solo project of Silica Gel guitarist Kim Chunchu, has released his second full-length album, “TRUTHBUSTER,” ahead of an Asia tour set to begin next month.

With a theme about confronting one’s truths, the artist sings about small, personal moments that reveal a more open sense of introspection. “You know the movie ‘Ghostbusters,’ right? It feels a bit like a parody of that,” Kim explained. “But instead of busting ghosts, it’s about busting truths.”

The 11-track album — out Wednesday — includes the prereleased single of the same name, as well as “Hazard Course,” featuring Japanese artist mei ehara.

“‘Truthbuster’ is the most emotional song among the tracks on the album,” he said. "I also felt that it represented the theme running through the whole album, so it became the album title as well."

The inclusion of mei ehara as a featured artist was a deliberate choice, reflecting his intention to connect with talents beyond Korea.

The record also features Noridogam’s own version of “Bucket Brigade,” originally from Kim's collaborative EP project “UBUBU” with psychedelic rock band Wah Wah Wah, which recently won Best Rock Album at the Korean Music Awards.

This marks Kim's first award tied to Noridogam. He said the win felt like a turning point, making him feel “recognized as a [solo] musician,” rather than just a member of a team.

His collaboration with Wah Wah Wah also encouraged the artist to broaden the lineup behind the new record. Though Noridogam remains largely a solo project, the experience reminded him of the creative energy that comes from working within a band setting.

“For the songs on this album, I invited more musician friends and asked them to play on the tracks,” he said. “So compared to previous Noridogam releases, this album has more people participating.”

For instance, the first track, “Today, Today,” opens with a mesmerizing string section — a first for the artist. “I actually invited a violinist and a cellist for this track,” he said. “I think the string section helps introduce the new album well — it shows a sense of freshness or change.”

Another shift he explored for this project is writing songs in English, a move aimed at reaching global fans. While he still prefers songwriting in Korean, the artist noted the strengths each language carries — making the process both challenging and creatively stimulating.

“Korean and English have completely different grammar and word order, and I think that’s a big factor,” the musician pointed out. “Because the meaning and nuance of lyrics directly influence the melody, it naturally ends up becoming different. I find it interesting that different kinds of melodies can come out depending on the language.”

Sonically, the musician pairs his signature indie folk sound with experimental textures, showcasing a new dimension of his artistry. From baroque pop to acoustic folk to rock sensibilities, Noridogam purposefully merges several genres into something new. “It’s difficult for me to say, ‘This is exactly what kind of music it is.’ The best explanation might just be that it’s music I like. I’m basically making the music I want to listen to,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Kim Chunchu, the Silica Gel guitarist behind the Noridogam solo project / Courtesy of Noridogam

Looking ahead, he expressed interest in exploring other sonic territories as well. Among the influences he mentioned are the post-punk stylings of New Order and the nostalgic “haunted pop” sensibility associated with Ariel Pink, alongside lo-fi textures and synth-driven sounds.

Following the album’s release, the singer will embark on a four-stop tour around Asia. It will kick off in Seoul in April, followed by stops in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei throughout May. The musician expressed excitement about the upcoming shows, sharing that several special elements are planned throughout the tour.

In Tokyo, for instance, the performance will take place in Tessen-kai — a Japanese traditional stage used for Noh theater. Mei ehara will also join as a special guest.

His session members, he added, will bring a new dimension to the live performance. Joining him are keyboardist Kang Ji-won, bassist Woo Hee-jun, drummer Jeon Il-jun and saxophonist Kim Boo-min. “I hope people will also look forward to the kind of ensemble we’ll create together,” he said.

In the process of preparing for the tour, he took note of the patterns of overseas musicians — releasing music, then touring to promote the new material. Moving forward, he aims to apply the same strategy for Noridogam.

After all, his goal as a musician is to be an active presence in the scene — locally and internationally — and, simply, to keep making music. “That’s the direction I’m focusing on for now,” the singer stated. Ultimately, he hopes his songs become the kind that people listen to again and again.

“If people see Noridogam as that kind of musician, I’d be happy,” he added.

“TRUTHBUSTER” is available for streaming on Spotify. Visit linktr.ee/kchunchu_92 for more information and to book tickets for Noridogam’s upcoming Asia tour.

Mariel Abanes (@staymmmad on Instagram) is a freelance lifestyle and culture writer/editor from the Philippines, currently based in Seoul. She promotes indie music and culture, and writes poetry and prose from time to time.