Korean, Ukrainian musicians team up to offer hope amid hardship

Ukrainian musician Alex Bilyak, left, and Korean composer Ian Chung sit indoors while they work on their musical collaboration in London, Aug. 28. Courtesy of Ian Chung

"You," Korean composer Ian Chung's collaborative single with the Ukrainian band MBreeze, was released online on Thursday.

The acoustic folk song delivers a message of comfort and encouragement to people navigating the small and large challenges of everyday life, as well as to those persevering through unstable circumstances such as war and conflict.

"All those miles have brought you here," Alex Bilyak, lead vocalist of MBreeze, sings on the refrain with a voice that's both vulnerable and powerful.

Chung said the song is very personal to him. "'It was born out of moments when life felt overwhelming — when it seemed easier to give up than to keep going. In those times, I found strength not only in myself but also in the people around me, who reminded me that resilience is often quiet and ordinary, yet deeply powerful," he said.

"This song is for anyone who wakes up every day and chooses to carry on despite the weight they carry. I hope 'You' feels like a companion — something that sits with you in your hardest moments and gently reminds you that your perseverance matters, your strength is real and your story is worth telling."

The two musicians previously released two other singles — "Little Bird" released in December 2022 and "Bom" released in 2023 — but this was their first time working together in person on a song.

Their collaborative relationship began in December 2022 through a musician-matching platform, when Chung was searching for a singer for "Little Bird," his first composition with lyrics.

"When I heard Alex’s voice, I immediately knew it was the right match," Chung said. "What began as an online collaboration quickly grew into a meaningful friendship, and looking back now, I feel so fortunate that 'Little Bird' was the song that first connected us."

At the time, Bilyak was still in Ukraine, which made working on music difficult, especially as Russia was attacking the country.

"I still vividly remember one winter day in December 2022 when Alex messaged me from Ukraine," Chung said. "He told me their energy infrastructure had just been attacked, leaving them without electricity, water or heat. To even read my response, he had to stand near a metro subway station to catch some internet."

But the war couldn't hold them back.

"Despite those circumstances, Alex was determined to keep moving forward with recording," Chung recalled. "That moment left a huge impression on me. It wasn’t just about making music anymore — it became about perseverance, resilience and creating something that could heal and soothe in the middle of chaos."

MBreeze, which originally formed in 2017, has since relocated to London, where the bandmates can carry on making music and performing.

"The move to London wasn’t easy, but it was full of what I can only describe as miracles. To us, especially with our home being Ukraine, London feels like the center of the world — a place where our voices can reach people from so many different cultures," Bilyak said.

Relocating enabled Bilyak and Chung to finally meet in person. Chung flew there in September to see his friend.

"I’ll never forget our first in-person meeting in the U.K.," Bilyak said. "I actually teased him a little by pretending I was in another part of the city, which made him stressed for a moment before I showed up. When we finally hugged, it felt like embracing a brother I had known for years."

Ukrainian musician Alex Bilyak, left, and Korean composer Ian Chung work together on music in London, Sept. 4. Courtesy of Ian Chung

The two had already built up a friendship online through the years, but once they were together in person they were able to take their collaboration to the next level.

"After working on two songs online and then finally meeting him in person to collaborate, I realized something deeper: We share the same direction and essence in making music. For me, the biggest reason I create music is to bring comfort and empathy to people — our neighbors living alongside us in today’s complex world. It’s simple," Chung said.

"When I finally met Alex, I discovered that MBreeze creates music for the same reason. To offer messages that society needs in this turbulent, uncertain age, and to soothe tired hearts through music — that is the essence we share as musicians. The warm music I want to make meets the warm tones of MBreeze, and together, with the same heart, we create songs filled with warmth. And when that warmth reaches others, that is when I truly feel alive as a musician."

Ukrainian musician Alex Bilyak left and Korean composer Ian Chung pose together on a sidewalk in London, Sept. 1. Courtesy of Ian Chung

With "You" now released, Bilyak said he has a dream of coming to Korea again to perform. He already visited Korea to perform at a community event 2018, and the experience left a lasting impression.

"We felt an extraordinary connection with the country and its people, and often describe those moments as standing on the biggest stage of our lives. We truly loved every second of it. We miss Korea deeply — not only its culture, but even its climate and, of course, its food," Bilyak said.

"Beyond the experiences themselves, we’ve also felt that Ukraine and South Korea share something profound. Both of our nations have lived through conflict, division and devastation. There is an unseen sorrow that lingers in the blood of our peoples, a kind of inherited memory of struggle. And yet, from that pain comes resilience — and, we believe, a unique kind of artistry. Perhaps that is why both Ukraine and Korea have given the world so many talented artists with such distinct voices. It is a beauty born from hardship, and it makes us feel an unspoken kinship with Korea."

MBreeze and Chung reportedly worked on two songs together during the September session, with the second to be released later this year.

Looking ahead, they hope to not only return to Korea but keep creating with Chung.

"Perhaps a song that blends English and Korean as a symbol of our shared journey. This idea is so personal to me that I even began learning how to read in Korean," Bilyak said. "My friendship with Ian feels like reuniting with someone I’ve known for a lifetime, and the thought of standing on a stage together in Korea isn’t just a professional milestone. It feels like fulfilling a destiny."

Visit @music.ianchung and @mountainbreezeband on YouTube to hear their music.