The remptions is a rock band based in the hongdae indie scene
Spirit Interview 03 - Artist <The Redemptions>’s Album
[The Shawshank Redemption] and More.
Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview! To start, could you please introduce your band and yourselves briefly?
The Redemptions Hello, Spirit! We’re The Redemptions, a compact vintage camper van exploring the roaring forest of sound.
Kim Jaeha I’m Kim Jaeha, handling guitar, vocals, and black eye makeup for The Redemptions. Nice to meet you.
Han Sinyeong The cool blues guy and frontman, Han Sinyeong.
Choi Yeonwoo Hi there! I’m Choi Yeonwoo, and I play the bass.
Cha Semin Hello, I’m Cha Semin, the drummer of the band.
How does the name “The Redemptions” connect to the band’s musical message?
The Redemptions We strive to capture a wide range of feelings through various themes. Ultimately, we believe the reason for seeking redemption and liberation through music is to keep living. Often, we think that life continues through everyday comfort and connection. We hope our listeners can feel, “Ah, I get what this song is trying to say.” Redemption and liberation are about those small yet overwhelming moments, and we work hard to weave that feeling into our music.
How has your musical direction evolved since releasing your debut single, Summer Day, in 2021?
The Redemptions As we’ve spent more time together, our bond as bandmates has deepened, and our synergy as a band has grown stronger. Summer Day was a track Sinyeong wrote during his singer-songwriter days, but our recent tracks reflect a collaborative effort, with lyrics and compositions primarily crafted by Jaeha and Sinyeong together. Musically, our new tracks incorporate each member’s unique contributions, making them more balanced.
Sonically, we’re refining our sound to retain raw energy while paying more attention to subtle details. A few years ago, our approach was more about “pure rawness.” Now, we’ve learned that even “a light touch of sunscreen” can enhance that rawness, making it even more appealing.
What does performing live mean to The Redemptions, and how does it influence your music-making process?
The Redemptions Live performances are incredibly special to us because they allow us to feel a tangible connection with our audience. We’re a high-energy rock band often praised for being even better live than on recordings. Seeing new faces at our shows buying albums or hearing long-time fans singing along from the crowd is indescribably moving.
Performing live also gives us instant feedback, which often informs not just our song arrangements but also our setlists. Sometimes, if someone shouts, “Play this song!” we’ll add it on the spot, even if it wasn’t planned. Recently, we’ve realized our fans want a solo concert—something we’re preparing with great care.
Can you share the meaning behind your mini-album The Shawshank Redemption and the message you wanted to convey through it?
The Redemptions Like the film The Shawshank Redemption, our mini-album revolves around the theme of “holding onto hope in a world filled with despair.”
The album begins by acknowledging that rock ’n’ roll is considered a “dead genre.” But it’s not just rock that’s “dead.” The beauty of Earth is disappearing, tensions and conflicts feel like they’re about to explode, and life’s burdens can feel suffocating. Each track reflects different facets of these struggles:
“The Red Gate” – The tension and chaos of our times.
“Karma Garden” – Personal trials and tribulations.
“Bluebird” – Unconditional, infinite love that keeps us alive.
Through these songs, we wanted to say that even in a world of loss and despair, there is hope. Whether it’s loving an outdated genre or mourning a fading planet, hope can and should persist.
Your album is described as “five tracks that challenge the notion that rock is dead.” Why, despite everything, does it have to be rock ’n’ roll?
Kim Jaeha Because no other genre represents me, in all my insignificance, like rock does.
Han Sinyeon Precisely because it’s “dead”! Loving something out of season only makes that love shine brighter.
Choi Yeonwoo Because it’s music that comforts and helps people escape the exhaustion of daily life.
Cha Semin I don’t believe rock is dead. It’s just out of sight. There are still people like us who love it.
Do you have any memorable episodes from your time as The Redemptions?
The Redemptions In the early days, Jaeha, Sinyeong, and Semin frequently visited a live music bar. It was a laid-back venue where other musicians often gathered, so we’d hang out, brainstorm about The Redemptions, and have an absolute blast. In hindsight, we were kind of obnoxious.
Later, we were introduced to our bassist, Yeonwoo, through a mutual musician friend. Turns out, Yeonwoo used to work part-time at that bar. When he met us for the first time, he realized we were those loud regulars and let out a deep sigh.
Do you plan to turn more of your episodes into webtoons like the one you made about the band’s origin story?
Kim Jaeha Yes! I made the webtoon as a personal project, and I’m grateful that people still bring it up. One of my goals this year is to continue it. That said, since I’m not a professional artist, I’m still figuring out the best way to approach it.
What are your future goals, either as a band or individually?
Kim Jaeha To have a dedicated studio space for The Redemptions. We’ve discussed it, but it hasn’t become a reality yet. A stable environment would let us experiment more and create even better music and content. Maybe throw in a cozy kotatsu for good measure.
Han Sinyeong To keep writing and performing great songs for a very long time. A studio or van is just a means to that end—what really matters is consistently creating and sharing good music.
Choi Yeonwoo We often joke about getting a “Redemption Van.” With all the gear we have, it’d make traveling easier and expand where we can play without stress.
Cha Semin A studio of our own. It would be amazing to rehearse and create freely without worrying about time constraints.
Lastly, any message you’d like to share with the readers of this interview?
Kim Jaeha Thank you, Spirit, for inviting us, and to everyone reading our story—thank you so much. Wishing you all well in 2025. It was a pleasure. Rock ’n’ roll!
Han Sinyeong Thank you for diving into our long-winded story. Stay healthy, and above all, let’s be happy!
Choi Yeonwoo I hope our music has brought you comfort and strength in your daily life. You’ve worked hard in 2024—here’s to an amazing 2025 with more music and performances from us. Thank you!
Cha Semin Thank you for your interest in The Redemptions. Please look forward to even more from us in the future, and have a healthy, happy 2025. Thank you.