BGBG Records Inc.

BGBG Records Inc. (Korean: 붕가붕가레코드) is a South Korean independent record label founded in 2004. The label emerged from the creative circle of Seoul National University's folk song group Meari, with founders Goh Geon-hyeok (Gom Sajang), Kim Gi-jo (Kim Gyeong-jun), 9 (Song Jae-gyeong), and Yoon Deok-won. Its name derives from the Korean slang 'bungabunga,' referring to a pet's humping behavior, chosen for its playful and irreverent tone. The label's mission is encapsulated in its motto 'Sustainable DoReMi' (지속가능한 딴따라질), which it defines as 'musical work that meets livelihood needs without compromising the possibility for musicians to express their music.' This philosophy aims to create a structure where both amateurs and professionals can sustain their musical activities. A key early strategy was the 'handmade small record' (수공업소형음반) format, where label members personally burned CDs, packaged them in brown paper cases, and attached stickers. This approach was used for early releases such as Jang Ki-ha and the Faces' first EP 'Cheap Coffee' and Achime's first EP 'Lies Flower.' As the label grew, the handmade format became inefficient for larger production runs and gradually disappeared by 2013, later evolving into the sub-label Ssukgogae Youth Association Commercial Music Series. BGBG Records operates two sub-labels: the Ssukgogae Youth Association Commercial Music Series, which specializes in experimental and stylistically strong albums not yet proven in the mainstream, and the BGBG Popular Music Series, which releases more mainstream-oriented albums. The label gained significant public attention in 2008 with the success of Jang Ki-ha and the Faces' song 'Cheap Coffee,' which propelled BGBG to become a representative label of Korean independent music. In 2021, BGBG Records was acquired by Watcha Entertainment, a South Korean streaming platform and content company. The label continues to represent a diverse roster of artists including Sultan of the Disco, Silica Gel, Lee Seung-yoon (새소년), and others. Its legacy includes a catalog of influential indie releases and a commitment to sustainable artistic careers.

BGBG Records was founded in 2004 by Goh Geon-hyeok (Gom Sajang), Kim Gi-jo (Kim Gyeong-jun), 9 (Song Jae-gyeong), and Yoon Deok-won. The label grew out of the creative circle of Seoul National University's folk song group Meari, where members like Kkamakgwi and Seulpeuni (who later formed the band Nun Tteugo Kobain) were active. Inspired by the compilation album 'Our Nation' released by the Hongdae live club Drug, they produced the compilation 'Bbaen Deu Bbaen Deu Jjan Jjan' in 2002. Goh Geon-hyeok, who worked at the university webzine 'Snu Now,' joined them to form 'Bungabunga Choir' and directed the second and third compilations. Recognizing the need for a consistent label that could both create and accept music, the four founders established BGBG Records. The label's first release was 'Gwanak Youth Folk Association Vol.1' in February 2005. In 2008, the label achieved a breakthrough with the success of Jang Ki-ha and the Faces' song 'Cheap Coffee,' which brought widespread public attention and established BGBG as a leading Korean independent label. The label's early releases were characterized by the 'handmade small record' format, where members personally produced CDs in brown paper cases. This approach was used for early EPs by Jang Ki-ha and Achime. As the label expanded, the handmade format became impractical for larger runs and was phased out by 2013, later replaced by the sub-label Ssukgogae Youth Association Commercial Music Series. BGBG Records has released numerous albums across its two sub-labels: the Ssukgogae Youth Association Commercial Music Series (experimental) and the BGBG Popular Music Series (mainstream). Notable releases include albums by Broccoli, You Too?, Sultan of the Disco, Silica Gel, and others. The label has also been involved in controversies, such as the 2009 greeting controversy involving Insooni and Mimi Sisters, and the 2016 dating violence allegation against affiliated photographer Jo Rip, which led to his dismissal. In 2021, BGBG Records was acquired by Watcha Entertainment, a South Korean streaming service and content production company. This acquisition marked a significant change in ownership while the label continues to operate and release music from its roster of artists.

• 2021

  Acquired by Watcha Entertainment.

• 2013

  Handmade small record format discontinued; sub-label Ssukgogae Youth Association Commercial Music Series takes over.

• 2008

  Jang Ki-ha and the Faces' 'Cheap Coffee' achieves mainstream success, raising label profile.

• 2005

  First release: 'Gwanak Youth Folk Association Vol.1' in February.

• 2004

  BGBG Records founded by Goh Geon-hyeok, Kim Gi-jo, 9, and Yoon Deok-won.

• 2002

  Compilation album 'Bbaen Deu Bbaen Deu Jjan Jjan' released by precursor group.

Independent record label focused on sustainable artistic careers and experimental music.

Product categories. Vinyl records · CDs · Digital music releases · Merchandise

1. 1BGBG Records Inc. - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2붕가붕가레코드 - Wikipedia (Korean)ko.wikipedia.org