Lee Mu-jin, From Traffic Light to Baepsae — A Record of Emotions Spanning Generations

In the winter of 2020, one song began to quietly color the entire nation. This song, titled 'Traffic Light,' was more than just about traffic signals - it was a self-portrait capturing the confusion and concerns of people in their twenties. At its center was JTBC 'Singer Again - Unknown Singer War' No. 63, Lee Mu-jin. He became a sensation by receiving the highest score of 14 points with his original song, and later achieved number one on various music shows when 'Traffic Light' was officially released.

It's difficult to define Lee Mu-jin's music with a single word. The lyricism of ballads is layered with the freedom of indie music, and sometimes the sincerity typical of singer-songwriters emerges. The lyrics written by this artist born in 2000 are filled with a language of empathy that spans generations, from college students overwhelmed by assignments to the anxiety of new employees entering society.

Lee Mu-jin's Story

What's noteworthy about Lee Mu-jin's recent activities is his expansion into the producer realm. According to an interview disclosed by iNews24, he has been developing his own producing philosophy by participating in songwriting and composing for Davichi's 'Time Capsule,' Lee Chang-seop's 'Jureureung,' and BigNaughty's 'Bye Bye.'

'This album is a record of the past two years. It was a process of organizing difficult times through music.' — From a recent interview

Particularly, Davichi's 'Time Capsule' reached 5th place on Melon's Top 100 upon release, proving Lee Mu-jin's capabilities as a producer. The lyrical words that reflect on childhood memories and times past were works that fully revealed his delicate sensibilities.

---

Entering 2025, Lee Mu-jin's activities have become even more diverse. The 'Slainte!' live clip released through Instagram and behind-the-scenes footage from the 'Baepsae' MV shoot show that he continues vigorous creative activities. Particularly impressive is his attempt at closer communication with fans through the small theater concert '[Today's, eMUtion].'

His expansion into producer activities is also noteworthy. His producing capabilities shown through collaborations with Davichi, Lee Chang-seop, BigNaughty, and others make us anticipate what new waves he might create in the K-pop scene.

Lee Mu-jin's music doesn't offer grandiose comfort. Instead, it quietly sits beside you, simply being there with you. His way of comparing twenties' concerns to traffic lights and expressing excitement through honest confessions is always sincere. From unknown singer No. 63 to producer, if you're curious about where his continuously evolving journey will lead, meet him first at Singing Playground.

Meet Lee Mu-jin at Nonol

Meet their music live at the Singing Playground.

🎵 "Traffic Light"

'I cried watching this stage' — this is the comment that received the most likes. In this video where 1.07 million people stopped to watch, Lee Mu-jin completely reinterpreted his signature song. The arrangement that reconstructed the original's full band sound into a piano and string-centered arrangement stands out. Particularly, the transition from falsetto to chest voice in the bridge section shows lyrical depth reminiscent of Paul McCartney's 'Yesterday.'

In this song containing the feelings of youth who just became adults, he honestly confesses the confusion of being in one's twenties within the boundaries of society. In the Nonol version, it sounds even more like an intimate confession than the original, which is its charm.

🎵 "Do You Have a Moment"

What to note in this song's intro is the progression of guitar arpeggios. While the original had simple chord progressions, the Nonol version adds fingerpicking patterns creating a much more delicate texture. Lee Mu-jin's vocals are also more natural than the studio version. Particularly, the straight vocal delivery without vibration in the key phrase 'Do you have a moment' reminds us of Ed Sheeran's early works.

1.08 million people lingered before this confession song full of excitement. This song with a mood that goes well with spring has unadorned honesty as its greatest weapon. The song structure also follows the typical pop ballad progression of intro-verse-chorus, but the key change raised by a semitone in the bridge creates an exquisite climax.

🎵 "Emotional Song Playlist"

From the moment the first note sounds, you feel like you're sitting by a rainy window. This playlist featuring Lee Mu-jin along with Yudabinband, Heize, Punch, and others captures the universally appealing Korean indie sensibility. The composition maintains a consistent mood from beginning to end while preserving each artist's individuality. Particularly, Lee Mu-jin's songs play a role in determining the overall tone of the playlist, confirming the inclusiveness of his music.

🎵 "Broadcast Appearances and Achievements"

'Are you a deer? Why are you melting my ears with antler velvet...' As this witty copy shows, Lee Mu-jin has been receiving praise for his vocal tone since his appearance on 'Singer Again.' His repertoire, which can be confirmed in JTBC's Famous Singer Battle compilation, is quite broad. From 'Greedy' to 'Traffic Light,' the changes in vocal style shown in each song are interesting. Particularly in the duet 'Lilac' with IU, you can see how his color harmonizes with other artists in the harmony composition.

His recent broadcast coverage of producer activities and the news of releasing the new song 'Baepsae' shows Lee Mu-jin's expanding musical spectrum. As introduced on SBS Good Morning Entertainment, this song that compares feelings of loss to a lone baepsae (crow tit) is a work that directly addresses the emotional territory he has always avoided.

---

🎵 "Full Ver. Live Stage"

There's a reason 390,000 people watched this full version live to the end. By listening to 'Traffic Light' and 'Do You Have a Moment' consecutively, you can completely experience Lee Mu-jin's musical spectrum. The temperature difference between the introverted concerns shown in the first song and the extroverted excitement of the second song is stark.

Particularly, his appearance during the interlude between the two songs reveals the aspect of a true performer. His way of communicating with the audience shows that considerable stage experience has been accumulated despite his young age. His guitar playing skills also go beyond simple accompaniment to leading the song's atmosphere.

Like the introduction as a precious singer who colored the nation in red and blue, on this stage Lee Mu-jin perfectly demonstrates his unique musical language that spans from teenagers to parent generations.

What Fans Say About Lee Mu-jin

Learn More About Lee Mu-jin

---

Born in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Lee Mu-jin debuted in 2018 with 'Walk.' The turning point came in 2020 for him, who was steadily finding his own color while attending Seoul Institute of the Arts' Practical Music Department. On the stage of 'Singer Again,' he became more than just a participant - he became a phenomenon.

Particularly, his vocals shown on the stage where he performed his original song 'Traffic Light' astounded the judges. The delicate dynamic control shown in the process from low to high registers, and the expressive power alternating between emotional restraint and explosion, belied his young age. This was a unique combination reminiscent of Park Hyo-shin's explosive high notes and John Mayer's restrained mid-low range.

Currently active under Big Planet Made Entertainment, he has been recognized for his musical achievements by winning Male Rookie of the Year, TOP10, and Best OST at the Melon Music Awards. Besides his signature song 'Traffic Light,' he continues to receive steady love with songs like 'Do You Have a Moment' and 'Rain and You,' and continues his musical growth through regular works such as 'Room Vol.1' in 2022 and 'Full Bloom' in 2024.