- Words Ryan Cahill
The South-Korean musician answers all of our most intimate questions.
Born in Seoul, Samuel Seo had a nomadic upbringing. After moving to Japan at the age of 5, he then hopped between America and Canada but wound up back in South Korea for High School. While in a club on a night out, he heard “Outta Control” by 50 Cent, which was his first encounter with the Hip-Hop genre. After a successful audition, he joined one of Korea’s most successful hip-hop collectives, BigDeal.
Fast-forward to now and he’s released two albums, Frameworks and Ego Expand (100%) and is widely recognised as a genius artist via his ability to sing, rap, compose and produce. It also goes without saying that he is one of South Korea’s most famous exports. We grabbed five minutes with Seo to ask some of our most intimate questions, from the last time he cried to the first time he was heartbroken…
Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had….
The only clear dream I have been having through my entire life is to be able to work on my music until the day I die.
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
Hit by a bus when I just turned 18 but fortunately, it was a slight hit, it didn’t hurt much.
Tell us, what is your first memory of music?
When I was 5 years old. Given my first keyboard from my parents, started playing random stuff since then!
When was the first time you had your heart broken?
At the age of 17, I was a participant at a band competition, I won 3rd. Was not satisfied by the result, ended up getting my heart broken.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
This happened recently. Danielle Panabaker. First and probably the last.
Tell us one thing nobody / not many people know about you.
I sometimes get tattooed by myself.
"B L U E" by Samuel Seo
What would your biography be called?
Musician.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
It was a piano song written for my close teacher’s marriage.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Question authority” by Kenny Scharf.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Nothing I have achieved so far. But I’m pretty sure there’s going to be something that I can call achievement in the next 10 years.
How was High School?
The whole high school period was a disaster in my life. Wasn’t one of the cool kids in school, obviously didn’t have many friends. People literally hated me for their own reasons, was a total loser back then. But on the bright side, the time was well spent because I got to spend more time working on music.
Who is the most famous person in your DMs?
Key, from SHINee.
Describe your own personal idea of hell…
A place where no one gets to live how they want.
Which super power would you most like to have, and why?
Teleportation. I think the time spent while driving from a place to place is a total waste of time, especially if you’re living in a crowded city.
What is one album that totally changed your life?
Things Fall Apart by The Roots.
When was the last time you cried and why?
Haven’t cried for a long time. Last time I cried, that’s when my grandmother was gone.
Where/what will you be doing at the end of the world?
Music!