Balming Tiger, Hidden Dragon: watch the Seoul collective take Hong Kong

SOS, Balming Tiger have landed. With the release of their new single “SOS”, we followed the Seoul-based collective on the journey behind the making of the music video, shot by member Jan’Qui in Hong Kong. Filmed as they hopped around Asia for a festival tour last month, this episode of Dazed POV sees the band’s performers and surrounding artists swap Manila for the sights and scenes of HK while in town for Clockenflap 2023.

An annual music and arts festival in the city, the self-described “multinational alternative K-pop band” shared a billing with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, The Arctic Monkeys, Bombay Bicycle Club and local acts in the first iteration of the event after four years of cancellations. “Performing usually is the best high, so we just try to enjoy it,” says member Omega Sapien, citing “connection, people, seeing the crowd and receiving their energy,” as the highlight of playing concerts like this.

Taking their name from the ubiquitous heal-all Asian ointment Tiger Balm, Balming Tiger is an 11-strong mix of creatives from all disciplines coming together in their joint effort to represent a diverse reflection of Asian youth culture to the world. Joined by sogumm, bj wnjn, and Mudd the student, Omega Sapien brings the stage presence, while producers San Yawn and Unsinkable, video directors Jan’Qui and Leesuho, DJ Abyss, visual artist Chanhee Hong and writer Henson Hwang round out the wider team. “SOS” brings together the whole crew for the first time on one project, tapping each individual’s skill set to create a cinematic exploration of the push and pull of feeling both free and trapped in love. 

Clearly influenced by the visual language of Hong Kong hero Wong Kar-Wai, the third release from their upcoming album shows the range of their sound from the energetic “Trust Yourself” to the dark, brooding RM from BTS-featuring “섹시느낌 SEXY NUKIM”. It also is a testament to how the group like to embed themselves in their surroundings, searching for “the most local” experience with the help of friends wherever they end up in the world, whether that’s for parties, people, or food recommendations. See what they got up to in their Dazed POV above.