LIVE: Brilliant Kang New & Fat Hamster Performance interrupted by police presence

By Connor Cass (@aminorcharacter)
Photo by Blair Kitchener (@blairkitchener)

Nestled within the district of Eujiro, a place that defies Seoul's constantly elevating skyscrapers, is Youkillbong, one of Seoul's most unique indie venues. Here, you'll find plastic chairs, tasty food and a spacious balcony that overlooks Seoul's sunset skyline. As well as hosting innovative indie talent, Youkillbong feels like walking into someone's home, contrasting with faceless venues with makeshift stages. It's a highly comfortable spot, and as an LGBTQ+ safe space, Youkillbong offers a true alternative to the bracing conservatism of its home country's culture. The last thing you would want to see here is the creeping hand of the law. However, that is what happened during Kang New and Fat Hamster's set last Saturday night, as the most unwanted surprise guest showed up.

These days, there's something of a triumphant energy around Kang New and Fat Hamster. Whether it's the release of Kang New's celebrated new EP Here is the thing, an upcoming Japanese tour, or Fat Hamster's new position as a go-to remixer for local indie favourites, like 18Fevers and Harrybigbutton, there's an assuredness around everything the duo do. Last week, they gathered some of their music friends for a promising night of music at Youkillbong. 

There was a joyous feeling in the air and a sincere communal feeling as the performers all started by showing such adoration towards each other. 

Armed with only a keyboard and laptop, opening performer, Felt, gave a sparse, intimate performance which was both warm and inviting. Her breathy songs quieted the room and captivated the audience. 

This was followed by a duo called Sosweet, who counterpointed this vibe with constant riotous fun. This two-piece are inspired by the kind of genres that are usually being belted by older generations at noraebang. Yet, they reanimate them with their own modern experience. Sometimes silly, sometimes defiant, sometimes both, they cause a smile with their infectious energy. They were the ideal complement to Kang New, who joined them for set highlight 안경. 

Yeram is a totally different kind of performer whose guitar and voice prove to be a stunning combination. She was perfectly suited to the chill vibes of Youkillbong. A finely tuned performer, her dreamy voice put life at a contented standstill as the audience completely forgot the world beyond the balcony.

The venue was abuzz as Saturday's headline act began their set. The two expertly tore through both solo and joint songs with complete confidence. They transformed an audience previously tethered to their chairs into dance floor maniacs, embracing 80's pop sensibilities and pulsating electronica. Kang New brought their famously quirky dance moves, and Fat Hamster kept up by hedonistically getting lost in the music. The duo are always a delight to see. Even between songs, Kang New's wit kept the entertainment value high, exclaiming that they'll keep playing anti-Elon Musk environmentalist anthem The Sun from Mars until he sues them. Favourites like Better Together and I Have More got the party started. The live debut of Fat Hamster's remix of Harrybigbutton's Fuck You Very Much, which saw Kang New raising their middle fingers toward the looming skyscrapers in the skyline, was somehow an unintentionally fitting end to a show about to be suddenly shut down.

Tension filled the room as a pair of disgruntled police officers appeared. Apparently, a noise complaint had summoned them there despite Youkillbong being located fairly far from any residential areas. The police demand Fat Hamster turn off his "karaoke equipment" and unconditionally shut down the show. As the police depart, it's obvious the mood had completely flipped. It's hard not to mourn what was lost by this sudden end. 

Of course, not hearing Kang New's Kill This Sound or Fat Hamster's Heatwave live was a complete bummer. But more than that, a space set up for people to detach from the harsh realities of the world was tainted. 

Despite a dejected feeling, the question, "When can we see Kang New and Fat Hamster again?" was quickly raised. Because the police may end one show and may even end another, but they could never stop the momentum of Kang New and Fat Hamster.

For more information on Kang New (@kang_and_i) and Fat Hamster (@fathamster_letzratz) follow them on Instagram.