K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Seo Young-bae & Iggy

If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

SEO YOUNG-BAE & IGGY

Years active: 2011-present

Associated Acts: GFriend, Astro, Orange Caramel, BTOB

Their sound: A lush, densely produced uptempo pop sound. Heavy emphasis on melody and classic instrumentation, often favoring rock and symphonic ornamentation to an otherwise bubblegum appeal.

Why you should love them: Though they work individually as well as together, their absolute best material is as a pair. I love their work because it feels timeless rather than trendy (even though they’ve become the trend of late). They can always be counted on for a dynamite melody, working hook after hook into their songs and surprising with robust instrumental elements. Responsible for all of GFriend’s incredible singles, they’ve also got a strong run of boy group singles and album tracks under their belt, including some of the first title tracks from BTOB and Nu’est.

Examples of their best work: