Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Traffic Light” by Lee Mujin
Lee Mujin (이무진) burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old college student with his self-penned hit "Traffic Light.” This is a jazzy earworm if there ever was one. It dominated South Korea's music charts when it dropped in 2021. The track not only topped the national charts but also secured a remarkable eight-week stint at number one on the Billboard K-pop 100, marking the longest reign among all Billboard K-pop number ones in 2021.
Its poignant lyrics, likening the uncertainties of young adulthood to the nerves of novice drivers, mirrored Lee's own journey as a burgeoning singer-songwriter finding his voice amidst rapid acclaim. It isn’t especially common to hear horns like this on Korean tracks, and boy is it a breath of fresh air. Fans of St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Jamie Cullum, and Lawrence will find a lot to love here.