The Volunteers (South Korean band)

The Volunteers
OriginSouth Korea
Genres
Years active2017–present
Labels
  • Blue Vinyl (2021-2024)
  • peoplelikepeople (2024-present)
Members
Past members
  • Cloud

The Volunteers (Korean: 더 발룬티어스, abbreviated to TVT) is a South Korean rock band originally formed in 2017.[1] Their first EP, Vanity&people, was independently released on September 15, 2018, through YouTube and SoundCloud.[2] Prior their official debut, the group already amassed a fan base, with three million streams on SoundCloud and one million music video views on YouTube.[3]

The band consists of three members: Yerin Baek (vocals, guitar), Jonny (leader, guitar), and Chiheon Kim (drums). Music producer and guitarist Cloud, who was a long-time collaborator of Baek on her solo activities left the band after the official termination of their contract and the closing of their agency Blue Vinyl.[4] The band is currently under the agency peoplelikepeople.[5]

According to Baek, the idea behind the name came from when the other members used to volunteer to help her create music and record without compensation, becoming "the people who volunteer to provide music that can do good for others.”[1][2]

History

2017-2020: Formation

See also: Yerin Baek and Bye Bye Badman (band)

Members Jonny and Cloud debuted in 2011 as members of the South Korean indie band, Bye Bye Badman[6] and Baek was introduced to Cloud and became long-time collaborators from the release of her first solo EP, Frank (2015), after she left the JYP duo, 15&.[7] Drummer Chiheon got connected with the members through Cloud as a junior from his university.[8]

The group was loosely formed at a drinking party on 2017,[9] and though there was no plan to start anything, the members started making music around that time. According to Cloud, Baek's voice "sounded like rock material," and leader Jonny stated that the reason for not being able to debut sooner is due to the members being signed under different labels. Drummer Chiheon also mentioned that there were a lot of personal stuff going on and the members were all looking for the perfect timing.

The band cited influences such as Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avril Lavigne, French pop band Tahiti 80, Japanese rock band Tokyo Jihen, British alternative rock band Wolf Alice, The Cranberries, and The Beatles.[8]

On September 15, 2018, the band's Instagram account announced the release of their first independent EP, Vanity&people which contains five tracks, some of which were previously released on the band's SoundCloud account. On May 27, 2019, the band released their single "Radio".

2021-2023: Blue Vinyl, The Volunteers, and solo concerts

On May 9, 2021, the band posted a recording behind-the-scenes video on their YouTube channel. A few days after, it was announced that the band officially joined Baek's independent label Blue Vinyl along with Baek herself and Cloud.[10] On May 27, 2021, the group announced the release of their official commercial debut album, The Volunteers, consisting of new songs and previously released demos, marking the group's official debut.[11]

On June 21, 2021, Blue Vinyl announced the band's first solo concert, Join the TVT Club, at the Hongdae Rolling Hall, with eight dates from July 15 to 25 of the following month, with all the dates sold out within 30 seconds.[12][13] Following the tour, the band performed at the 17th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival,[14] and the Incheon Pentaport Music Festival.[15]

On June 22, 2022, a year after the announcement of the band's first solo concert, their second solo concert, This Is TVT Club was announced, with three dates from July 15 to 17 all immediately sold out.[16] On July 7, 2022, the band revealed the artwork for their single, "New Plant", which was released on the 12th containing two tracks.[17] Following the tour, the band performed at the Incheon Pentaport Music Festival,[18] and Busan International Rock Festival.[19]

2024-present: Cloud's departure, "L", world tour, "Rules"

On March 3, 2024, following the end of the artists' contracts with the independent label Blue Vinyl, Cloud announced that he will officially withdraw from the band.[20] The label also announced their closure the following month.[21]

On June 10, 2024, the band announced their North American tour, confirming that the band will continue with three members. The tour kicked off in Seattle, and will end in Chicago. On June 14, 2024, the band announced the establishment of the new creative label, peoplelikepeople, with Baek acting as the creative director. The same day, the label's Instagram posted photos of the remaining members, signifying the band's new management, along the teaser photos for the band's second EP, "L", which was released on the 25th.[22]

On July 1, 2024, the band announced their Asia Tour, spanning 10 cities across Asia.[23]

On 14 February 2025, the group announced to their SNS accounts that they will be releasing a new single. On 25 February they released the single album "Rules" featuring the lead single of the same name, as well as another track titled "She's in someone's locket".

Members

Current members

  • Yerin Baek – vocals, keyboards, guitar
  • Jonny (Kwak Min-hyeok) – leader, guitar, backing vocals
  • Chiheon Kim (Kim Chi-heon) – drums, backing vocals

Former members

  • Cloud (Ko Hyeong-seok) – bass, backing vocals

Artistry

Musical Style and Influences

The Volunteers' music style is based primarily on the genre of rock music in the 1980s and 90s, especially alternative rock and grunge rock.[24] Critics say that the band's music is characterized by the combination of Backing centered on bold power chords with melodies and vocals (beautiful harmony, delicate vibrato tones) unique to Yerin Baek. Some say that it reminds of The Cranberries or Sinéad O'Connor.[25]

Sound and Instrumentation

In order to realize rock sound, the band mainly used Gibson Les Paul guitars and fuzz effectors instead of fender guitars. In addition, the drum sound tried to capture the natural sound as raw as possible.[26]

Lyrical Themes

The lyrics contain emotions of 'rebel' or 'anger' toward society. In addition, songs such as 'Nicer' and 'S.A.D.' also express social anxiety and cynical attitudes.[27]

Reception

The band's debut studio album, The Volunteers, received positive reviews from music critics. It was nominated for Best Modern Rock Album at the 19th Korean Music Awards.[28] Kwon Ik-do, a member of the Korean Music Awards selection committee, praised the album. He called the opening track "Violet" a "rock declaration" and described Yerin Baek's melodies and vocals as sparkling "like 'magic dust'" over the band's "solid, power-chord-centric backing."[29]

Discography

Studio albums

No. Album Detail Track Listing
1st The Volunteers
  • Released: May 27, 2021
  • Label: Blue Vinyl
Track Listing
  1. Violet
  2. PINKTOP
  3. Let me go!
  4. Time to fight back in my way
  5. Radio
  6. Crap
  7. Nicer
  8. Medicine
  9. S.A.D
  10. Summer

EPs

No. Album Detail Track Listing
1st Vanity&people
  • Released: September 15, 2018
  • Label: Independent
Track Listing
  1. Violet (remastered)
  2. Nicer (remastered)
  3. Crap (remastered)
  4. S.A.D
  5. Summer
2nd "L"
  • Released: June 25, 2024
  • Label: peoplelikepeople
Track Listing
  1. Velvet Glove
  2. Psycho
  3. Tell 'em boys
  4. Starfish on your head
  5. L

Singles

Title Year Album
New Plant 2023 "New Plant"
Hypocreep
Title Year Album
Rules 2025 "Rules"
She's in someone's locket

Music videos

Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Violet" 2021 Unknown [30]
"Let me go!" Unknown [31]
"L" 2024 Hyeongjun Park [32]
"Rules" 2025 Unknown [33]

Concerts and tours

Headlining

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2022 19th Korean Music Awards Best Modern Rock Album The Volunteers Nominated [28]

References

  1. ^ a b Yeo, Gladys (2021-06-11). "Baek Yerin's band The Volunteers talk their friendship and long-awaited debut". NME. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  2. ^ a b "The Volunteers on their debut and the process behind their first-ever album – listen". The Volunteers on their debut and the process behind their first-ever album – listen | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  3. ^ "백예린표 몽환감성, 밴드서도 빛난다…더 발룬티어스 '렛미고!'[SS신곡] : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  4. ^ "'백예린 열애설' 구름, 밴드 탈퇴..."부끄러운 결정 없었다"". 스타투데이 (in Korean). 2024-03-23. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  5. ^ 뉴시스 (2024-06-26). "백예린 밴드 '더 발룬티어스', 2년 만에 새음반…3인조 재편". 뉴시스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  6. ^ "EBS '2011 올해의 헬로루키' 대상 받은 록밴드 바이바이배드맨". 톱클래스 (in Korean). 2012-02-15. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  7. ^ "백예린, 첫 솔로 'FRANK' 30일 발매…몽환적 분위기 '눈길'". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  8. ^ a b "백예린과 더 발룬티어스 "우리가 가고 싶은 꿈의 길로 걸어간다면…"[인터뷰] : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  9. ^ "90년대 록과 만난 백예린, 더 발룬티어스[김성대의 음악노트] : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  10. ^ "백예린 밴드 '더발룬티어스', 블루바이닐 합류 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  11. ^ "'백예린 밴드' 더 발룬티어스, 27일 정식 데뷔[공식] : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  12. ^ "백예린 주축밴드 The Volunteers, 7월 첫 단독콘서트 개최 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  13. ^ "백예린 밴드, 첫 단독 콘서트 전석 매진…"멋진 공연으로 보답할 것" : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  14. ^ "제17회 제천국제음악영화제, 철저한 방역 속 문화적 즐거움 채운다(종합) : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  15. ^ "인천펜타포트 음악축제 10월 9~10일 온라인 개최". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  16. ^ "백예린 소속 밴드 '더 발룬티어스' 공연 전석 매진…추가 공연 결정 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  17. ^ "MZ세대 여신 백예린밴드, 12일 싱글앨범 '뉴 플래닛' 발매 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  18. ^ "'펜타포트' 둘째·셋째날은 여성서사…3일간 13만명 운집(종합) : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  19. ^ "부산시, 2022 부산국제록페스티벌 2차 출연진 공개". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  20. ^ ""결국 또" 구름, 더 발룬티어스 탈퇴…백예린 언급되는 이유? : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  21. ^ "구름 이어 백예린도 블루바이닐 떠나…소속사 업무 종료 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  22. ^ "'백예린 밴드' 더 발룬티어스, 2년 만에 EP 'L' 발매 : 네이트 연예". 네이트 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  23. ^ "Korean band The Volunteers coming to Manila". ABS-CBN News. Jul 2, 2024.
  24. ^ "[Eye Interview] Baek Yerin forays into 90s rock with The Volunteers". The Korea Herald. June 11, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  25. ^ "더 발룬티어스 [The Volunteers]". Korean Music Awards. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  26. ^ "백예린과 더 발룬티어스 "우리가 가고 싶은 꿈의 길로 걸어간다면…"[인터뷰]". Donga Ilbo (in Korean). May 27, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  27. ^ "The Volunteers on their debut and the process behind their first-ever album – listen". Bandwagon. May 27, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  28. ^ a b "19th Korean Music Awards". Wikipedia. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  29. ^ "더 발룬티어스 [The Volunteers]". Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  30. ^ "'세버그', 더 발룬티어스와 콜라보…'VIOLET' 뮤직비디오 공개". 엑스포츠뉴스. 2021-12-07. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  31. ^ "(권익도의 밴드유랑)백예린과 더발룬티어스 "조금 더 과감하고, 자유롭게" 셀프타이틀 데뷔 앨범 'The Volunteers' 인터뷰②". 뉴스토마토 (in Korean). 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  32. ^ "The Volunteers - "L" Music Video". YouTube. The Volunteers. June 25, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  33. ^ "The Volunteers (더 발룬티어스) - 'Rules' Official M/V". YouTube. The Volunteers. February 25, 2025. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
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