dodree (도드리) Interview: JYP’s Traditional Duo on BTS, Living in the UK, & “HAWWAH”

Meet the Korean female duo putting the “K” back in “K-Pop!”

In this exclusive K-ALL interview, host Angel sits down with dodree (도드리)—the dazzling duo under INNIT Entertainment and JYP Entertainment—to discuss bringing centuries-old Korean music and dance to the global stage!

Pioneering the “K-rossover Pop” genrem, members Na Yeong-joo (a 3rd-generation Gugak musician specializing in Pansori) and Lee Song-hyun (a UK-educated classical and Korean traditional dancer) share their journey from meeting as competitors on the audition program The Ddanddara to becoming a unified force. Together, INNIT Entertainment and dodree are pioneering a rare sonic endeavor, layering distinctly Korean sounds over the grammar of K-pop.

They discuss how iconic releases like BTS’s “IDOL” and BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” beautifully blend Korean culture with K-Pop sensibilities on a global stage, what it was like following in the Big Hit and YG supergroups’ footsteps with a historic National Museum of Korea collaboration, behind-the-scenes secrets of their “HAWWAH” music video (and self-choreographed killing points in the performance clip!), and their ultimate dreams for the future—from stadium shows to dream EDM collaborations with Zedd.

Together, dodree dive into the meaning behind their name (combining the traditional dodeuri rhythm with artistic freedom), how they balance their contrasting personalities, and the intricate creative process behind their discography. From crafting the signature Korean atmosphere in “Just Like A Dream“ without a single traditional instrument to building the 9-instrument soundscape of “Seasonal Love Letters,“ Yeong-joo and Song-hyun offer a captivating masterclass in honoring heritage through modern pop art.

Check out dodree’s latest release below.

If you love K-Pop, traditional Korean culture, or discovering new artists, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews!

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Full Transcript:

[intro]

[ANGEL] Hello everyone, and welcome back to K-ALL! I’m your host “Angel,” and today I am here with INNIT Entertainment and JYP’s latest duo leading the K-Rossover Pop Genre. Give it up for the amazing dodree!

[Na Yeongjoo] Hiiiiiii

[Lee Song-hyun] Nice to meet you. / [Na Yeongjoo] Nice to meet you.

[Lee Song-hyun] We are dodree, and she’s going to introduce herself.

[Na Yeongjoo] Hi, I’m Na Yeongjoo, majored in Korean traditional music, and I bring the colors of Korean traditional vocals into our music, adding emotion and depth to our songs. I hope our music lets people discover a new side of Korean culture while simply enjoying great music.

[Lee Song-hyun] Hi I’m Lee Song-hyun from dodree I major in Korean traditional dance and I lead our performances blending Korean traditional dance with modern choreography to bring our stories to life on stage though our performances I hope people can experience the beauty of Korean tradition on, I mean in a fun, fresh and modern ways.

[ANGEL] Absolutely. You do a beautiful job doing that. And you just debuted on January 21st with the name dodree. Do you mind sharing the cultural significance and meaning of your name?

[Na Yeongjoo] The name “dodree” is inspired by the traditional Korean rhythmic pattern called “dodeuri”. We also combined it with the English word “free,” which reflects our belief that music shouldn’t be limited by genres.

[Lee Song-Hyun] Our goal is to continue exploring new possibilities, showcase our full artistic potential, and share our music with audiences around the world.

[ANGEL] Beautiful, so it’s like the rhythm of your culture that you bring into your name.

[Na Yeongjoo] Yes!

[ANGEL] Beautiful! That’s gorgeous, I love it. How exactly were you selected for this project, and what were your first impressions of each other?

[Na Yeong-joo] The first time we met?

[Lee Song-hyun] We first met on the audition program The Ddanddara. Our first impressions of each other were actually quite similar—we both thought the other looked a little intimidating, so we assumed it might be difficult to become close.

[Na Yeongjoo] During the competition, we were the only contestants with backgrounds in traditional Korean arts. I remember thinking, “She’s the one who studied Korean dance,” while she was thinking, “She’s the one who sings pansori.” Because of that, we naturally found ourselves cheering each other on throughout the competition. We’re incredibly grateful that we eventually became a team in the final round. Since our backgrounds complement each other so well, we’ve been able to strengthen one another’s abilities and create something neither of us could have achieved alone. That’s how dodree began.

[ANGEL] That’s so beautiful. It’s like you guys were made for each other.

As a group that just debuted this year, how has your relationship as a duo evolved over the months?

At first, we both seemed a little cold and reserved, but after spending the past year and a half together as teammates, we’ve realized that our differences are actually what make us work so well. We each have strengths that balance the other’s weaknesses.

[Song-Hyun’s Written Response] For example, Yeongjoo is naturally outgoing and connects with people really well, so she’s especially confident in interviews like this. I’m usually the calmer one, so before we go on stage, I help us stay grounded and relaxed. I think those different qualities are what make us such a strong team. [End of Song-Hyun’s Written Response]

[ANGEL] So going back to your own traditional styles, Yeongjoo, as a third-generation Gugak musician, how did you become so immersed in traditional music, and what draws you to Pansori?

[Na Yeongjoo] I think the essence of pansori is storytelling. There are five classic pansori repertoires, including *Chunhyangga*, *Heungbuga*, and *Simcheongga*, and each one tells a different story.

A performance can last anywhere from around three hours to as long as eight hours, with a single performer taking on every character, changing voices, emotions, and perspectives throughout the story. To me, that’s the greatest charm of pansori—its ability to captivate an audience through storytelling alone.

[ANGEL] Songhyun, what were your experiences like both studying abroad in the UK and learning classical dance, and how did those experiences shape the young artist you are today?

[Lee Song-hyun] I started learning Korean traditional dance when I was very young because my mother also majored in it. Later, I studied abroad in the UK because I wanted to experience different cultures and broaden my perspective. Living overseas has had a huge influence on the way I approach dodree’s music and performances today. It helped me think more deeply about how to blend Korean tradition with modern artistic expression in a way that feels natural and accessible. It also gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how international audiences experience Korean traditional arts, which has shaped the way I think about sharing our culture with the world.

[ANGEL] How do you combine Songhyun’s classical dance background with Yeongjoo’s traditional singing to create your unique sound?

[Na Yeongjoo] As for my vocals, I’ve trained in traditional Korean singing for many years. But because dodree combines Korean traditional music with K-pop, I realized I needed a different vocal approach.

I’ve been studying contemporary vocal techniques to develop a lighter, more flexible tone while still preserving the unique character of traditional Korean singing. I’m constantly working to find the right balance between those two styles.

[Lee Song-Hyun] Our choreography follows the same philosophy.

We wanted our performances to feel approachable and easy for people to connect with, so we’ve worked hard to find a balance between Korean traditional dance and K-pop choreography.

While the overall choreography follows a modern K-pop style, many of the details—especially the hand movements and flowing lines—are inspired by the graceful curves and elegance of traditional Korean dance.

[ANGEL] Absolutely. You do a really great job of balancing “K-Pop” with the traditional.

[Na Yeongjoo] Thank you [laughs].

[ANGEL] You’re very welcome [laughs]

What is a surprising fact about each of you that fans might not know?

[Lee Song-hyun] One thing that surprised me as I got to know Yeongjoo better was that she loves animation.

It wasn’t something I expected at all, so that was a fun surprise.

[Na Yeongjoo] For me, I thought Songhyun was someone who simply loved staying home and relaxing whenever she had free time.

Then one day, I found out she spends her days off baking—and she’s actually incredibly good at it! That was completely unexpected, and it made me see a whole new side of her.

[ANGEL] That’s really cool. I love baking also.

[Lee Song-hyun] Ah really?

[ANGEL] Yes, I do and anime is a lot of fun to watch too, so very exciting news about both of you.

Many fans have said you put the ‘K’ back in K-Pop. What does this mean to you?

As a K-rossover Pop duo, our goal is to introduce Korean culture and traditional arts through music in a way that feels fresh and accessible.

One of the greatest compliments we receive is when people tell us, “This is what the ‘K’ in K-pop truly sounds like.”

We’re incredibly grateful to hear that, and it’s a direction we hope to continue pursuing as we grow.

[ANGEL] I mean, all of your music is beautiful. I’m a huge fan.

[Na Yeongjoo] Really?! Thank you so much.

[ANGEL} You’re so welcome! I think you’re doing something very unique.

Your debut song ‘Just Like A Dream’ has such a unique sound. What elements of this music video and song are you proudest of?

[Na Yeongjoo] One thing I’m especially proud of is our debut single, “Just Like a Dream.”

Many listeners assume they can hear traditional Korean instruments in the song, but there actually aren’t any.

The Korean atmosphere comes entirely from the guitar arrangement and the way we use our voices.

I think that’s what makes the song so unique. It shows that Korean musical identity isn’t defined only by instruments—it can also be expressed through vocal color and musical interpretation.

[Lee Song-hyun] Beyond the music itself, we also incorporated traditional Korean aesthetics into the styling, accessories, and visual design. In the music video, you’ll also notice references to the *Ojakgyo* (the legendary Magpie Bridge from Korean folklore), which adds another layer of Korean storytelling to the visuals.

[ANGEL] I love that video. It came out beautiful.

[dodree] thank you [laughs and smiles].

[ANGEL] You’re very welcome [smiles].

And I’m also wondering: What is your favorite Korean instrument, or which of your songs do you feel most beautifully showcases a Korean instrument?

[Na Yeongjoo] My favorite traditional Korean instrument is the geomungo.

It has a deep, resonant sound that feels incredibly powerful yet emotional at the same time. Every plucked note seems to linger and resonate with me, which is why I’ve always loved it.

Among our songs, I think “Seasonal Love Letters,” from our second digital single, showcases traditional Korean instruments most beautifully.

It features nine different traditional instruments, creating one of the richest and most authentic Korean soundscapes in our music.

What’s your favorite instrument?

[Lee Song-hyun] My favorite instrument is the gayageum.

Its bright, delicate tone has a unique balance of lightness and wistfulness. I feel that it captures a very distinctive Korean sentiment, so it’s an instrument I’m especially drawn to.

[ANGEL] The gayageum. Geomungo and the Gayageum. (seeing if I knew the instruments before our interpreter could interpret)

[Na Yeongjoo] OOOH!

[ANGEL] I love those too.

[dodree] *thumbs up of approval* Really? Oh! [claps]

[ANGEL] Your latest single ‘Hawwah’ beautifully blends a gayageum riff with a heavy bass. How would you describe this hauntingly beautiful song to listeners, and what is your favorite part of performing this track?

[Na Yeongjoo] Beyond its story, I think “HAWWAH” is the song that best represents our approach to reinterpreting tradition through a modern lens.

The contrast between the delicate sound of the gayageum and the heavy bass creates a sense of emotional tension, almost like a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.

In fact, the subtitle of the album refers to a “summer vortex,” and I think that emotional turbulence is expressed beautifully through the music.

We also recently released a performance film for “HAWWAH,” and it includes a hidden section that wasn’t presented in the same way as the original music video. It features my traditional vocal improvisation—and?

[Lee Song-hyun] —and my Korean traditional dance.

That has always been my favorite part of the song. I especially love the moment when Yeongjoo’s traditional vocal improvisation blends with the choreography.

In the performance film, we expanded that section into a special sequence that’s about a minute long. We created both the vocal improvisation and the traditional dance choreography ourselves, so we hope people will pay close attention to it. It almost feels like our own version of a dance break.

[ANGEL] It’s beautiful [laughs]

[Na Yeongjoo] Thank you! [laughs]

[ANGEL] You’re so welcome! It’s such a great song. Especially with the “run, you better run, you better run.”

[dodree] ah!

[ANGEL] Yeah! It’s a great vibe. I love the dance moves.

[ANGEL] What is your favorite moment of the ‘Hawwah’ music video and why?

Is that different from the performance video?

[Song-hyun nods]

[Lee Song-hyun] The performance film was designed to highlight the choreography above all else.

As for the music video, my favorite scene is the first chorus, where the traditional palanquin transforms into a modern car. I love how that moment visually represents the meeting of tradition and the present.

[Na Yeongjoo] Me too.

I think that’s both of our favorite scene in the music video as well.

[Na Yeongjoo] But in the performance film, my favorite moment is definitely the hidden section we just mentioned.

Since we created both the traditional vocal improvisation and the Korean dance ourselves, we’d love for viewers to give that part a little extra attention.

[ANGEL] You should be proud of yourself in creating the dance moves. It’s amazing.

[Na Yeongjoo] Thanks so much! / [Lee Song-hyun] Thank you.

[ANGEL] And I also want to talk about “Lilac.”

‘Lilac’ beautifully blends the gayageum with trap elements and your beautiful, traditionally trained voices. What inspired this song?

[Na Yeongjoo] There’s a beloved Korean children’s song called “Mountain Spring.” One of its most famous lyrics says, “You only stop to drink the water before continuing on your way.” In our song “LILAC,” we playfully reinterpret that line as, “You only stop to catch the fragrance before moving on.” It’s a small lyrical reference, but I think it’s one of the most charming details in the song, and I hope listeners enjoy discovering it.

[ANGEL] Seasonal Love Letters has such a unique sound, and the video feels straight out of a K-Drama. How did you prepare to sing this track, and do you have any fun memories while filming?

[Na Yeongjoo] When I recorded “Seasonal Love Letters,” I wanted to express the feeling of longing for someone you love.

Compared to our other songs, I intentionally sang with a softer, warmer tone. Rather than using a sharper vocal color, I focused on creating a voice that felt gentle and comforting—almost like writing a heartfelt letter through music.

[Lee Song-hyun] One memory that really stands out from filming the music video is the weather.

Before the shoot, it had been quite cool, and since we were wearing sleeveless outfits, we expected to be freezing. But on the very day we started filming,  the weather suddenly turned warm instead! We ended up carrying fans around on set and saying how hot it was. It was completely the opposite of what we’d expected.

[Na Yeongjoo] There’s another fun memory.

A four-leaf clover appears in the music video, and that was actually the first time I’d ever seen a real one.

I was surprised that it was bigger than I expected, and I remember thinking, “Wow, they really do exist!” It became a memorable little moment for me.

[ANGEL] Yeah, that’s really cool you got to see that during the music video / [Na Yeongjoo] Yeah 🙂

[ANGEL] Of all the music you’ve released so far, what is your personal favorite song and why?

[Lee Song-hyun] Personally, my favorite song is “LILAC.”

I especially love the sound of the gayageum, and the melody is exactly the kind of music I enjoy listening to. It’s a song that really reflects my personal taste.

[ Na Yeongjoo] For me, I’d choose “HAWWAH.” I think it represents dodree’s musical identity better than any other song we’ve released. In the chorus, we sing “Run you’d better,” which sounds like we’re telling someone to run away. But underneath that message is the opposite meaning—as if we’re saying, “It’s already too late. You can’t escape anymore.” I like that contrast. It’s playful, a little mysterious, and in a way, it’s our way of saying that once people discover dodree’s music, we hope they won’t be able to leave us behind.

[ANGEL] It like ropes you in, so you just wanna run towards the song. / [Na Yeongjoo] Yeah yeah! [laughs]

[ANGEL] Your ‘Genre Masters’ series is truly amazing, reimagining your tracks with sounds like city pop, jazz, and even math rock. What inspired this series, and which genre has been your favorite to try?

[Na Yeongjoo] Because we’re a K-rossover Pop group, we’re always looking for new ways to cross genres and collaborate with artists from different musical backgrounds. One of our ongoing content series reflects exactly that idea. We collaborate with specialists from a wide range of fields—people who are true masters of what they do—and explore how Korean traditional music can connect with entirely different genres and art forms. Personally, my favorite collaboration has been the jazz version of “HAWWAH.”

I’ve loved jazz for a long time, and I’ve always dreamed of creating music that brings jazz and Korean traditional music together. In fact, when I was in high school, I watched a jazz and gugak crossover performance that inspired me to pursue crossover music myself. Working with Oldie But Goodie showed me that our music can blend beautifully with jazz, and that made the project especially meaningful to me.

[Lee Song-hyun] My favorite is still the city pop version of “LILAC.” I already loved the original song, and the city pop arrangement suited both the melody and lyrics so well. It’s definitely my favorite reinterpretation.

[ANGEL] The Jazz version was really fantastic, and I loved the “Lilac” city pop—so you have good taste! I watched your podcast video and heard you love city pop. It’s my favorite music genre. Are there any city pop songs I should check out, or songs from different genres you’d like to recommend?

[Lee Song-hyun] City pop…

[Na Yeongjoo] One genre I’d love to explore in the future is EDM.

If we keep growing as artists, I’d love to collaborate with Zedd someday and create a sound that combines EDM with Korean traditional music in a way that’s uniquely dodree.

[Lee Song-hyun] It’s not city pop, but I’d also recommend a song called “Madeleine Love.”

It has such a warm and comforting atmosphere, and it’s one of the songs I’d love people to discover.

[ANGEL] I’ll definitely check that out. But EDM with Zedd?! That’d be crazy with Korean traditional culture (crazy meaning amazing). I love it.

[Na Yeongjoo] Just my dream.

[ANGEL] It’s a cool dream. I’ll be looking forward to that if it happens.

[ANGEL] Gotta manifest.

So going off of that, who are your music role models, and why?

[Lee Song-hyun] One of my biggest role models is Lee Hi.

I’ve always loved R&B, and whenever I watch her perform, I’m inspired by her incredible stage presence and the emotion she conveys through her eyes.

[Na Yeongjoo] Rather than having just one role model, I’m inspired by artists from many different genres.

Since I always want to keep exploring new musical styles, I enjoy listening to a wide variety of artists and learning from each of them.

[ANGEL] As a group that specializes in K-rossover music, what is a release from another K-Pop artist that you felt also showed off Korean culture beautifully?

[Na Yeongjoo] One performance that really inspired me was BTS’s performance of “IDOL” on an international stage.

Seeing Korean traditional dance and so many different elements of Korean culture woven into a global performance was incredibly moving. It showed me how beautifully Korean tradition can be reimagined for audiences around the world, and it made a lasting impression on me.

[Lee Song-hyun] For me, one of my favorite examples is BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom.”I love how the song and music video incorporate Korean traditional instruments into such a modern sound.

It’s one of the songs that really inspired me because it shows how traditional Korean music can exist naturally within contemporary pop.

[ANGEL] The Geomungo is in “Pink Venom,” I believe at the beginning. / [Na Yeongjoo] Yeah. That’s right.

[ANGEL] And speaking of them. You are one of only three artists—alongside global icons BTS and BLACKPINK—to launch a content collaboration with the National Museum of Korea. How did you feel?

[Na Yeongjoo] I don’t think we’re in a position to say we’ve reached the level of the artists who came before us.

But we’re incredibly grateful that the National Museum of Korea believed our music and artistic vision aligned with their values and invited us to be part of their lineup.

It comes with both excitement and a sense of responsibility. Many K-pop artists have introduced Korean culture to the world before us, and we’d love to continue that journey in our own way—by sharing Korean traditional music and the beauty of our cultural heritage through dodree’s music.

[Lee Song-hyun] We had the opportunity to film both inside and outside the National Museum of Korea, and the response from our fans was amazing.

People told us that our music and the museum’s atmosphere complemented each other perfectly. It’s a very special place that’s not easy to film in, so it was a real honor to create something there.

[ANGEL] I loved the video. You guys looked like Korean princesses.

[Na Yeongjoo] Ah [laughs]. Thank you so much.

[ANGEL] You’re very welcome. It’s true! I am really excited about everything that you guys are doing together.

[ANGEL] I like to ask all of my guests this question. What is your current dream?

[Na Yeongjoo] My dream is a very big one.

I hope we can continue growing as artists and help more people discover Korean traditional music and art.

I’d love to see more people in Korea reconnect with and embrace our own traditions, while audiences around the world fall in love with them as well.

Someday, I dream of standing on a huge stage where thousands of people sing our songs together, or creating music that resonates with people across the world.

More than anything, I hope we can play even a small part in preserving and sharing Korean traditional culture for many years to come.

[Lee Song-hyun] My dream is to continue making music without ever losing dodree’s unique identity.

I hope more people come to know who we are, and just as Yeongjoo said, I’d love for us to perform around the world and introduce the beauty of Korean art and culture to even more people.

[ANGEL] Those are both very beautiful dreams and I am rooting for the both of you, so fighting.

[Na Yeongjoo] Fighting!

[ANGEL] Yes! And you have a fan here in New York. I look forward to when you’re able to come overseas.

[Lee Song-hyun] Thank you. Thank you for inviting us. It was really our pleasure to talk with you today.

[ANGEL] Yeah, it’s been an honor. Any final words that you want to say for the fans who are listening?

[Na Yeongjoo] We’ll continue creating music that stays true to dodree’s unique identity and sharing new sides of ourselves through every performance.

Thank you so much for your love and support. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy not only our music, but also the beauty of Korean culture with us.

[Lee Song-hyun] We’ll keep working hard to bring you even better music and performances.

Thank you so much for your support.
감사합니다.

[ANGEL] I’ll be rooting for you guys. All the fans love you, we’re super excited to see what’s next for dodree.

[Lee Song-hyun] Thank you for all of your support. And hope to see you again soon!

[ANGEL] Yes! Definitely very soon. And that concludes this episode of K-ALL. Thank you everyone for joining us!

[dodree] Thank you so much! Have a nice day!

Stay tuned for upcoming game segments with dodree! If you love K-Pop, traditional Korean culture, or discovering new artists, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews!