Music has the power to heal, and for producer/artist Seiji Oh, it has become both a remedy and a way to move forward. Having once been part of Korea’s pop music scene, Seiji is now returning—not just as an artist, but as someone reclaiming his creative voice. His latest project, THE LIFE ALBUM, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a personal and therapeutic journey, one track at a time.
The Beginning: A Passion for Music
Seiji Oh made his debut back in 2001 as part of a major compilation album in Korea. But his passion for music extended beyond performance—he also established an indie record label, producing multiple albums while funding everything himself through his work as a designer. However, the realities of running a small indie label soon became overwhelming. Eventually, he had to shut it down, facing the tough truth that the Korean music industry often leaves little room for non-idol artists to succeed.
The Struggle with Mental Health
The closure of his label led to a difficult period. Helplessness and self-doubt drove Seiji into social isolation, eventually manifesting as panic disorder and depression. He withdrew from the industry entirely, avoiding social interactions, which only worsened his condition. But in the midst of this, he realized that resuming creative work could be a way to heal.
Returning to Music on His Own Terms
Determined to finish what he had left incomplete, Seiji decided to create a full-length solo album entirely on his own. Every song on THE LIFE ALBUM would be personally produced, written, and designed by him—an effort to take control of his narrative and work through his struggles.
Instead of following a traditional album release format, Seiji is unveiling the 12-track project in sequential order, crafting each song in a way that respects the emotional and narrative flow of the album. Instead of presenting a pre-packaged set of songs, he’s allowing the project to develop naturally—like an evolving playlist—mirroring his personal journey of healing and rediscovery.
A Global Perspective
Growing up in multiple countries, Seiji experienced a unique cultural duality. He once thought moving back to Korea would provide a sense of belonging, only to find himself subject to different forms of discrimination—his physical appearance not aligning with conventional Korean beauty standards. His experience reflects the irony of a globally recognized Korean music industry that, despite its worldwide success, still maintains rigid norms within its own borders.
This realization led him to write most of THE LIFE ALBUM in English, a way to connect with a broader audience beyond geographical and cultural constraints. Through his music, Seiji hopes to reach people who, like him, have felt out of place—both in their surroundings and within themselves.
Moving Forward
With THE LIFE ALBUM, Seiji Oh isn’t just making music; he’s rebuilding himself. His story speaks to the resilience of artists who create not just for commercial success, but for personal growth. His approach to releasing music reflects the changing landscape of the industry—one that values authenticity and emotional storytelling over conventional structures.
For those who have ever struggled with self-doubt, identity, or finding their place in the world, Seiji Oh’s story and music serve as a reminder: creativity has the power to heal, and sometimes, the best way forward is to begin again.
Follow Seiji Oh’s journey: