When you listen to Dailog’s music, it feels less like a performance and more like someone quietly opening their diary to you. For years, his songs have shaped some of the most touching moments in Korean dramas and have been brought to life by some of K-pop’s most celebrated voices. Yet, behind every soundtrack and collaboration, there was always a story he hadn’t told fully, his own.
With his debut EP basecamp, Dailog finally steps into the light as both composer and storyteller, singer and dreamer. Across six tracks, he paints love as a shelter, a place where even in life’s hardest climbs, there is warmth to return to. From the playful energy of morning twist to the intimate glow of campfire, the record carries the quiet courage of someone who has decided to speak in his own voice, after years of writing for others.
1. Do you remember the moment when it all began? When did you realize you wanted to become a songwriter and singer?
I originally started my career as a composer, working on drama OSTs and collaborating with K-pop artists. Before that, I had some experiences singing on small stages in college, and those moments left a very good impression on me. Later, while working as a composer, I had the chance to release a demo I sang myself called Again, and many people connected with my voice. That track has now reached over a million streams on Spotify. That experience gave me the confidence to step forward as a singer-songwriter.
2. How did you feel when your songs started to be appreciated by the public?
It felt both surreal and deeply grateful. Even just having other artists perform my songs was already rewarding, but to see people embrace my own voice made me realize, “I can also reach people as myself.” I never thought of myself as a great singer, so it was surprising and touching to see people listen and relate to my songs. Since then, I’ve decided to fully accept my voice and music as they are, which eventually led me to this album.
3. Your first EP basecamp tells the story of a day in love. How did you come up with this concept?
For me, love is both happiness and a shelter. If life is a journey, I thought of love as a kind of basecamp where you can rest and recharge. From that idea, I wanted to portray a whole day in music—from morning to night. The concept of sharing both mornings and nights with someone you love felt very romantic to me. (laughs)
4. Among the tracks on basecamp, which one would you recommend first to new listeners?
I would pick the title track boyscout. It’s a bit different from the music I’ve done before—much brighter and more energetic. I also tried singing in a new way that I hadn’t before. I had so much fun working on it, and I’m really curious to see how listeners will respond.
5. When did you feel it was time to start your solo project?
While working on OSTs and collaborations, I felt a growing desire to tell my own stories with my own voice. I wanted to deliver something not through someone else’s singing, but through my own. That’s how this solo project began, and it allowed me to approach music with pure joy, free from any external purpose or conditions.
6. How did you feel when you first started working on your solo album, and what emotions stayed with you during the process?
At first, there was fear, but the excitement was even greater. I had been active mainly as a “composer” for so long, and this was my chance to share my story as an artist. I did wonder, “Will people actually listen to this?” I also felt the weight of responsibility to make something good. But in the end, the freedom of expressing emotions through music was so rewarding, and the process itself was full of joy.
7. In this album, you combined surf rock, folk, and dream pop. What inspired you to bring these genres together?
They’re all genres I personally love and that reflect my musical identity. I wanted to weave them together like a journey—surf rock with its ocean and summer vibe, folk with its warmth and sincerity, and dream pop with its dreamy textures. Surf rock was especially new for me, something I discovered while preparing this album. It’s quite different from my past music, but I wanted to draw its charm into my own sound. I hope this album becomes a turning point for me musically.
8. When creating an album, do you define the mood first, or does it form naturally as you write the songs?
For this album, the theme came first. Once the idea “love is a basecamp” was set, the mood and sound naturally followed. At the same time, spontaneous ideas during the songwriting process added more depth to the album. For example, the opening track morning twistwas written quite spontaneously, but it ended up fitting the concept perfectly, giving the album a bright and lively beginning.
9. How is composing music for dramas different from making your own album?
Every piece of music requires honesty and effort, but drama music is more of a “custom fit,” tailored to the story and scene. My own album, on the other hand, is about my story, so it’s much freer. If OST work is about considering someone else’s perspective, my album is about focusing on my inner voice. That’s why I spend more time reflecting on my own taste and style when working on it.
10. How did your experiences working with various artists influence your own music?
I learned so much from working with different artists. Watching musicians push for the highest level of quality reminded me to always strive for better sound as a professional. And seeing artists immerse themselves fully in their work showed me how important sincerity is, beyond technique. That has inspired me to put my genuine emotions and voice into my own music.
11. What does your songwriting process look like?
It’s different for every song. Sometimes it starts with a quick voice memo, sometimes with a guitar riff. For this album, I didn’t fix a specific process—I wanted to keep it as open as possible. I think that’s what allows the music to stay free and varied in feeling.
12. Do you have any advice for beginning songwriters?
I think the most important thing is to keep writing consistently. Creativity is like a muscle—you develop it by using it every day. Listen to a lot of music you love, and work on discovering your own colour. Don’t aim for perfection, but focus on being honest with your emotions. I truly believe that the most personal things can become the most universal.
Looking back on his journey
In conversation, Dailog is thoughtful and humble, almost surprised by how deeply his music has already touched people. But listening to basecamp, it’s clear that this is only the beginning. The record doesn’t just mark his debut as a singer-songwriter, it marks a new chapter of honesty, vulnerability, and creative freedom.
Perhaps that’s what makes his music resonate so strongly. It isn’t about grand statements or polished perfection. It’s about the small, tender truths we all carry, the longing for comfort, the courage to love, the hope that our voices will be heard.
You can follow Dailog’s journey and experience basecamp here:
📸 Instagram: @dailog
▶️ Album Preview: YouTube
🎧 Spotify: Listen here