Grounding Presence

Lee Jung-Shin, bassist and rapper of CNBLUE lays the foundation for the South Korean pop-rock band as they embark on a journey of change and maturity.

- Asaph Low

What comes to mind at the thought of a music band’s bassist? Underrated and unappreciated is the tune faced by the four‐stringed instrument players, yet unbeknownst to many, they are the foundation for their bands. The bassist’s role is to support the rest of his bandmates and the line between a supporting and secondary role is thin, distinct and often misunderstood.

Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, one of the most acclaimed bassists, once said “The stronger that the bass can support other instruments, the more the other guys can shine… As a bass player, you’re laying the foundation, you’re making the bed, you’re giving the ground for everyone else to dance upon.”

Though most of the attention naturally gravitates towards a band’s frontman, the spotlight for this issue is on CNBLUE’s bassist and rapper Lee Jung‐Shin, whose grounding presence has allowed the South Korean pop-rock outfit to shine even brighter after a tumultuous end to 2019.

The departure of a band member invariably changes the dynamics of the band, yet Lee and CNBLUE have their sights set firmly on the future with their most recent single release “ZOOM” in May 2021 after their comeback album “RE‐CODE” in November 2020.

“There was not much difficulty with recording “RE‐CODE”, and rather than comparing it to our earlier music, we’re just doing our best at the time,” shares Lee.

“RE‐CODE” was released on the back of the band’s completion of national conscription and after a three‐year hiatus. Naturally, many would be curious about Lee’s time and experience in the military especially being a celebrity.