A long-awaited return from two-year hiatus, in a farewell to a six-year-long project. oceanfromtheblue came back with Luv-fi 2026, a nine-track conclusion EP to the Luv-fi series that has marked the artist’s musical identity since first one released in 2018. With Luv-fi 2026, oceanfromtheblue sings in a heartfelt love letter to Seoul, as a gift to those who stayed and for himself, a reminder of how much he loves making music.
Please introduce yourself and your music to Korean Indie readers!
Hello Korean Indie readers! This is oceanfromtheblue, back with Luv-fi 2026. Nice to meet you.
One may associate oceanfromtheblue’s music with melancholy blues and calming waves. How do you want people to think of/enjoy your music?
I’d love for people to listen to my music like background music. Whether you’re on the move, reflecting on your own, or focusing on something else, I hope my music can become a kind of canvas for those moments.
Have there been any new musical influences or artists that have inspired you lately?
It might sound a bit funny, but I was actually inspired by my own past music. I spent some time in the studio listening to tracks I had released — and some I hadn’t — and realized how much I’ve changed. At the same time, those older songs felt fresh again, and that became a big source of inspiration.
How do you approach songwriting with sincerity? And what do you consider “well-made authentic music”?
To put it simply, I think you need to have something you genuinely want to say. It could be happiness, sadness, or something personal — it doesn’t matter.
Just like you can tell when someone is speaking from the heart versus just saying words, I think music works the same way. When you can feel that sincerity, that’s what makes music authentic — and ultimately, well-made.
How did you make the decision to come back with part of the Luv-fi series?
I had taken a long break from releasing music. There were a lot of personal things going on, and while I never stopped making music, I stayed away from the public for a while. This album marks my return.
I think my emotions move in cycles — sometimes I want to make more aggressive music, and other times I’m drawn to softer sounds. It’s like the tide coming in and out. After making intense music, I naturally feel the urge to create something more gentle and vintage. That pattern keeps repeating.
You mention having lost passion for music for a while, what made you regain the courage to return?
There were people who kept looking for me and didn’t forget about me, and that made it impossible for me to quit. I wanted to give something back to them.
Through that process, I realized again how much I love music — and how much joy I find not just in the result, but in the process of creating and connecting with my people.
What is your favourite track on the album and why?
It’s always a difficult question for me, but right now I’d say “보통의 연애 (Ordinary Love).”
Compared to Luv-fi 2018 and Luv-fi 2020, what is different in Luv-fi 2026 or what is something you kept consistent across the three albums?
The overall sonic texture stays consistent with the previous works, but I think the lyrics have changed quite a bit.
In the past, I tended to write very detailed and personal stories. This time, I tried to reduce that level of detail and focus more on making the music feel like background music — something easier to listen to casually. I also made an effort to write melodies that are easier to follow and sing along to.
Looking back at the Luv-fi series as a whole, what has been the most memorable moment or episodes working on the project?
Each Luv-fi project has been made with a single producer, and this time I worked with a producer named KION again. What I remember most are the small, everyday moments — eating together, talking about music, just hanging out while making the album. Those were simple, but really meaningful and enjoyable memories.
You’ve described your music as an “ever‑changing ocean.” How deep do you feel you’ve explored that ocean at this stage in your career?
I think I’m still exploring, so I can’t really say how far I’ve come. But recently, it feels like I’ve discovered a new area, so I think it’s something to look forward to in the music I’ll be releasing next.
Now the Luv-fi series over the past six years has been gracefully concluded, what’s next?
I’m planning to keep releasing singles throughout this year. I’m also working on another album that’s completely different in direction from Luv-fi 2026, so I’m really curious to see how fans will respond.
What are your goals for this comeback and your musical journey onwards?
I just want to keep going without burning out. When the day comes that I can no longer make music, I hope I can look back without any regrets.
Do you have any plans to meet your fans soon or to expand your music on a global level?
I’m currently planning a tour in Asia. I’d also love to tour other regions like Latin America, Europe, and the U.S. I hope more opportunities come my way.
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