Drug Restaurant (드럭 레스토랑) is one of the most talked-about names in Korean rock music history. If you’ve ever gone down a rabbit hole of K-rock bands, South Korean alternative rock, or Korean indie music, chances are you’ve stumbled across this band’s raw sound and gripping energy. Originally launched as the Jung Joon Young Band (JJY Band) in Seoul, South Korea in 2014, Drug Restaurant carved out a unique space in the K-pop and rock crossover scene that very few bands have managed to replicate.
What made them stand out? It wasn’t just the hard rock riffs or the post-punk revival aesthetic — it was the authenticity. These were seasoned musicians from the Korean indie music scene who brought serious chops to every track. Think alternative rock, garage rock, and NWONW (New Wave of New Wave) all rolled into one unforgettable package.
In this complete Drug Restaurant member profiles 2026 guide, we’re covering everything you want to know — from the band’s founding story and each member’s background, to their full discography, biggest achievements, and their world tour history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, this is your one-stop destination for all things Drug Restaurant.
Let’s dive in.
Drug Restaurant burst onto the scene with a mission: to create music that felt bigger than any one person. The name itself says it all — the band wanted to be a “drug” that gives listeners relief from the pressures of everyday life, better than anything you’d find at a drugstore.
Here’s a quick snapshot of everything you need to know about the band:
- Official Name: Drug Restaurant (드럭 레스토랑)
- Former Name: Jung Joon Young Band / JJY Band (정준영밴드)
- Origin: Seoul, South Korea
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Post-Punk Revival, Garage Rock, NWONW
- Years Active: 2015 – 2019
- Record Labels: CJ E&M (2015), C9 Entertainment / REALIVE (2016–2019)
- Debut Album: Escape to Hangover — May 27, 2015
- Name Change Date: May 20, 2016
- Official Disbandment: March 2019
- Members (at time of disbandment): Jo Dae-min (Dammit), Jung Seok-won (Seokwon), Lee Hyun-gyu (Drok. Q)
- Former Member: Jung Joon-young (vocals/guitar, retired March 2019)
- Associated Acts: Vanilla Unity, Munch, Fantastic Drugstore, Bell Band
- Fan Base Nickname: DR fans / JJY fans
The Band Member Profiles
Member Overview Table
| Stage Name | Full Name | Role | Birthday | Zodiac Sign | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joonyoung | Jung Joon-young (정준영) | Vocalist, Rhythm Guitar | September 2, 1989 | Virgo | Korean |
| Dammit | Jo Dae-min (조대민) | Lead Guitarist, Sub-Vocalist | July 12, 1986 | Cancer | Korean |
| Seokwon | Jung Seok-won (정석원) | Bassist, Sub-Vocalist | June 11, 1988 | Gemini | Korean |
| Drok. Q | Lee Hyun-gyu (이현규) | Drummer | February 9, 1989 | Aquarius | Korean |
Detailed Member Profiles
🎤 Jung Joon-young (Joonyoung) — Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist
Jung Joon-young
- Stage Name: Joonyoung (준영)
- Full Name: Jung Joon-young (정준영)
- Role: Lead Vocalist, Rhythm Guitarist, Founding Member
- Birthday: September 2, 1989
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Nationality: Korean
- Height: 178 cm
- Education: Graduated from Sungkyunkwan University
- Solo Debut: 2013 (a year before forming the band)
- Labels: CJ E&M → C9 Entertainment / REALIVE
- Departure from Band: March 11–12, 2019 (retired from the entertainment industry)
Background: Jung Joon-young first made waves as a solo singer-songwriter in 2013 before deciding he needed a band to truly express his musical identity. He was introduced to his future bandmates through a producer he worked with on his solo album. Jung composed the main frameworks for most of the band’s songs, with his love for garage rock being a defining influence on their sound.
He began his entertainment career by appearing on Superstar K4 in 2012, which launched his solo career.
He personally chose all three bandmates after being introduced to them by a mutual producer in 2014.
His favorite genre to listen to and create is garage rock — he said it inspired much of the band’s debut sound.
He composed the title track “OMG” with international producer Brian Howes, who had worked with Bon Jovi and Simple Plan.
He originally tried to write a song about smoking for the album but had to change the lyrics after it didn’t pass Korean Broadcast Liberation review.
He recorded demo tracks in English, which directly led to the Pomade album being the band’s first all-English album.
Drug Restaurant’s Europe Tour in 2017 gave him the inspiration to write the single “Her.”
He was known for his energetic and charismatic live performances, which helped the band build a strong touring fanbase.
He wanted the band name change from JJY Band to Drug Restaurant to make sure the spotlight was on all four members equally.
He had already been active in the Korean indie scene before his mainstream television debut.
🎸 Jo Dae-min — Dammit (Lead Guitarist)
Jo Dae-min
- Stage Name: Dammit (담밑)
- Full Name: Jo Dae-min (조대민)
- Role: Lead Guitarist, Sub-Vocalist, Co-Composer
- Birthday: July 12, 1986
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Nationality: Korean
- Height: 175 cm (5’9″)
- Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs)
- Instagram: @damonjoe
- Twitter: @damonjoe
- Former Band: Vanilla Unity
- Song Written: “Sexy Bomb” (self-titled album)
Background: Dammit is arguably the most seasoned guitarist in the group. As a former member of Vanilla Unity, he was already a known name in the Korean indie and rock scene — his band even appeared at the legendary Seo Taiji’s concerts. When he got the offer to play with Jung Joon-young, he was skeptical at first, thinking it was just a one-time variety-show-style project. But after working together, the chemistry was undeniable.
His former band Vanilla Unity was closely associated with Seo Taiji, one of South Korea’s most iconic musicians — making Dammit a veteran of the top tier of Korean rock before Drug Restaurant even started.
He initially didn’t think joining Jung Joon-young’s band would last — he thought it would be a casual, one-time collaboration.
He co-composed all the tracks on the debut album Escape to Hangover together with Jung Joon-young.
He arranged all songs on the self-titled second album Drug Restaurant (2016).
He wrote the track “Sexy Bomb” on the band’s self-titled second album.
In the Pomade album era, he made it a priority to highlight the individual instrumental characteristics of each member rather than focusing solely on vocals.
After the band’s disbandment, he confirmed the news in an interview — becoming the member who officially announced the end of Drug Restaurant.
He is known among fans for his laid-back but powerful guitar style, blending post-punk and hard rock influences.
His nickname “Dammit” reflects a bold, no-nonsense personality that translates directly into his playing style.
He was the member most visibly engaged in the band’s musical arrangement process, often acting as the bridge between composition and performance.
🎸 Jung Seok-won — Seokwon (Bassist)
Jung Seok-won
- Stage Name: Seokwon (석원)
- Full Name: Jung Seok-won (정석원)
- Role: Bassist, Sub-Vocalist
- Birthday: June 11, 1988
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Nationality: Korean
- Instagram: @seokwon1106
- Twitter: @seokwon1106
- Former Bands: Munch, Fantastic Drugstore
- Song Written: “What?!” (self-titled album), “Her” (single, 2018)
Background: Seokwon was already a fixture of the Korean indie bass scene before joining Drug Restaurant, having played with bands Munch and Fantastic Drugstore. He’s known as the quiet powerhouse of the group — steady on stage, but deeply creative in the studio. He wrote the track “What?!” for the self-titled album and wrote the lyrics for one of the band’s most beloved singles, “Her.”
Before Drug Restaurant, he played bass for both Munch and Fantastic Drugstore, giving him deep roots in the Korean indie music scene.
He wrote the song “What?!” for the band’s self-titled second album — showcasing his talents as a songwriter, not just a bassist.
He wrote the lyrics to “Her” (2018), the emotional single the band released after their first Europe Tour in 2017.
His birthday is June 11, which makes him a Gemini — and his dual nature of quiet calm on stage vs. creative songwriting spirit fits the sign perfectly.
His Instagram handle, @seokwon1106, reflects his birthday (November 6… wait — June 11, or November 6? Fans have long debated the handle meaning!).
He is one of two former Munch members in Drug Restaurant, alongside drummer Drok. Q — the two had already played together before joining Jung’s project.
In the Pomade recording sessions, his bass work was specifically praised for being more expressive and personality-driven than on previous albums.
The title track of Pomade, “Drink O2 in the Water,” was written by Seokwon — making it one of his most prominent creative contributions to the band.
He’s known among fans for being approachable and warm at fan events and live shows.
He co-arranged all the tracks on the self-titled second album alongside Dammit and Drok. Q.
🥁 Lee Hyun-gyu — Drok. Q (Drummer)
Lee Hyun-gyu
- Stage Name: Drok. Q (드록 규)
- Full Name: Lee Hyun-gyu (이현규)
- Role: Drummer
- Birthday: February 9, 1989
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Nationality: Korean
- Instagram: @drok.q
- Former Bands: Munch, Bell Band (Superstar K contestant)
- Song Written: “When the Money’s Back” (self-titled album), “403” (single, 2018)
Background: Drok. Q brings an interesting backstory to the drum kit — he was once a contestant on the hugely popular Korean TV competition Superstar K, performing with Bell Band. Like Seokwon, he was also part of Munch, meaning the two had formed a tight musical bond well before Drug Restaurant was even a concept. As the drummer, Drok. Q is the engine of the band, and his contributions as a songwriter show his creativity extends beyond the kit.
He competed on Superstar K as a member of Bell Band — one of South Korea’s most-watched music competition shows — long before Drug Restaurant was formed.
Like Seokwon, he was a member of Munch, which means he and Seokwon had an established musical partnership before they ever joined Jung Joon-young.
He wrote “When the Money’s Back,” the bonus CD-only track on the self-titled album — a rare treat for fans who bought the physical copy.
He wrote the lyrics for “403” (released August 31, 2018), one of the band’s final singles before disbandment.
His stage name “Drok. Q” is a playful, stylized name that fits the band’s quirky, edgy branding perfectly.
The single “403” — which he wrote — comes with a hauntingly cinematic music video featuring a dying rose, a sea-soaked bed, and a full moon: pure visual storytelling.
He is part of the rare group of Korean musicians who has experience in both TV music competition reality shows and the underground indie rock scene.
His drumming style leans toward a tight, punchy approach that anchors the band’s harder tracks while giving space for the guitars to breathe.
Fans often call out his precise timing and energy at live shows as one of Drug Restaurant’s secret weapons.
He co-arranged the songs on the self-titled album alongside Dammit and Seokwon, proving he’s as comfortable in the studio as he is behind the drums.
Achievements
Drug Restaurant packed a remarkable amount of impact into their four active years. Here’s a look at some of their most notable milestones:
- Debut Album Success: Their debut Escape to Hangover (2015) received strong reviews from both fans and critics, a rare feat for a newly formed Korean rock band in an era dominated by K-pop idol groups.
- International Producer Collaboration: The title track “OMG” was produced by Brian Howes, a Grammy-connected producer known for his work with Bon Jovi, Simple Plan, and Boys Like Girls — a massive credibility boost for the band’s debut.
- Name Rebrand with Purpose: The evolution from JJY Band to Drug Restaurant in May 2016 was a strategic and philosophical move that resonated with fans and the media as a bold declaration of collective artistic identity.
- All-English Album: With Pomade (2016), Drug Restaurant became one of the few Korean rock bands to release a fully English-language album — a rare crossover move that earned them international attention.
- Multiple Europe Tours: The band successfully completed two European concert tours (2017 and 2018), a significant achievement for any Korean rock act and a testament to their growing global fanbase.
- US Tour: In October 2018, they completed a US live tour stretching from Chicago to New York City, cementing their foothold in Western markets.
- MNET MAMA Recognition: The band was noted in coverage of the 2015 MNET MAMA Awards, appearing in the same headlines as major K-pop acts like EXO and BIGBANG — a sign of their mainstream crossover appeal.
- Strong Streaming Legacy: Songs like “Mistake,” “403,” and “Her” continue to rack up streams, maintaining the band’s cultural presence years after disbandment.
Discography and Music Videos
Drug Restaurant released a focused but impactful body of work during their active years. Every release came with a thoughtfully crafted music video.
Studio Albums & EPs
| Release | Title | Type | Release Date | Key Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Escape to Hangover | EP (8 tracks) | May 27, 2015 | “OMG,” “Lizard” | Released as JJY Band; produced with Brian Howes |
| 2nd | Drug Restaurant | EP (5 tracks) | May 27, 2016 (digital) / June 9, 2016 (physical) | “Mistake,” “Sexy Bomb,” “What?!” | First release under the Drug Restaurant name; “When the Money’s Back” is physical CD-only |
| 3rd | Pomade | EP (6 tracks + 1 bonus) | August 4, 2016 (digital) / August 8, 2016 (physical) | “Drink O2 in the Water” | First all-English album; bonus track on physical CD only |
Singles
| Year | Single | Written By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | “Her” | Written by Seokwon; Composed by Joonyoung & Dammit | Inspired by 2017 Europe Tour; music video features tour footage |
| 2018 | “403” | Written by Drok. Q; Composed by Joonyoung & Dammit | Cinematic MV; released August 31, 2018 |
Music Video Highlights
- “OMG” (2015): The debut MV dropped alongside the album on May 27, 2015 — a high-energy rock visual that introduced Drug Restaurant’s raw style to the world.
- “Mistake” (2016): Released June 8, 2016, this title track MV coincided with their rebrand to Drug Restaurant and announced the band’s new era.
- “Drink O2 in the Water” (2016): A lyric video set to beachside footage — fun, summery, and notably, the members didn’t appear in it at all.
- “Her” (2018): A personal and documentary-style MV using actual footage from the band’s 2017 Europe Tour — backstage moments, performances, and travel scenes all woven together.
- “403” (2018): A visually striking, surreal MV featuring imagery of a dying rose on a flooded bed under a full moon.
Live Performances and World Tours
Drug Restaurant was a formidable live act, and their touring history reflects an impressive global reach for a Korean indie rock band. From their first solo concert in Tokyo to multiple trips across Europe and the United States, the band proved that their sound translated powerfully on any stage.
Complete Tour History Table
| Tour Name | Dates | Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JJY Band’s Live & Talk 2015 ‘Attention’ | December 2015 | Tokyo (Dec 13), Shanghai (Dec 26), Seoul (Dec 30–31) | First ever solo concert series; performed as JJY Band |
| JJY Band National Tour 2016 | February 2016 | Daejeon (Feb 5), Busan (Feb 6), Seoul (Feb 20–21) | First nationwide Korea tour; performed under REALIVE / C9 Entertainment |
| Drug Restaurant Europe Concert Tour 2017 | September 2017 | Multiple European cities including Prague | First Europe tour; inspired the single “Her” |
| JJY x Drug Restaurant Europe Concert Tour 2018 | September 5–9, 2018 | Multiple European cities; ended in Lisbon, Portugal | Second Europe tour, promoted by Young Bros |
| JJY x Drug Restaurant with BJR US Live Tour | October 14–21, 2018 | Chicago (Oct 14) → New York City (Oct 21) | First US tour; presented by Studio Pav |
2026 Scheduled Tours
Note: Drug Restaurant officially disbanded in March 2019 following the retirement of frontman Jung Joon-young. As of 2026, no official reunion tours or performances have been announced by the remaining members — Dammit, Seokwon, and Drok. Q. Fans continue to hope for a possible reunion, but no confirmed 2026 dates are currently on record.
| Tour / Event | Status | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Restaurant Reunion Tour 2026 | Not Confirmed | TBA | Fan-requested; no official announcement |
| Dammit Solo / Collaborative Project | Watch This Space | TBA | Former members have continued individual music activities |
If you’re a fan holding out hope for a Drug Restaurant comeback in 2026, keep an eye on the official social channels of Dammit (@damonjoe), Seokwon (@seokwon1106), and Drok. Q (@drok.q) for any updates.
Final Thoughts
Drug Restaurant may have had a short run, but their impact on Korean rock music is undeniable. From a garage rock EP produced with an international hitmaker to a groundbreaking all-English album, two European tours, and a loyal global fanbase, they proved that Korean rock bands can compete and captivate on the world stage.
Whether you’re revisiting their catalog in 2026 or discovering them for the first time, tracks like “Mistake,” “Her,” and “403” are timeless reminders of what four talented, committed musicians can build together. The Drug Restaurant member profiles tell a story of craft, camaraderie, and creativity — and that story doesn’t end just because the band did.