Epik High (에픽하이) is one of the most important names in Korean hip-hop history — and in 2026, they’re proving it all over again. This legendary South Korean hip-hop trio from Seoul has been reshaping the landscape of K-pop, alternative hip-hop, and Korean rap music since they first hit the scene back in 2001. More than two decades later, Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz are not just surviving — they’re absolutely thriving.
Whether you’re a longtime member of the High Skool fandom or you’re just discovering their music for the first time, this guide has everything you want to know. We’re talking full member profiles, fun facts, their biggest career achievements, the complete Epik High discography, iconic music videos, and — you don’t want to miss this — their brand-new Epik High 3.0 North American Tour 2026 schedule.
What makes Epik High so special? Their music isn’t just entertainment. It’s urban poetry. It tackles real topics — identity, discrimination, social change, heartbreak, and personal growth — in a way that stays with you long after the song ends. They call it “no genre, just music,” and that philosophy has earned them fans across the globe, from Seoul to San Diego.
So let’s dive in and get to know these three extraordinary artists on a whole new level.
Epik High (에픽하이) started as an underground passion project and grew into one of the most critically acclaimed Korean hip-hop groups of all time. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance:
- Official Group Name: Epik High (에픽하이)
- Korean Pronunciation: Epikhai (에픽하이)
- Origin: Seoul, South Korea
- Group Formed: 2001
- Official Debut Date: October 21, 2003
- Debut Album: Map of the Human Soul
- Number of Members: 3 (Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz)
- Genre: Hip-hop, Alternative Hip-hop, K-pop
- Fandom Name: High Skool
- Official Fandom Color: Black
- Current Label: OURS Co. (founded 2018)
- US Representation: William Morris Endeavor (since 2019)
- Previous Labels: Woollim Entertainment (2003–2009), Map The Soul (2009–2012), YG Entertainment (2012–2018)
- Official Website: epikhigh.com
- YouTube: OFFICIAL EPIK HIGH
- TikTok: @epikhighishere
- Total Studio Albums: 10 (plus EPs and special releases)
- Historic Achievement: First Korean act to perform at Coachella (2016)
- Years Active: 2001 – Present
The Epik High Member Profiles
You can’t talk about Epik High without talking about the three brilliant individuals who make the group what it is. Every single member brings something different to the table — and together, they create something no one else can. Let’s meet them properly.
Member Overview Table
| Tablo | Mithra Jin | DJ Tukutz | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Name | Tablo (타블로) | Mithra Jin (미쓰라 진) | DJ Tukutz (DJ 투컷) |
| Real Name | Daniel Armand Lee / Lee Seon-woong (이선웅) | Choi Jin (최진) | Kim Jeong-sik (김정식) |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1980 | January 6, 1983 | November 19, 1981 |
| Age (2026) | 45 | 43 | 44 |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer | Capricorn | Scorpio |
| Height | 172 cm (5’8″) | 176 cm (5’9″) | 176 cm (5’9″) |
| Weight | 62 kg (137 lbs) | 66 kg (145 lbs) | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Blood Type | A | A | A |
| MBTI | ENFP | — | ESTJ |
| Position | Leader, Main Rapper, Main Vocalist, Face of the Group | Lead Rapper, Producer, Lyricist, MC, Maknae | Producer, Turntablist, Main Dancer, Engineer |
| Animal Nickname | Bush Cricket | Bear | Tibetan Fox |
| @blobyblo | — | @realtukutz |
Tablo — The Wordsmith
Tablo is the leader, main rapper, and creative heartbeat of Epik High. Born Daniel Armand Lee (Korean name: Lee Seon-woong), he’s one of the most celebrated lyricists, songwriters, and storytellers in the entire Korean music industry. Tablo doesn’t just rap — he paints pictures with words.
Tablo
- Full Name: Daniel Armand Lee / Lee Seon-woong (이선웅)
- Birthday: July 22, 1980
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea (grew up partly in Canada — spent formative years in Vancouver)
- Education: Completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Stanford University in English Literature and Creative Writing — simultaneously, in just 3.5 years
- Languages: Fluent in English and Korean; conversant in Mandarin
- Position: Leader, Main Rapper, Main Vocalist, Face of the Group
- Solo Career: Active as a solo artist since 2011 with the album Fever’s End
- Author: Published the bestselling book Pieces of You in 2008 — a two-time bestselling author
- TV Personality: Co-starred with daughter Haru on The Return of Superman (KBS, 2013–2015)
- Podcast Host: Ran The Tablo Podcast (Aug 2019 – Sep 2020); currently hosts the English-language podcast Hey Tablo
- Married: To actress Kang Hye Jung (October 2009)
- Children: Daughter Haru (born May 2, 2010)
- Music Collaborations: Has worked with artists including IU, Lee Hi, CL, Zico, BTS’s RM, and many more
- Instagram: @blobyblo | Twitter/X: @blobyblo | Facebook: officialtablo
- Notable Solo Track (2025): “Stop The Rain” (feat. BTS’s RM) — debuted at #8 on the Circle Digital Chart; reached #1 on Billboard’s Rap Digital Songs chart
[/wpm_list]
Tablo completed his bachelor’s AND master’s degree at Stanford University at the same time, finishing both in just 3.5 years. Many people actually refused to believe this, which led to a massive public controversy in South Korea — and eventually a documentary.
When he was just 17 years old, he co-wrote a song with famous Korean singer Kim Gun-mo. He was already composing before most people pick up a guitar.
His daughter Haru was born on May 2, 2010, and appeared alongside him on the hit reality show The Return of Superman from 2013 to 2015. Fans absolutely adore her.
Tablo once dressed up as Santa Claus for Haru — and she immediately burst into tears at the sight of him. He retold this story and it became a beloved fan favorite moment.
He met his wife, actress Kang Hye Jung, because she attended an Epik High concert. They were introduced backstage by mutual friend and actor Bong Tae Gyu. The twist? They had actually first crossed paths years earlier at a phone store, and Tablo didn’t make a great impression on her.
He ran a podcast called The Tablo Podcast from August 2019 to September 2020, and now hosts the English-language Hey Tablo podcast, connecting directly with his global fanbase.
One of his personal quirks: he becomes “a little bit like Don Quixote” when he’s in music-making mode. He described this himself in an interview with ELLE Korea.
He is fluent in English, Korean, and conversational in Mandarin — making him one of the most multilingual artists in the Korean music industry.
His song “Love Love Love” — originally released in 2007 — got a massive new wave of popularity in 2026, peaking at #2 on Apple Music Korea and #9 on Spotify Korea, nearly two decades after its original release.
He collaborated with BTS’s RM on “Stop the Rain” in 2025. When Epik High introduced RM on their show, they listed out all of RM’s Billboard wins, AMA nominations, and cultural achievements — and then introduced Tablo by saying he’s “Haru’s dad.” The clip went viral instantly.
Mithra Jin — The Lyrical Bear
Mithra Jin is the maknae (youngest member) and lead rapper of Epik High, and he might just be one of the most underrated lyricists in Korean hip-hop. His birth name is Choi Jin, and if there’s one thing fans love about him, it’s the raw, powerful way he delivers every single verse.
Mithra Jin
- Full Name: Choi Jin (최진)
- Birthday: January 6, 1983
- Position: Lead Rapper, Producer, Lyricist, MC, Maknae (youngest member)
- Pre-debut Career: Was already featured on over 11 major Korean albums before Epik High even debuted
- Early Group: Made his initial debut with the hip-hop group K-Ryders
- How He Joined Epik High: Met Tablo through the Movement Crew during a freestyle contest in Seoul. Their artistic visions matched so perfectly that joining forces was an obvious next step.
- Hobbies: Writing, producing music, spending time with family
- Animal Nickname: Bear
- Original Background: Was originally a poet before hip-hop — it shows in every lyric he writes
- Married: Since October 2015
- Business Role: Actively involved in running OURS Co., the group’s independent label, with the other members
- Fun Character Trait: Often the quietest and most reserved member in interviews, but one of the most expressive on the mic
[/wpm_list]
Mithra Jin was a poet before he was a rapper. His instinct for language and imagery didn’t start with hip-hop — it started with poetry, and that background shapes every verse he writes.
Before Epik High even existed, he had already been featured on more than 11 major Korean albums. He was a known figure in the underground scene well before debut.
He made his very first appearance in the music world with the hip-hop group K-Ryders — before eventually linking up with Tablo and DJ Tukutz.
All three Epik High members got married in October — DJ Tukutz and Tablo got married a week apart in 2009, and Mithra Jin followed in 2015. The shared October anniversary thing genuinely delights fans.
He met Tablo through the Movement Crew, one of the most significant collectives in early Korean hip-hop history, which included legendary groups like Uptown, CB Mass, Leessang, and Drunken Tiger.
Despite being the youngest member, Mithra Jin was already a seasoned performer with serious underground credibility when Epik High formed. He wasn’t a rookie — he was a respected MC.
His animal nickname within the group is a bear — fitting for someone with such a powerful, grounding presence in the music.
He’s actively involved in the day-to-day operations of OURS Co., the label the members founded themselves in 2018. All three members run it together.
Mithra Jin tends to keep a lower profile on social media compared to Tablo and DJ Tukutz, but fans who follow his work closely describe him as the emotional anchor of the group’s lyrics.
His rap delivery is known for its deliberate pacing and weight — he doesn’t rush a line, and that restraint is exactly what makes every word land harder.
DJ Tukutz — The Boy with the Magic Fingers
DJ Tukutz is the turntablist, producer, and engineer of Epik High, and his real name is Kim Jeong-sik. His nickname — “the boy with the magic fingers” — was given to him by fans, and honestly, it fits perfectly. He is the sonic backbone that makes every Epik High track feel complete.
DJ Tukutz
- Full Name: Kim Jeong-sik (김정식)
- Birthday: November 19, 1981
- Position: Producer, Turntablist, Main Dancer, Engineer
- Education: Attended Donga Broadcasting College and studied Audio Production at the Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (also known as Dong-A University of Broadcasting Arts); previously enrolled in the Department of Law at Myongji University before dropping out
- DJ School: Trained at Technics DJ School
- Nicknames: Street T, DJ Carrot, DJ Two Cuts — the “two cuts” name comes from the fact that the camera would often only cut to him twice during performances
- Animal Nickname: Tibetan Fox
- Pre-Epik High: Was well-known in the Hongdae underground club scene before joining the group; occasionally played with CB Mass
- Early Global Experience: Went to the United States with Tablo and DJ-ed on radio shows, live events, and clubs in the Boston and New York City area
- Married: Chased his wife for 10 years before she finally said yes — now they have a son named Yoon Woo and a daughter named Tae Yeon
- Funny Fact: He is most scared of his wife (his own words)
- Special Role: The group’s accountant
- Fun Skill: Was a B-boy (breakdancer) before DJing — which is why he holds the “main dancer” title in the group
- Instagram: @realtukutz | Twitter/X: @Tukutz81
- MBTI: ESTJ
- Fun Detail: Was called by SM Entertainment 3 times — his mother answered and told them not to give him false hope, so she hung up on them each time
[/wpm_list]
DJ Tukutz was a B-boy (breakdancer) before he became a turntablist. That’s the reason he holds the title of “Main Dancer” in Epik High — it’s not just a fun label; he genuinely has the skills to back it up.
His nickname “DJ Two Cuts” or “DJ Tukutz” came from the fact that during stage performances, the camera would only cut to him twice at most. He was famously under-filmed. The name stuck, and now it’s iconic.
He chased his future wife for 10 full years before she agreed to marry him. If that’s not dedication, what is? He now describes her as the person he’s most scared of in the world.
He was contacted by SM Entertainment three separate times — one of the biggest entertainment companies in Korea — but his mother answered the phone every time and told them not to get his hopes up. She hung up on them all three times. He found out later.
Before Epik High officially formed, DJ Tukutz went to the United States with Tablo and performed at radio shows, clubs, and live events across Boston and New York City. International from the start.
He is Epik High’s unofficial accountant. While Tablo handles the words and Mithra handles the lyrics, Tukutz handles the books. A man of many talents.
He dropped out of Myongji University’s Law Department to pursue music. Given how his career turned out, that was the right call.
His favorite emojis are a heart and flying dollars. Somehow very on-brand.
He pretends to like certain artists just to look cool. This admission from a BuzzFeed Celeb interview became one of the most-shared Epik High fun facts online.
He has two children — a son named Yoon Woo and a daughter named Tae Yeon. All three Epik High members are proud, loving fathers, which is something fans often mention as one of the most endearing things about them.
Achievements
Epik High’s list of achievements is genuinely impressive — and it keeps getting longer. Here’s a look at what this group has accomplished over more than two decades in the music industry:
Historical Milestones:
- 🏆 First Korean act to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (2016) — a landmark moment not just for Epik High, but for all of Korean music
- 🏆 Reinvited to perform at Coachella 2022 — one of the very few artists to return to the legendary stage
- 🏆 Tablo’s collaboration with BTS’s RM, “Stop the Rain” (2025), reached #1 on Billboard’s Rap Digital Songs chart and topped iTunes charts in over 60 countries, including the US
- 🏆 Their 10th studio album PUMP (2024) debuted on the Korean charts and was followed by a Collector’s Edition LP later that year
- 🏆 Their two-decade-old track “Love Love Love” (2007) experienced a massive revival in 2026, peaking at #2 on Apple Music Korea and #9 on the Spotify Korea Chart
Award Categories Won:
- 🥇 Hip-Hop Category Award (multiple years)
- 🥇 Song of the Year Award
- 🥇 Album of the Year Award
- 🥇 Main Prize / Bonsang (2007, 2012, 2015)
- 🥇 Singer of the Year Award
- 🥇 Best Album Award
- 🥇 Discovery of the Year Award (2014)
- 🥇 Best Main Award
Publishing & Media:
- 📖 Tablo’s book Pieces of You (2008) became a bestseller in South Korea — and he’s a two-time bestselling author
- 📺 Appeared on The Return of Superman (KBS) with daughter Haru (2013–2015)
- 🎙️ Hey Tablo podcast — successful English-language podcast with an international audience
- 📺 Epikase — hugely popular YouTube variety show launched in recent years
Chart Milestones:
- Remapping the Human Soul (2007) became the third best-selling album in South Korea that year, selling over 120,000 copies
- Their fourth album sold over 50,000 pre-orders before release
- Spotify featured their 10th album (Epik High Is Here) on the main Times Square billboard in New York City
- Epik High Is Here Part 1 was included in Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Songs of 2021 (at #40) and The Ringer’s Best K-pop Songs of 2021 (at #5)
Discography and Music Videos
Epik High has one of the richest discographies in Korean hip-hop. Let’s walk through it:
Studio Albums
| Year | Album | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Map of the Human Soul | Woollim Entertainment | Debut album |
| 2004 | High Society | Woollim Entertainment | Peak: #26 KOR |
| 2005 | Swan Songs | Woollim Entertainment | Breakthrough album; “Fly” hit #1 |
| 2007 | Remapping the Human Soul | Woollim Entertainment | 3rd best-selling album in Korea (2007); “Fan,” “Love Love Love” |
| 2008 | Pieces, Part One | Woollim Entertainment | 50,000+ pre-orders; “Umbrella,” “One” |
| 2012 | 99 | YG Entertainment | First YG album; “It’s Cold” |
| 2014 | Shoebox | YG Entertainment | “Born Hater,” “Happen Ending” |
| 2017 | We’ve Done Something Wonderful | YG Entertainment | “Love Story” (feat. IU) — 2.5M+ copies sold |
| 2021/2022 | Epik High Is Here (Parts 1 & 2) | OURS Co. | 10th studio album (2-part release); “Rosario,” “Rain Song,” “Face ID” |
| 2024 | PUMP | OURS Co. / Kakao Entertainment | Includes Collector’s Edition LP (Oct 2024) |
Extended Plays (EPs)
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Lovescream | “1 Minute 1 Second” topped online charts |
| 2019 | Sleepless in __________ | First release after leaving YG |
| 2023 | Strawberry | First global album; features Jackson Wang, Hwasa |
Special / Compilation Releases
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 魂: Map the Soul (book album) |
| 2010 | Epilogue |
| 2015 | The Best of Epik High ~ Show Must Go On & On (Japanese compilation) |
| 2026 | Epikase OST (Epikase Orchestra) |
Iconic Music Videos
Here are some of the most essential Epik High music videos you should watch:
- 🎬 “Fly” — The career-making hit that sent Epik High to the top of the Korean charts and appeared on the FIFA 07 soundtrack
- 🎬 “Fan” — One of their most beloved tracks, from Remapping the Human Soul
- 🎬 “Love Love Love” — The 2007 classic that somehow became even bigger in 2026
- 🎬 “Born Hater” — A powerhouse track from their YG era, featuring some of Korea’s biggest rap names
- 🎬 “Love Story” (feat. IU) — Over 2.5 million copies sold; one of the best-selling Korean singles ever
- 🎬 “Rosario” — The lead single from Epik High Is Here Part 1 (2021)
- 🎬 “Rain Song” (feat. Colde) — Released June 2021; a fan favorite
- 🎬 “Face ID” — Known for its surrealist music video style (Oct 2021)
- 🎬 “Gray So Gray” — From Epik High Is Here Part 2 (2022)
- 🎬 “Catch” (feat. Hwasa) — Lead single from Strawberry EP (2023)
Live Performances and World Tours
Epik High on stage is a completely different experience from listening to them on Spotify. They are known for their high energy, their humor between tracks, and the way they genuinely connect with every person in the room. Tablo’s fluency in English also means international audiences can enjoy a bilingual show experience that feels personal and real.
Here’s a full look at their touring history — plus what’s coming up this fall.
Tour History Table
| Tour Name | Year | Region | Notable Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map of the Human Soul Tour | 2003–2004 | South Korea | Seoul debut |
| Swan Songs Tour | 2005–2006 | South Korea, Japan | Multiple city tour |
| Underground Railroad Tour | 2009 | Japan, South Korea | First Japan focus |
| Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival | 2016 | USA | First Korean act ever at Coachella |
| Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival | 2020 | USA | Cancelled (COVID-19) |
| Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival | 2022 | USA | Historic return |
| Epik High Is Here North America Tour | 2022 | North America | US + Canada |
| MIK Festival London | 2022 | UK | London |
| KAMP LA | 2022 | USA | Los Angeles |
| MIK Festival Paris | 2023 | France | Paris |
| All Time High Tour | 2023 | Europe + North America | Europe debut; multiple US + EU cities |
| 15th Seoul Jazz Festival | 2023 | South Korea | Seoul |
| The Pump Tour (North America) | 2024 | North America | First tour in support of PUMP album |
| Tone & Music Festival | 2024 | South Korea | Seoul |
| Waterboom Manila | 2025 | Philippines | Manila |
| ALUMNI ONLY (Fan Meeting) | July 4–5, 2026 | South Korea | Seoul — precedes North America run |
| Epik High 3.0 North American Tour | Sep–Oct 2026 | North America | 13 cities across US + Canada |
Epik High 3.0 North American Tour 2026 — Full Schedule
This is the big one for 2026. After the huge success of The Pump Tour in 2024, Epik High is back in North America with their biggest tour yet — 13 cities, two countries, and a whole new era to celebrate.
🎟️ Presale: June 10, 2026 (Stage Pass members) | General On-Sale: June 12, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: ticketmaster.com / epikhigh.com
| Date | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2026 | New York, NY | USA | Terminal 5 |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Boston, MA | USA | Big Night Live |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Toronto, ON | Canada | History |
| Oct 7, 2026 | Chicago, IL | USA | House of Blues Chicago |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | USA | The Howard Theatre |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | USA | TBC |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Dallas, TX | USA | TBC |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Oakland, CA | USA | Fox Theater Oakland |
| Oct 20, 2026 | Vancouver, BC | Canada | The Orpheum |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Seattle, WA | USA | Neptune Theatre |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | USA | House of Blues Las Vegas |
| Oct 29, 2026 | San Diego, CA | USA | The Observatory North Park |
| Mid-Oct 2026 | Los Angeles, CA | USA | TBC |
The 3.0 era marks a bold new chapter for Epik High — one that blends their legendary catalog with fresh digital content like the Epikase YouTube show, the Hey Tablo podcast, and their first official fan community platform, Epik High HQ.
Final Word
Epik High are not a trend. They are not a moment. They are an institution. Since 2001, Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz have been doing the work — writing honest lyrics, pushing creative boundaries, and building real connections with fans all over the world. In 2026, they’re more relevant than ever, with old songs charting again, new collaborations breaking records, and a sold-out North American tour on the horizon.
If you haven’t seen them live yet, this is your year.