When the bass boomed with the pounding drums, Seoul’s small underground venue pulsed with a sense of momentum. On stage, the four rockers of Dragon Pony played with the kind of enthusiasm that suggested this year might be theirs.

For a band named Dragon Pony, the timing couldn’t be more fitting to release an EP titled “Run Run Run,” as 2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.


“While our previous releases focused on building resolve, we wanted to show that we are truly charging ahead,” said frontman Ahn Tae-gyu during a press showcase held in western Seoul on Tuesday. “This album carries our ambition to charge forward in full stride.”

Dragon Pony, consisting of lead vocalist Ahn, bassist Pyun Sung-hyun, guitarist Kwon Se-hyuk and drummer Ko Gang-hun, is a self-producing band debuted in September 2024 with its first EP, “Pop Up,” under Kakao Entertainment-backed Antenna.

“Run Run Run,” the band’s third EP, features five tracks all written and produced by the four members: the lead track, “Oh Perfect!,” along with B-sides, “Palm Lines,” “Zombie,” “Rehearsal” and “Hidden.”

The album reflects the band’s expanding musical palette and increasingly distinctive identity, incorporating a wider range of instruments including cello and keyboards.

“Many people in younger generations feel unstable — and so do we,” said Pyun. “I hope our honest story about uncertainty resonates with young listeners and offers them some comfort.”

Now in its second year in the industry, Dragon Pony performed at various festivals both at home and abroad including Taiwan’s Emerge Fest for two consecutive years. The band has also held its first concerts in Seoul and Taipei.

“We’re always truly honored and grateful when overseas audiences take interest in us,” said Ko. “Whenever we receive an invitation, we’re willing to fly anywhere airplanes can reach.”

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]