Korean-Australian Group 1300 Releases Debut Album ILLSAMGONGGONG Through Universal Music Korea
Korean‑Australian alternative hip‑hop collective 1300 has issued its first full‑length album, ILLSAMGONGGONG, on July 16 2026 through Universal Music Korea. The 13‑track record is available on all major streaming platforms and is accompanied by a music video for the lead single “Fever.” The release follows the group’s signing with Universal Music Korea in June 2026, a move that marks the first time the label has added a Korean‑Australian act to its roster.
1300 formed in West Sydney in 2019 and debuted with the mixtape Foreign Language in April 2022. The project introduced the five‑member lineup—DALI, goyo, rako, Nerdie, and pokari—and showcased the group’s experimental approach to hip‑hop. In 2024 the band released GEORGE, a collection that blended K‑pop, trap, gabber, and industrial sounds and earned praise for its genre‑hopping ambition. The group has performed at high‑profile venues, most notably the Sydney Opera House, and has shared stages with artists such as Jay Park, Audrey Nuna, Genesis Owusu, and Confidence Man.
ILLSAMGONGGONG is described as a “genre‑pivoting, era‑hopping” collection that juxtaposes the polish of K‑pop with classic RnB, hip‑hop, drum‑and‑bass, rave, and goth rock. The album’s central message—“Stop being sad and shit, life’s too short not to dance”—serves as a thematic anchor for the tracks. The record features guest appearances from Kim Ximya, Giriboy, and Changmo, adding further depth to its cross‑genre palette. According to the album’s official tracklist, the songs span a range of tempos and styles, from high‑energy club bangers to introspective ballads.
Universal Music Korea’s partnership with 1300 follows a broader strategy to diversify its artist base with acts that blend Korean and international influences. The label’s announcement on June 19 2026 positioned the group alongside other Korean artists in its catalog. Industry observers note that the signing reflects Universal’s interest in the growing market for hybrid K‑pop and global hip‑hop sounds.
The band’s live reputation has grown steadily since its debut. Their performance at the Sydney Opera House was a milestone that highlighted their ability to translate studio experimentation into a compelling stage presence. In addition to the Opera House, 1300 has toured across Australia and performed at festivals that cater to the Asian diaspora, reinforcing its role as a cultural bridge between Korean and Australian music scenes.
At present, ILLSAMGONGGONG is available for purchase and streaming worldwide. The album’s release is accompanied by a promotional campaign that includes the “Fever” video and a series of interviews with the band’s members. No further releases or tour dates have been announced, but the group’s recent signing and album launch suggest that Universal Music Korea will support additional promotional activities in the coming months.
