No Brain is a pioneering South Korean punk rock band, formed in 1996 in Seoul's Hongdae district, which is renowned for its indie music scene. Known as one of the godfathers of Korean punk, No Brain helped shape the "Chosun Punk" movement, alongside bands like Crying Nut. Their rebellious, high-energy sound gained traction with the release of their first split album Our Nation Volume 2 in 1998, and their EP Youth 98 sold out its limited run. Throughout their career, No Brain balanced underground credibility with mainstream success, becoming a key player in Korean rock. The band's irreverent spirit was exemplified in performances like their 2001 live show, where lead vocalist Lee Sung-woo ripped the Japanese Rising Sun Flag, a bold statement on historical tensions. Despite internal changes, such as the departure of bassist Jeong Jaehwan for military service and lineup shifts, No Brain continued evolving, releasing albums like Viva No Brain (2001) and Goodbye, Mary Poppins (2003). They achieved global recognition, performing at festivals like Japan's Fuji Rock and SXSW in the U.S., and signing with Sire Records in 2013. With their passionate performances and punk ethos.
