Epik High’s comeback to fame: from being hated by the whole internet to returning to the peak, three “middle‑aged uncles” and the life lessons they teach us

Recently, “Love Love Love,” a classic 2007 track by legendary Korean hip-hop group Epik High, has miraculously returned to No. 1 on major music charts. The accomplished trio, now 23 years into their career, has come through the lows to stage a midlife comeback, proving that middle age isn’t the end, but the start of another golden era.

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Who is legendary Korean hip-hop group Epik High?

Let’s rewind to 2003. At the time, Korea’s music scene was dominated by idol groups, while hip-hop was still a niche genre heard by only a small crowd in underground clubs. It was then that Epik High entered the public eye with their debut album, “Map of the Human Soul.” Driven by a pure love of music, the three members – Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz – set out to challenge the stereotype that rappers only sang about money and violence.

Their music has always had a strong literary quality. As a literature-loving academic standout himself, leader Tablo writes lyrics as beautiful as poetry that speak deeply to the loneliness and vulnerability of modern life. From “Fly,” which earned them their first music show win in 2005, to the later award-sweeping “Fan,” their work has shown a distinctive style that blends melancholy with wild abandon. Over the past 23 years, they’ve shone in their own right and collaborated with countless top artists on extraordinary tracks; you could say they’re behind half of Korea’s legendary collaborations.

The 2010 “fake degree” controversy surrounding Tablo sent the group into a slump

Any account of Epik High’s history must include the 2010 Tajinyo incident, often called the darkest chapter in South Korea’s history of online abuse. At the time, an online community calling itself “We Demand Tablo Tell the Truth” suddenly emerged, relentlessly questioning whether his Stanford University degree was fake. Even after Tablo presented his diploma and transcripts, and Stanford’s registrar personally confirmed that he was an alumnus, the irrational haters refused to accept it.

That was the darkest period of Tablo’s life. His family was stalked and harassed, and his father died after grief and stress caused an old illness to flare up. A talented musician suddenly lost all his work over baseless accusations and became afraid even to walk down the street. Yet that deeply painful experience gave his later music a heartbreaking sense of truth. He endured the malice that nearly tore him apart, using time and the law to prove his innocence. His resilience is truly admirable.

In 2025, their YouTube channel took off

If you think all that hardship turned them into serious senior figures, you’re completely wrong. In recent years, Epik High has really let loose, with the three middle-aged men moving to YouTube and launching a segment called “EPIKASE,” winning over fans in the process. They have no idol-image baggage in their videos: they roast one another, make dirty jokes, and share down-to-earth mukbangs as well as hilarious backstage mishaps from their concerts.

 

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A post shared by 에픽하이 타블로 | Tablo of Epik High (@blobyblo)

Along with lifelessly performing the latest trending girl-group dances, the channel’s most talked-about recent series is undoubtedly their relationship-advice segment for viewers. These three middle-aged dads listen to viewers share their painful experiences with terrible men and don’t hold back at all. From a “dad” perspective, Tablo and DJ Tukutz often get so angry that they pound the table as they fiercely condemn such irresponsible behavior on the girls’ behalf. Their candid, protective comments leave many women viewers feeling deeply satisfied, with countless people praising them as “clear-headed dad-type besties.” Rather than putting on airs because they’re older, they use their sharp humor and warm empathy to connect with Gen Z. This willingness to let go of their pride is exactly the secret to their enduring popularity across generations.

“Love Love Love” returns to the music charts

This is undoubtedly one of this year’s most exciting miracles in music. Released in 2007, “Love Love Love” reclaimed the top spot in 2026, entirely propelled by social media. It began when a well-known influencer used the song as background music in a retro-inspired TikTok video, and its catchy chorus and classic electronic beat unexpectedly sparked an imitation trend.

 

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A post shared by 에픽하이 타블로 | Tablo of Epik High (@blobyblo)

For millennials, the song is filled with memories of their youth; for young people born in the 2000s, its arrangement somehow sounds even more forward-thinking than today’s pop songs. It proves that truly good music stands the test of time. This comeback has not only boosted its chart performance, but also made Epik High hugely popular with Gen Z. Many younger listeners became fans of the three “uncles” through their YouTube channel and “Love Love Love.”

🎧 Editor’s personal picks: 3 essential Epik High tracks

Epik High feat. Crush – Lovedrunk This standout track from the album “Sleepless in __________” features R&B singer Crush. Over Crush’s soulful vocals, Tablo writes of the heartbreak of drowning one’s sorrows in alcohol after a breakup. It’s the remedy for sleepless late nights when you’re holding in painful feelings – listen long enough, and the tears start to fall.

Epik High feat. Colde – Rain Song Whenever it rains in South Korea, this track returns to the music charts. Featuring rising R&B singer Colde, its laid-back melody and atmosphere of walking in the rain capture the loneliness and longing unique to rainy days, perfectly comforting every soul soaked and wounded by life.

Epik High – Born Hater This is an incredibly satisfying revenge song. Its music video brings together a golden lineup featuring half of Korea’s hip-hop scene, using direct lyrics to strike back at the online haters behind their keyboards. With its powerful beat and each rapper’s distinct flow, “satisfying” is the only word for it.

Everyone starts from a different place in life; there’s no such thing as being too late

Looking at Epik High’s ups and downs over the past 23 years brings up so many feelings. Society often instills the idea that once you reach a certain age, you should settle into a fixed role, and that middle age means playing it safe and preparing to decline. Epik High’s life story powerfully refutes that stereotype.

They’ve experienced the heights of being adored by the masses and the depths of feeling rejected by the whole world. Now, in the period others call middle age, they’re enjoying a second spring in their careers. This success didn’t come out of nowhere; it’s built on their enduring passion for music and their open-minded willingness to embrace new things. Their story reminds us that age is just a number, and a low point isn’t the end of life. As long as you’re willing to stay curious about the world, you can write your own comeback story at any time.

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