Hwang So-yoon of Saesonyeon makes music director debut with animated film OST
Saesonyeon's Hwang So-yoon released a 17-track OST for animated film 'Why Don't the Pilgrims Return?' on October 14—her first work as a music director.
Hwang So-yoon steps behind the score
Hwang So-yoon, front person and singer-songwriter of band Saesonyeon (새소년), released the original soundtrack for the animated film Why Don't the Pilgrims Return? (순례자들은 왜 돌아오지 않는가) on October 14 across global music platforms. Her first credit as a music director.
The album has 17 tracks. One ending song features Hwang herself. Director Heo Pyeong-gang (허평강) initiated the project and brought in Milan Records—the label behind Midsommar, Poor Things, Challengers, and Minari. Hwang relocated to the United States to focus on the work.
Guitar, janggu, and analog synths
She built the score around guitar, the instrument she's played longest. Janggu samples and analog synthesizers layered in next, shaping a distinctive palette. The combination mirrors the film's tone: music that accompanies rather than overwhelms.
"The film asks weighty questions about what love is and what we should pursue, so I wanted to create music that stays by the film's side rather than flashy and stylish music."
She called it "the most Hwang So-yoon-like music" of any current project. Rough yet pure and warm.
Hwang built her career through Saesonyeon before moving into solo work. This OST extends that arc into film scoring.
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