As a member of the Korean hiphop trio Epik High and himself, a celebrated rapper and producer, Tablo is not only Asia’s thinking man’s musician but also a doting Dad. He opens up to MC on travel, work and nurturing the next big thing – his daughter, Haru.

By: Shakila Rajendra

There isn’t a South Korean artist quite like Tablo who is a member of the eponymous group, Epik High. They fall under the same entertainment label, YG Entertainment which houses the biggest names in the Korean music industry.

Born in Indonesia, raised all over the world including Hong Kong and Canada and finally settling in Seoul, Lee Seung Woon or better known by his stage name Tablo, is a rapper who has made a name for himself as defying the norm.

What occupies your time most these days?

Music. Always.

What’s playing on your playlist at the moment?

Demos for our next projects.

What do you think would be the next big trend in music and fashion in Asia?

Hip hop is the current trend and it’ll only get bigger.

Who have been your biggest supporters when it comes to your career?

Our company’s head, Yang Hyun Suk, has been there for us through the ups and downs.

How do you think K-pop has taken Asian culture to the international arena and to the masses?

K-pop artists have fun.

Give us your top three destinations in Asia.

Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island.

Give us a little tip to going out in Seoul. Where can you find good places to listen to music, and eat? Have a good time?

Seoul itself is so packed with life that you can walk into any spot and have a good time. Just come on over.

Being Korean and growing up in America, you could say you had the best and worst of two worlds. What is the best and worst thing you’ve taken away from having a mix of both Eastern and Western cultures?

I’ve only taken the best of both worlds. The East has given me discipline; the West, a free spirit.

Your daughter Haru is fast becoming a popular face on TV now, what advice would you give her should she want to go down the entertainment route?

I would tell her, “Your heart is more precious than anything the world can offer you.”

Are there any female artists in Korea in the tap/hip-hop that you think will be the next big thing?

Haru Lee (my daughter) is gonna take over the world one day.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT TABLO

Names: Tablo’s birth name is Daniel Seon Woong Lee and he’s also known as Supreme-T

Band: He is part of the band Epik High with band mates DJ Tukutz and Mithra Jin

Education: Tablo went to Stanford University with a Masters in English

Family: Tablo is married to the South Korean actress Kang Hye-jeong and she’s been known to tell Tablo that he should be more like label-mate, Psy! Their daughter Haru was born in 2010.

Daughter: Haru stars with Tablo in the Korean variety show Superman is Back. You can follow them on their Instagram accounts: Tablo: blobyblo Haru: tabloisdad

To read the full interview, get Marie Claire Malaysia’s December ’14 issue!