Private Project

The Good, The Bad, The Dokkaebi

Dokkaebi are known as goblins in Korean mythology. They watch our deeds and may choose to help or punish us accordingly. This Short/Documentary/Music Video explores different aspects of Dokkaebi via original music that incorporates a mix of traditional Korean drumming with western instruments. The compositions reflect the origin of Dokkaebi, and imagine how they live among us in the modern day. One composition explores the Dokkaebi's reaction to the events of the past year (BLM, Asian hate crimes), while another focuses on their penchant for being mischievous. Funded by a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission, this short serves as a window into the creative process of song writing.

  • Dan Lee
    Director
    The Magpies Of Seoul
  • Dan Lee
    Writer
    The Magpies Of Seoul
  • Dan Lee
    Producer
    The Magpies Of Seoul
  • Ami Miki Lee
    Key Cast
    The Magpies Of Seoul
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Music documentary
  • Runtime:
    34 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 3, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • CAAMFEST 2021
    San Francisco
    United States
    May 19, 2021
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (2021)
    Toronto
    Canada
    official selection
Director Biography - Dan Lee

Dan Lee is a Korean American musician known as a member of the indie rock band The Aislers Set and his own band, Scrabbel.
With funding from multiple grants from the San Francisco Arts Commission, Dan has focused on making art that explores his Korean roots via music. This new direction started with The Magpies Of Seoul (debut at CAAMFEST 2019) and has continued with this new project The Good, The Bad, The Dokkaebi (premiere at CAAMFEST 2021)

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My goal is to explore my Korean culture and shine a light on it. Growing up in suburban California, I didn't have a strong connection to my history, but as I got older, I began to seek it out and find ways to express it in my art. These projects bring me closer to my history, and at the same time create something unique that represents a perspective of the Korean American experience.