Garion (band)

Garion was a South Korean hip hop duo, active primarily in the early to mid-2000s. The group consisted of MC Meta (Lee Jaehyun) and Naachal (Shin Eui Cheol). Garion is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Korean conscious hip hop, known for their use of traditional Korean lyrics and themes within a hip hop framework. Their name, Garion, refers to a mythical horse from Korean folklore.

They debuted in 1998 with the underground EP "Garion". They gained wider recognition with their first official album, "Garion" (가리온) released in 2004. The album was praised for its lyrical complexity, social commentary, and unique sound, which incorporated traditional Korean instruments and rhythms. Their music often addressed issues of social inequality, political corruption, and the preservation of Korean culture.

Garion's influence on the Korean hip hop scene is significant, inspiring many subsequent artists to explore Korean language and culture in their music. While the group hasn't released new music in recent years, their discography remains influential and continues to be recognized for its contribution to the development of Korean hip hop. MC Meta has remained active in the hip hop scene, both as a solo artist and mentor, while Naachal's activities have been less publicly documented.