molar system on Their First Japan Tour and EP 『system malfunction』

Last Updated on 2026-04-04 by a-indie

On the Production Process

-maririnn: popcorntvgulchan, we heard you perform live electronic music at Seoul Community Radio. On the EP 『system malfunction』, you also handled all the arrangements, mixing, and mastering. How did you land on the combination of backing tracks and live instruments, and how has that approach shaped the molar system sound?

PTG: Unfortunately, not really.

That’s actually why I want to change the way I work a bit. Working in real time and bouncing things back and forth seems difficult for me, maybe because I feel a bit uncomfortable showing things to other people while they’re still in progress, and also because I don’t play an instrument.

I want to try just throwing things out more freely first, without overthinking, and then fully accepting whatever comes out of it. I tend to censor myself a lot.

I want to try just throwing things out more freely first, without overthinking, and then fully accepting whatever comes out of it. I tend to censor myself a lot.

Track Order and the Mystery Behind the Titles

-maririnn: The EP opens with “GREENROOM” and closes with “don’t wash me off your jeans.” What was the thinking behind that track order? And why did you choose that title for the final song in particular? We’re also really curious about the track title “L=1/2ρV²SCL” — what’s the meaning behind it?

PTG, Sannie: We wanted to begin with a relatively fresh, more accessible track, and then end on another kind of fresh feeling as well.

In Korean, the last track’s title is actually just the very simple word “草.” But while adapting it, it became something else in English.

As for “L=1/2ρV²SCL,” that’s the interlude from 「Fear of Flying」. According to NASA, it refers to the lifting force generated by an airplane through the calculation of multiple factors. So it’s meant to capture that exact moment when a plane lifts off.

We thought just calling it “Interlude” would be boring, so we ended up finding that title almost by accident.

About the Artwork Character

-maririnn: A recurring illustrated character shows up across the EP and single artwork. Does this character have a name? What kind of being are they meant to be, and what are you going for visually overall?

PTG: It doesn’t have a name…! And honestly, it doesn’t really have a specific meaning either.

It’s just a character that popcorntvgulchan doodles a lot. None of the members are especially knowledgeable about design, so I think what we tend to aim for is just… something that looks kind of cool when you see it. (laughs)

Sannie: PTG is a very talented artist. He doodles a lot, and the quality is insane! Jinyoung and I really liked the character he drew. I personally thought it looks so cute and sad at the same time. Like all the humans.

The Green Cthulhu and the Aesthetics of Visual Expression

-maririnn: The green Cthulhu knit in the tour visuals really caught our eye — and actually, Maririn owns the same one! What intentions and aesthetic ideas are behind molar system’s visual expression?

PTG: Thank you!!!

It’s really just a mask I wear because I’m shy. Actually, I’ve prepared another mask that’s a better fit for this Japan tour.

It might be fun to take a photo with Maririn. (please come see our show if you have time!!)

To be honest, more than it being part of molar system’s visual concept, it’s really just because I’m shy… (shy laugh)