The three core members -- Lee Il-Woo (guitar), Shim Eun-Yong (Geomungo), and Kim Bo-Mi (Haegeum) -- met in 2009 at Korea's National University of Arts while studying traditional Korean music. After they graduated they decided to present traditional Korean music in a fresh and innovative light, in part as a reaction to the growing popularity of generic K-Pop. Citing Nine Inch Nails as a major rock influence and adding traditional instruments, Jambinai explored dark themes such as isolation and despair. Following a self-titled 2010 EP, their debut album Différance was released in 2012, receiving praise for its intensity and interesting compositions. They embarked on a small tour outside of Korea to support the debut, culminating with a show at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. In 2016, they released their sophomore album, A Hermitage, via Bella Union. ~ Liam Martin