If You're Not Listening To These 10 Korean Bands, You're Missing Out

No dancing required.

1. Day6

Instagram: @day6kilogram / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/day6kilogram/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=42835ccc-1caf-44c1-91a4-c0168bc9ae6b

When you're talking k-bands, you can't forget Day6. Probably the most popular band in the industry, they debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment. The group currently consists of five members: Sungjin (leader and guitarist), Jae (guitarist), Young K (bassist), Wonpil (keyboardist), and Dowoon (drummer). They're considered a rock band, but they've really explored every genre under the sun. Jae, Young K, and Wonpil have also all released solo music. Young K writes the lyrics for a majority of their songs, while the rest of the members contribute to the composition and arrangement. Their most recent comeback was in July with the sub-unit Even of Day's release of "Right Through Me".

Song Recommendation: "Sweet Chaos"

2. The Rose

Instagram: @l_hajoon / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/l_hajoon/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4f941fe6-08c9-40c1-8591-e9137eed4eae

Many fans of Day6 (known as Myday) usually also listen to The Rose. This k-band debuted under J&Star Entertainment in 2017, but have since become independent after terminating their contracts in 2020. The group consists of four members: Woosung (leader and guitarist), Dojoon (keyboardist), Hajoon (drummer), and Jaehyung (bassist). Another self-producing group, they are known for their deeply emotional lyrics and powerful melodies. Despite only releasing two mini albums and one single album, they have a very large and devoted fanbase (known as Black Roses). Three of the members are currently completing their mandatory military enlistments, but Woosung recently came back with Lazy, his first single since the release of his mini album Wolf in 2019.

Song Recommendation: "Insomnia"

3. Lucy

Instagram: @band_lucy / Via instagram.com

Participants of the popular survival show JTBC Superband, Lucy officially debuted in May 2020 under Mystic Story. The band consists of four members: Yechan (leader and violinist), Sangyeop (guitarist), Wonsang (bassist), and Gwangil (drummer). They quickly became known for their light-hearted, whimsical music that relies heavily on Yechan's violin. Despite debuting just over a year ago, this k-band already has quite a few releases under their belt, with the most recent of "I Got U" in June. Wonsang is also a member of the producer group YENEVARA, and participates in the arrangement of Lucy's music. The group is very active on TikTok, often showcasing their individual skills with their chosen instruments.

Song Recommendation: "Flare"

4. Hoppipolla

Instagram: @band.hoppipolla / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/band.hoppipolla/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7a7e0620-9809-44d1-8140-0385a9a7d555

Named after a famous Icelandic song that translates to "jumping into puddles," it's no surprise that this group won JTCB Superband in 2019. This four-member band is made of talent. Leader and keyboardist I'll, as well as guitarist Hyunsang, both have flourishing solo careers; often contributing to k-drama soundtracks in addition to releasing their own material. Cellist Jinho has a PhD in instrumental music and guitarist Youngso has been winning music contests since 2015. Hyunsang and Youngso also regularly release vocal and instrumental covers of popular songs on their respective Youtube channels. Hoppipolla is known for their deeply emotional music, often addressing love that is flawed or fading, all against the backdrop of Jinho's cello. They came back with "Your Ocean" in January of this year.

Song Recommendation: "Our Song"

5. Gift

Instagram: @band.gift / Via instagram.com

Signed under ROXTAMUZIK&LIVE, Gift debuted in 2018. The groups consists of just three members: Joohyuk (guitarist), Gyeomjeong (drummer), and Hyungwoo (bassist). Joohyuk and Hyungwoo both participated in Superband alongside members of Hoppipolla and Lucy. While a rock band at their core, it's easy to see the influence of folk music in their discography. At its simplest, their music is very easy to listen to, like something you would put on during a long car ride with the knowledge that everyone will enjoy listening. The members are pretty active on their Instagram accounts, and often post instrumental and vocal covers on their YouTube channel. They came back with "You Are To Me" in March of this year.

Song Recommendation: "Travel Song"

6. The Midnight Romance

Instagram: @themidnightromance / Via instagram.com

If you've been into kpop or kdramas for awhile, you might have heard of No Minwoo. He's an actor and musician that just celebrated the 17th anniversary of his debut. His latest project is The Midnight Romance, an indie band under his own management company, MJ Dreamsys Entertainment. Despite debuting just last July, the group released two EPS, two single albums, and a stand-alone single just in the second half of 2020 alone. The group currently consists of four members: Minwoo (leader and guitarist), Hyeseung (drummer), Jihwan (guitarist), and Wonyoung (bassist). Their sound falls somewhere between Coldplay and lo-fi; a foundation of mid-2000s rock exaggerated by hints of electronic pop. The Midnight Romance also has close ties with other bands on this list. Jihwan is in producer group YENEVARA with Lucy's Wonsang, and Minwoo is the older brother of Hoppipolla's I'll.

Song Recommendation: "The Stars In Your Heart"

7. IZ

Instagram: @official_iz / Via instagram.com

IZ is a pop-rock band that debuted under Music K Entertainment in 2017. The group consists of four members: Hyunjun (leader and guitarist), Jihoo (rhythm guitarist), Woosu (drummer), and Junyoung (bassist). Prior to their debut, they told Soompi that they didn't want to stick to a certain genre when it came to their music, and taking one look at their discography, they certainly kept their promise. Listeners will find everything from odes to electronic pop to Latin-infused summer bops. The group is fairly active on their group Instagram account and frequently host V Lives to connect with their fans, ILUV. Their most recent comeback was in April with the single "Missing U."

Song Recommendation: "Crush On You"

8. Surl

Instagram: @surlofficial / Via instagram.com

Started by high school friends, Surl is an indie rock band under Happy Robot Records. The band consists of four members: Hoseung (guitarist), Doyeon (guitarist), Hanbin (bassist), and Myeongsuk (drummer). They debuted in 2018 with their first live performance in Seoul. Meant to be a band that tells relatable stories through their music, many of their songs are slow-paced with lilting guitar melodies and Hoseung's distinct, higher-pitched vocals. It's the kind of music you'd put on while hanging out with friends on a lazy summer afternoon — an experience that is refreshing but tinged with nostalgia. Surl members are very active on their band and personal Instagram accounts, often posting behind-the-scenes photos of their concerts, practices, and music videos. They came back with the single "Beside" in July.

Song Recommendation: "Hot Air Balloon"

9. Onewe

Instagram: @official_onewe / Via instagram.com

Originally known as MAS 0094 and MAS, Onewe officially re-debuted in 2019 under RBW Entertainment just after their label-mates, Oneus, a traditional K-pop dance group. The band consists of five members: Yonghoon (leader, guitarist and keyboardist), Harin (drummer), Kanghyun (guitarist), Dongmyeong (keyboardist), and CyA (bassist). Dongmyeong is Xion of Oneus' twin brother. Their music is notably upbeat, and many of their songs wouldn't be out of place in a film or drama. Their recent comeback in June featured the title track "Rain To Be," a bright rock anthem with an addictive guitar hook. The sound is a stunning contrast to the visual of the members seeming to drown in an unrelenting rainstorm.

Song Recommendation: "Veronica"

10. Nell

Instagram: @spacebohemians / Via instagram.com

Nell have been a mainstay of the k-band scene for the past 20 years. This first generation group debuted in 2001 and are currently signed under Space Bohemian. The band consists of four members: Jaekyung (guitarist), Jaewon (drummer), Junghoon (bassist and keyboardist), and Jongwan (guitarist and keyboardist). With longevity clearly on their side, this rock band shows no signs of slowing down. Army may remember that they contributed to the track "Everythingoes" on RM's Mono mixtape in 2018. They recently came back with "Glow In The Dark" in July.

Song Recommendation: "Today"