An introduction to the best of Korean bands
By Kerry Cheetham (Guest Writer)
Any seasoned K-Pop fan will have heard of BTS, Stray Kids and TWICE, but delve a little deeper into the K-music scene and you’ll find a plethora of K-Bands.
W24. Image: W24 Official Twitter.
Day6
Day6 has been around for the last seven years and has a song to fit every possible mood. The group currently consists of four members; Sungjin, Young K, Dowoon, and Wonpil; who each have a different position within the group.
Day6. Image: JYP Entertainment via Rolling Stone India.
Sungjin is the leader, main vocalist and guitarist, Young K plays bass, raps and provides stunning vocals, Dowoon keeps the beat on drums, and Wonpil takes charge of the synthesiser and adds a tenderness to each song with his rich vocals.
‘I Need Somebody’ from their “Every Day6” Collection — a period where the group released 2 songs every month of the year — is a go-to song if you’re feeling a little melancholy. The retro inspired ‘Days Gone By’, however, is far more lively and fun and ‘Dance, Dance’ will get you moving for sure.
The band themselves have undergone quite a big transformation recently, with only 4 members renewing their contracts with JYP this year — the group’s former guitarist, vocalist and rapper, Jae, is now pursuing a solo career under the name Eaj and you’ve also most likely seen him streaming on Twitch.
Regardless of all the recent alterations, Day6’s music has stayed true to the group’s original vibe and will definitely stand the test of time.
Even of Day
A subunit of Day6 (made up of members Young K, Wonpil and Dowoon) was formed after Jae began to concentrate on his solo projects and Sungjin had started his military service.
Even of Day in their latest music video ‘Darling on the Beach’. Image: Day6 Official Twitter.
The subunit of the band kept the vibe of Day6 with their single ‘Right Through Me’, yet added a more cutsie feel by using the ‘Denimalz’ characters of the band members in their music video for the enchanting ‘Where The Sea Sleeps’.
Only time will tell which direction the group will take once Young K, Dowoon and Wonpil complete their military service and join up with Sungjin under the guise of Day6, but Even of Day have for sure played their part in keeping My Day satisfied until then.
The Rose
Much like Day6, the four member, self-represented, band The Rose have made a recent comeback following the military service of three members. WooSung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyeong are now back with a refreshing yet typically The Rose sounding new album.
The Rose for their new album “Heal”. Image: Transparent Arts via NME.
“Heal”, featuring the mesmerising track ‘Childhood’ with its visually dynamic music video showing the vulnerability and innocence of childhood.
Having broken away from their management company in February 2020, The Rose are now in charge of their own music and are currently doing well with a world tour.
ONEWE
K-Pop stans may already know ONEUS, but look a little further and you’ll find their brother group, the band ONEWE.
ONEWE ‘Still Here’ Concept Photo #1. Image: ONEWE Official Twitter.
Although some members (Younghoon and Kanghyun) are currently serving in the military, the group (which also consists of members Dongmyeong, CyA, and Harin) released their single ‘Still Here’ on 4 October to show WEVE they are still working on music projects.
‘AuRoRa’ is a stand-out track that certainly showcases the members’ talents — the chorus is sure to stick in your head for days.
W24
Formed in 2018 under JAMRY Entertainment, W24 (Jonggil, Howon, Aaron, and Yunsoo) are a band well worth keeping an eye on.
W24. Image: W24 Official Twitter.
Tracks such as ‘무수히’ will have you signing along whilst you watch the behind the scenes music video and the uplifting but heartfelt ‘Missing You J’ will have you reaching for the repeat button.
Xdinary Heroes
Bursting onto the K-band scene in December 2021 with the vocally and visually vibrant ‘Happy Death Day’, Xdinary Heroes, formed by Studio J of JYP, consists of 6 incredibly talented youngsters who are ready to shake up the world of K-bands.
Xdinary Heroes recently covered girl group (G)I-DLE‘s ‘Tomboy’. Image: Xdinary Heroes Official Twitter.
With Jooyeon on bass and vocals, Jun Han on electric guitar, O.de on the synthesiser, vocals and rap, Gaon on electric guitar, Gun-il on drums, and Jungsu on synthesiser and vocals, this six piece rookie group will rock your world.
Xdinary Heroes released ‘Hello World’, their first mini album, in July 2022 alongside the futuristic music video for the track ‘Test Me’ which proved they are certainly here for the long term.
Rolling Quartz
The male dominance of K Bands is under threat from this group.
Rolling Quartz. Image: Rolling Quartz Official Twitter.
Debuting under Rolling Star Entertainment, in December 2020, with the electrifying track ‘Blaze’ — which has amassed over 1 million YouTube views — Rolling Quartz (Iree, Jayoung, Yeongeun, and Hyunjung) certainly showcase that women can rock too.
The group’s first mini album, ‘Fighting’ (2022), features the track ‘Azalea’. The music video for this song was filmed in the historic grounds of Baekje Palace, highlighting the beauty of traditional Korean culture and the symbolism of the Azalea flower which represents nobility in Korea.
It’s the perfect contrast between the country’s history and modern day rock, and is a great way to showcase the rich culture Korea has to offer with fans worldwide.
Lucy
Formed under Mystic Star during JTBC’s talent show Superband (2019) Lucy are a band with a difference — that difference being a violin. Yechan plays violin alongside members Sangyeob, Wonsang, and Gwangil (guitar, bass, and drums respectively) and adds a fresh dynamic to the already abundant K-Band scene.
Lucy’s latest album “Childhood” features 15 tracks. Image: Lucy. Mystic Story. Image: allkpop.
Having named themselves after a dog they would see on the way to and from their studio, this band and its nostalgic, home comfort music is sure to tug at your heart strings.
The title track, ‘Flowering’, for their debut single “Dear”, grabs your attention from the first bar and leaves you feeling comforted. ‘I Got You’, on the other hand, has a more poppy upbeat vibe which will make you dance. The accompanying music video is sure to make you laugh along with their cheeky antics.
The vibrancy, uniqueness, and talent is apparent when it comes to Korea’s bands but, as the constant addition of new bands proves, the future of Korean music is likely to be unexpected in the best possible way.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.
