K-ROCK ARTISTS TO BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
K-pop has taken the United States by storm for nearly a decade, with multiple groups (such as BTS and Blackpink) embarking on successful sold out stadium shows across the country and developing strong, devoted fanbases along the way. While K-pop itself is an umbrella term encompassing many genres, the Korean-rock scene is also growing more and more each day.
Here are eight K-rock bands and artists you need to add to your playlist.
WOODZ
WOODZ, also known as Cho Seungyoun, got his start in the K-pop industry in the groups UNIQ and X1. After UNIQ was put on an indefinite hiatus and X1 was forced to disband in 2020 due to controversy surrounding the final lineup being selected by fraudulent means in the survival show Produce 101, WOODZ continued to pursue solo music, experimenting with a variety of genres. His latest album OO-LI, released in April of 2023, talks about WOODZ as an artist and his journey of pain and starting on a new path as his unconditional self. In early 2025, his song “Drowning” (originally released on OO-LI) went viral in South Korea, and reached #1 on the Melon Top 100 charts. Cho Seungyoun recently returned from his mandatory military service, and released his first song, “Smashing Concrete,” on YouTube, showing the promising state of the K-rock scene.
Keep up with WOODZ:
Website / Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / X
DAy6
Day6 are a four-piece band under JYP Entertainment, the management team behind K-pop groups such as TWICE, Stray Kids and ITZY. Debuting in 2015, they have released nine EPs and three full albums as a group, as well as unit and solo projects among members. Their EP Fourever, released in April of 2024, was the beginning of a new era, signifying the return of all members from their mandatory military enlistment, as well as a chance to broaden their musical horizons. The B-side “Happy” received huge commercial success in South Korea, achieving a “perfect all-kill” (#1 on every major music chart) five months after its release. Day6 has impacted the Korean interest in music as well, with officials at schools saying many of their students who are in school music programs request to perform Day6 songs. Day6 plans to release more music this year, and recently announced a 10th anniversary album to be released in September and a stadium concert in Goyang, South Korea later this month.
Keep up with Day6:
Website / Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / X
Jaurim
Debuting in 1997, Jaurim are one of the pioneering groups for the K-rock and indie genre. Their 1997 debut album Purple Heart received critical and commercial success, allowing for the band to continue making music, and they have released 12 full albums since (not including EPs and singles, or solo projects by lead vocalist Kim Yoon Ah). Known for many somber tracks in their early days, such as “Twenty-five, Twenty-one (스물다섯, 스물하나),” a track reminicening on youth and past love, Yoon Ah told Korea JoongAng Daily in 2016 that she is working to make happier songs.
“My life’s goal is to be happy and I need music to be happy,” Yoon Ah said. Jaurim is still performing to this day, re-releasing and recording a 25th anniversary album of their top hits.
Keep up with Jaurim:
Rolling Quartz
An all female band, Rolling Quartz started as a cover band, posting their covers to their YouTube channel. The band would perform songs by artists such as Lady Gaga and Paramore, as well as K-pop groups like BTS and Dreamcatcher. Rolling Quartz debuted in 2020 with the single track “Blaze.” The song is heavy, and a perfect start for this ambitious group: we want to do this, and we will achieve our dream.
“We just do it, it's clear want it / I feel complete confidence / Keep on going, just watch / There's nothing that can't be achieved”
Rolling Quartz’s first EP Fighting, released in 2022, debuted at #23 on the Worldwide iTunes album chart, and #30 of the U.S. album chart. They often tour across the globe, and recently wrapped up a North American tour in 36 cities.
Keep up with Rolling Quartz:
Website / Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / X
YdBB
Fronted by Yu Dabin, a vocalist who placed 10th in survival show Superstar K 2016, YdBB was created with 5 friends from college. The group placed in the top 13 in the band competition INDIESTANCE 2020, and released their debut song “WHY” shortly after. They also participated in Great Seoul Invasion, placing 3rd overall. YdBB’s songs range from folk to alternative, drawing listeners in with their emotional lyrics and performances. YdBB’s latest single release, “GET LUCKY!” is the perfect mood booster. Upbeat yet heavy, it is the perfect motivation to continue on through the toughest of days, even if no one is there to pick you up.
Keep up with YdBB:
Silica Gel
Choosing their band name after seeing a packet in a gum container, Silica Gel is known in the scene for their experimental and unique sounds. Combining rock and electronic music, they officially debuted in 2015 with the EP Pure Sun, followed by their first self-titled full album. Known by fans and non-fans alike for having lyrics that are hard to decipher, stating their songs are very spontaneous and created more to sound good than to make sense, Silica Gel’s music still is able to resonate with those who hear it. “NO PAIN” from their recent album POWER ANDRE 99 is about a world with no boundaries between people, where all are united and no one lives in fear — a message that rings true with many people today. Silica Gel recently performed at the Fuji Rock Fest in Japan, and have upcoming shows in South Korea. Their recent single “NamgungFEFERE” features Japanese Breakfast, and was released this July.
Keep up with Silica Gel:
ONEWE
Similar to Day6, ONEWE is under the management group RBW, home to K-pop groups such as MAMAMOO and ONEUS. The band formed independently through mutual friends in college, originally named M.A.S., and the group would perform on the streets of Hongdae in Seoul. Their first single “Butterfly Finding Flower” released in 2015, was dedicated to Korea’s “comfort women,” victims of Japanese brutalization and in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Korean liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The song was written by the youngest member Giuk, who was only 15 at the time, and all proceeds from their busking performance of the song was donated to victims. ONEWE specializes in rock ballads, while also including an interstellar theme within their songs. “STAR” is quite literally about two people who have once met on a star, and yearn to connect in a vast universe filled with others.
Keep up with ONEWE:
Website / Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / X
Cherry Filter
The Hongdae neighborhood in Seoul is known for their underground music scene, and is home to many live performances. It is also where Cherry Filter got their start in the late 1990s. Their sophomore album Made In Korea, released in 2002, received commercial and critical success. The single “sweet little kitty” off of the album sets the tone for the group’s unique take on rock music. Vocalist Cho Youjeen’s raspy, yet delicate, vocals tear through the guitar riffs in a perfect melody, describing the story of a lone cat seeking out love. The group is still active today, performing at music festivals around South Korea, and will be one of the artists playing at Sound Planet Festival to celebrate Rolling Hall’s 30th anniversary, an iconic live music venue that birthed many K-rock bands in Hongdae. ‘
Keep up with Cherry Filter:
Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / YouTube
