The Best Progressive and Psychedelic Rock Bands from South Korea
Looking for some new music to check out? Why not explore the best progressive and psychedelic rock bands from South Korea? In this blog post, we’ll recommend some of our favorites.
Seo Taiji and Boys
Seo Taiji and Boys was a South Korean boy band that is widely credited with introducing and popularizing hip-hop and rap music in South Korea. The group was active from 1992 to 1996 and is considered one of the most influential groups in Korean music history. After the group’s disbandment, its members pursued solo careers in various fields such as music, television, film, and fashion.
N.EX.T
N.EX.T was a South Korean progressive and psychedelic rock band that was active from 1992 to 1996. The band consisted of four members: Kim Dong-wan, Lee Jae-jin, Jung Tae-woo and Kang In-soo.
N.EX.T was one of the first South Korean bands to experiment with Western progressive and psychedelic rock styles, and they are often credited as being pioneers of the Korean rock scene. The band’s debut album, Action!, is considered to be a classic of the genre, and their song “To Heaven” is one of the most well-known progressive rock songs in Korea.
Sadly, N.EX.T disbanded in 1996 after only four years together, but their legacy continues to live on through their music.
Honeymoon Diary
Honeymoon Diary is a four-piece band based in Seoul, South Korea. The band formed in 2014 and has been making a name for themselves in the Korean music scene with their unique blend of progressive and psychedelic rock.
Honeymoon Diary’s debut album, “MODERN LIFE,” was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. The album was nominated for “Best Rock Album” at the Korean Music Awards and went on to win the award for “Best Debut Album” at the same ceremony.
The band has since toured extensively throughout Korea and Japan, and they are currently working on their second album.
YB
Formed in 1996, YB is one of the most successful and well-known rock bands in South Korea. They have released seven studio albums, three live albums, and numerous singles and have toured extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. Their music is a mix of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and alternative rock with elements of metal and punk. YB is known for their dynamic stage performances and their eclectic mix of musical styles.
Jung Tae-won (vocals, guitar), Lee Kyung-kwan (bass), and Kim Jong-hyun (drums) formed the band while they were students at Seoul National University. YB’s debut album, “To Her vocal”, was released in 1997 to critical acclaim. The album’s lead single “Goodbye Jaana” was a huge hit in South Korea and helped to propel the band to stardom. YB has released seven studio albums to date, with their most recent, “Hallyu”, being released in 2016.
YB is considered one of the pioneers of the Korean Rock scene and their influence can be heard in the music of many modern Korean rock bands.
Deulgukhwa
Deulgukhwa was a South Korean rock band, formed in 1982. The band’s original lineup consisted of Kim Chang-wan on vocals and guitar, Jung In-soo on bass, and Yang Jae-hyun on drums. The band’s debut album, I’m a Loner, was released in 1984 to critical acclaim. The album is considered a classic of Korean rock music and is often credited with influencing the country’s subsequent punk and indie rock scenes. Deulgukhwa disbanded in 1990, but reunited for a series of reunion shows in 2006 and 2007.
Sinawe
Sinawe was formed in 1984 and is considered one of the first heavy metal bands in South Korea. Sinawe is known for their progressive and psychedelic sound, as well as for their use of traditional Korean instruments. The band has released 10 studio albums, and their most recent album, “Resurrection”, was released in 2017.
Baekdoosan
Baekdoosan is a Korean progressive rock band that was formed in the early 1970s. The band is considered to be one of the pioneers of Korean rock music, and their influence can still be heard in many modern Korean bands. Baekdoosan’s music is characterized by its complex arrangements and use of traditional Korean instruments, such as the gayageum (Korean zither). The band has released several albums, both live and studio, and continues to perform occasionally.
3rd Line Butterfly
3rd Line Butterfly is a three-member indie rock band from Seoul, South Korea. The band members are singer and guitarist Lee Sang-hyun, bassist Ryu Gyeong-won, and drummer Kim Jong-wan. 3rd Line Butterfly’s music has been described as a mix of shoegaze, post-rock, and folk.
