Spotlight & Popular! A special feature on bands energizing South Korea’s rock and pop scene
When it comes to Korean music, K-pop has become the mainstream and is heard around the world, but there’s also a vibrant rock scene with its own compelling appeal.
Despite the notion that cultural development can be challenging due to national circumstances, there are many fascinating bands out there.
Here, we’ll introduce artists who are energizing Korea’s unmissable band scene!
From those bands you spot at festivals to the ones that frequently perform in Japan.
Let’s dive into the captivating world of K-ROCK as you discover and search for your favorite Korean bands!
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- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
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- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- [With Your Power] A List of Cool Songs by K‑pop Female Artists & Idols
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
Trending and popular! A special feature on bands energizing South Korea’s rock and pop scene (41–50)
EnemySlant
The presence of Slant, a hardcore punk band based in Seoul, is steadily growing in South Korea’s underground scene.
Formed in 2018, their sound—shaped by 1980s American hardcore—is defined by short, sharp riffs and breakneck drumming.
Vocalist Yeji’s emotionally charged screams leave a powerful impact on listeners.
Their 2019 EP “Vain Attempt,” released on a U.S.
label, raised their profile, and their first full-length album, “1집,” in 2021 achieved the milestone of being nominated at the Korean Music Awards.
They also toured Japan in 2019.
Valuing a strong sense of unity with the audience at their shows, their music is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the energy of Korea’s punk scene.
Saturn In The LoopSynsnake
Sythnsnake is an electonicore/metalcore band from South Korea.
Formed in Seoul in 2015, they’ve drawn attention with their unique musical style, “K-POPCORE,” which fuses metalcore with K-pop.
They released the album “Fluxus” in 2021, earning a high score of 88 in the March issue of the Japanese music magazine Burrn!.
In 2022, their single “Saturn In The Loop” was ranked 10th in the annual singles list by the music critique site 음악취향Y.
The band features a twin-vocal setup with female vocalist Ocera and male screamer Cho Sungmin, characterized by heavy guitar riffs and electronic soundscapes.
In 2023, they expanded internationally, headlining a music festival in Vietnam.
A perfect band for those interested in the fusion of metalcore and Korean pop.
SourThe Rose
A four-piece band that debuted in 2017.
Their alluring vocals and piano melodies are captivating, and you can’t help but be enchanted by the ensemble of the band’s performance.
It’s also wonderful that every member can write lyrics and compose! They exude a mature mood, and it seems likely many people will fall for their blend of elegance and sexiness.
A band to watch closely!
BlindWalking After U
Walking After U, a four-piece female band based in Seoul, has been highly active since their formation in 2014 and has built strong popularity, including performing in Japan.
Their sound—seemingly influenced by 2000s emo and modern rock—may feel fresh to Korean music fans who typically listen to K-pop.
With a solid band ensemble backed by high-level musicianship, a set of catchy songs, and a vocalist with proven ability, their music is sure to resonate with Western music lovers as well.
부르튼(Blister)THE KOXX
The Cox originally began as a hobby band formed by three members who were majoring in jazz at an art university.
Later, other members joined, and they became the five-piece band they are today.
They’re a highly skilled band that performs concerts not only in Korea and Japan but also across Europe and North America.
Their sound blends UK pop vibes with electronic elements.
While this track is upbeat and catchy, it tells a wistful, melancholic story.
It is U2Z
2Z, who debuted in 2020 with the mini-album “WE Tuzi.” Amazingly, all the members are over 180 cm tall and come from modeling backgrounds! The group consists of main vocalist Ho Jin, rapper Hyunwoong, guitarist and sub-vocalist Ji Sub, bassist Jung Hyun, and drummer Bum Jun.
Their group name is said to carry the meaning of ‘fighting spirit,’ but both their visuals and songs have a refreshing, pleasant clarity that’s seriously addictive.
Since their debut during the COVID era, they’ve continued to push forward positively, earning them the affectionate nickname from fans: ‘the ones who sing hope.’ Listening to their music will brighten your mood and make you feel happy!
MALHALKEB.R.T (Blue Rock Thrush)
Blue Rock Slash is a band that began its musical activities in 2021.
The members are leader and vocalist G1, bassist 8K, drummer Sei, keyboardist Iku, and guitarist Gon.
G1, 8K, and Sei have experience as musical theater actors.
They favor a Japanese band style, resulting in an approachable sound that incorporates a variety of genres.
They came to Japan in 2019 and have been active since, offering a fresh take as a Korea-origin band based in Japan.
They also upload various videos, including J-pop reaction videos, so be sure to check them out.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxed, laid-back vibe in a band!