The sabukaru Guide To 12 Groundbreaking Alternative K-Pop Artists
South Korean music is the best music for so many reasons. Not only is this tiny country the biggest exporter of Asian music, but talent seems to be running in South Korean artists. Seoul, a glittering city of street culture and modernized traditions, is the epicenter for the musicians rebooting the music industry and echoing their prowesses globally: it’s undeniable that this genre is influencing the rest of the world’s music.
It’s no wonder why bands and artists like BTS, Twice, and G-Dragon have toured the world countless times and made headlines nationally and internationally. This phenomenon is a success story about investing in the music industry, which the South Korean government does generously. However, instead of delving into the known side of K-pop, sabukaru wants to present another side that’s less represented in the West.
As of late, indie, hip-hop, and alternative South Korean music have been making waves. Young South-Korean artists are defining genres solely with their voices, and exploiting their talent in every possible way, tirelessly birthing breathtaking choreographies and music videos to go along. Think of Sik-k, one of the most popular rappers in the scene, or Suran, whose ephemeral and melodic voice awarded her with plenty of success.
Those who are keeping up with South-Korean music may recognize a few names as they are downright the pioneers of alternative K-pop. New or OGs, these are the artists that are completely revamping the interface of this saturated industry, and all are worthy of global attention thanks to their unique talents and visions. Thanks to them, alternative K-pop and all its branches have been sprouting and blooming in every direction.
sabukaru presents a list of our favorite underrated South Korean artists, whether they create enthralling techno music, or stay low-key with soft guitar riffs. This guide has plenty of recognizable artists for those who are keeping up with this upcoming genre, but all are worthy of global attention thanks to their unique talents and visions.
Cifika
Geometry, philosophy, and storytelling are weaved into a light web of visual art and music by the ethereal Cifika [@cifika_]. Through and through electronic, they’re a wonderful addition to this genre. Born in South Korea but raised in LA, Cifika transforms the digital into poetry, especially highlighting their love for non-acoustic instrumentals. Cifika is mega-underrated. They have this futuristic touch to their art that surpasses the norm, making them an essential of Korean-American music.
Lee Go Do
On your bluest days, Lee Go Do’s [@ego.do] music awaits like a warm cup of tea. Her tender lyrics and her honest, earthy tone become something crucial once you listen to her songs. Not much is known about her, but, accompanied by a band, Lee Go Do is a rich medley of smooth indie, slow echoes, happy beats and all-in-all pure bliss.
Hyukoh
Hyukoh [@hyukohofficial] results in nothing other than relentless adoration. The indie group formed in 2014 and has since been swooning listeners. Armed with their pillowy electric guitars, they are like sound spellcasters, with their sunset glow ballads and unforgiving melancholy. Funky, synthy, and artsy, the band of four men, all born in 1993, are an instant save.
Park Hye Jin
Club music feels incomplete without Park Hye Jin’s [@parkhyyejin] work. Currently based in LA, the Seoul native began her musical career behind decks at her local electronic clubs, polishing her skills since 2018. It was during the same year when she was caught on the radar of new fans worldwide, which in turn indulged in her sophisticated avant-garde songs and entrancing DJ sets. Park Hye Jin captures the softness and oblivion of nightlife, smoothly switching from space-funk to RnB in a snap.
Bloo
Bloo [@badboyloo] does hip-hop like no one else. The way he incorporates guitar jangles and a lonely type of lust, layered by the incomprehensible vastness of unreciprocated feelings, separates him from his peers. His music videos and work on Girl in New York as well as Hug Me Tight was applauded, and rightfully so: capturing an award-winning cinema feel, his sentimentality spreads like a wildfire.
The Black Skirts
The Black Skirts [@holideez] is a standard in South Korean indie rock. The mellow soundwaves lull new fans like the song of sirens, but you’d be surprised that it’s actually a one-man band. The genius behind this, Jo Hyu-li, won Best Modern Rock Album in 2010 at the Korean Music Awards for his debut album, 201 - that’s just how good he is. Melancholic, dewy, and at times cynical, The Black Skirts is an absolute golden addition to your playlist, especially the 2017 album Team Baby.
Se So Neon
The theatricalness of Se So Neon [@se_so_neon] is riveting: not only do they reveal immense talent and novelty, but their rock music is incredibly poignant. A pinch of punk, a dash of shoegaze influences, and a fistful of cynicism create their beautiful composition. The band was created in 2016 and has touched many hearts regardless of any language barrier. Se So Neon’s song Joke, music video included, is an instant Cupid’s arrow.
Balming Tiger
Recently, Balming Tiger [@balmingtiger] released a track featuring RM from BTS, titled “Sexy Nukim" [섹시느낌], which gained over 10 million views in the span of two months. Balming Tiger, a group of nine members ranging from director to rapper, are hands down the pioneers of alternative K-pop. Youthful and effortlessly cool, the bona fide group is dismantling the inequities of the industry by putting their forces on a pedestal and being themselves to the fullest. Their unorthodox beats and vivaciously catchy songs cross all boundaries, thus confirming their slogan “Joyful Delivery”.
Rad Museum
With beloved collaborations with trendsetters like Dean, Mokyo, and many more, Rad Museum [@radmuseum] is undoubtedly a success since his debut, and no wonder: swinging from so many influences, he simultaneously merges hip-hop and indie rock. His EP scene, which was released in 2017, is one of the most fantastic works in alternative South Korean music.
Audrey Nuna
The epitome of the cool girl: the music industry needed a figure like Audrey Nuna [@audreynuna] for a long time. The rapper of South Korean descent was born and raised in New Jersey, and takes pride in her Korean-American profile, particularly inspiring Asian-American women who never really had anyone like Audrey to look up to. With her killer, nonchalant rap, along with her bittersweet angelic songs, she’s a light in the industry.
Kid Milli
Kid Milli [@kidcozyboy] is not your typical rapper: he is a leading figure in contemporary K-Hip-Hop and is making waves with his innovative vision in fashion and his identity-shifting philosophy. Redefining the genre in his cool, clean, and poised way, he was one of the first to introduce Urahara fashion in his scene. He’s best known for his hit WHY DO FUCKBOIS HANG OUT ON THE NET and his many collaborations with Tokyo-based rappers.
Rei Ami
In the same wave as Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami [@rei.ami] is a sickening muse bewitching fans with her queendom tunes. Funnily enough, she proclaims that she is the “Asian Hannah Montana” since she was able to hide her second life at her 9-to-5 job, just when her hit Snow Cone was going viral. Strong and impenetrable, her behemoth femininity softens into a more vulnerable tone as the song continues, decidedly making Rei Ami a multidimensional rapper.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
