Korean indie refers to South Korean independent music, formed in Hongdae, a northwestern Seoul region in the 1990s. It's generally considered the alternative to K-Pop. At the same time, K-pop is distinguished by a commercialized persona that attracts a single audience; Korean indie promotes the musicians' messages.
The first mainstream surge of indie music in South Korea started after the end of the military dictatorship in 1987, correlating with the increase of mainstream culture in South Korea, mostly during the early to mid-1990s.
While seasoned musicians attempted to revive their musical professions, the new generation developed a modern rock and punk culture in Seoul's Hongdae region. Though popular music is fantastic, independent underground artists ought to be commended too.
Here are a few of the most excellent Indie musicians you might also like. (via Kpopstarz)
STANDING EGG
Standing Egg is an acoustic indie-pop band that made its debut through Von Entertainment. Standing Egg premiered in 2010, with a self-titled release consisting of three tracks.
With no marketing, the album made its way to reach the public via Twitter. They used their official account to post and promote their songs and humorously requested one of their followers to make a music video for one of their tracks, La La La La.
The follower responded to the request and produced a music video that immediately became successful and was placed on several rankings. Standing Egg is one of the most well-known indie Korean artists and is remarkable for its potential to rate with little or no promotional activities in music charts.
DVWN
DVWN is a genuinely gifted indie musician/songwriter/producer who not only produces his songs but also gets to write for K-pop singers like Eric Nam. He started his career via Soundcloud, and his music is well accessible on Youtube.
Eric Nam's 'Love Yourself' is also co-composed with DVWN, for it's okay to be Sensitive Drama OST. He was also revealed recently as being affiliated to KOZ Entertainment through Zico and was working directly with the CEO himself.
OFFONOFF
Off On Off is a pair under the sub-label HIGHGRND by YG Entertainment in Seoul, South Korea. The duo is made up of 0Channel and Colde, both Club Eskimo members consisting of DEAN, Crush, Millic, Punchnello, Jusen, Chek Parren, 2xxx, and Camper. Before partnering with YG Entertainment, the two gained popularity and attention on Soundcloud.
