Korean pop (aka K-pop) gets a lot of attention, but Korean indie is something you don’t hear about as often.

At the top of the pack in this genre is a band called Hyukoh. A true tale of industry determination, Hyukoh got their start in 2014 when lead singer Oh Hyuk gathered up some friends to form a band, starting on the underground club circuit in Seoul’s hipster hub, Hongdae. Their career really got going, however, after their appearance on a South Korean reality show called Infinite Challenge. The fan response got them some festival gigs and enough interest for them to record a studio album, and they’ve only climbed higher ever since. Stateside, their song “Citizen Kane” featured in an Apple commercial this year.

No matter what continent you’re on, you gotta respect that kind of hustle.

Though “K-pop” is increasingly used as a catchall term for all South Korean music, Hyukoh are, without a doubt, a rock and roll act. Though guitar-based bands seem to be fading in much of the Western world, as R&B and pop take the day once again, Hyukoh’s star is on the rise. Owing to their global popularity, this show’s almost sold out. Better move on tickets ASAP.

Hyukoh, Inner Wave
The UC Theatre
October 6, 2018
9pm, $57.50

Friends of The Bay Bridged are partners who contribute to our cause of supporting independent music within the Bay Area. With their help, we give artists a voice through quality journalism and present their talent at awesome shows.