Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SamJ85]

So, as far as I can see there are three main strands of Korean pop/chart music.

1) Cheesy teeny bopper pop - Wondergirls etc.

2) Wannabe American, bad-boy poser hip hop - Big Bang etc.

3) Dreary, over baked ballads - Erm... ask your ajoshii boss.

And that seems to be it.

I though that the British charts were pretty dire, but compared to here they're incredibly diverse. The only variation I've seen from the three categories above is the odd random metal video that gets shown at stupid o'clock in the morning.

I've seen some decent bands live in Hongdae but none of them are going to get massive anytime soon. I'm pretty open minded about the music I listen to, though I draw the line at some wally calling himself "Shiny".

Does anyone know any good Korean bands/djs/singers that I can check out or see live?

[David Gerrington]

In a word, no.

In an even longer word, cultural differences, "we'll never understand", tell me tell me, musical sheep, media hype, baby one more time, plagarised tunes, ridiculous dance routines: no.

[toadhjo]

If you're paying attention to the charts in any country, you're making a mistake.

That said, I've only been looking for Korean music for the past couple weeks, and I haven't found a whole lot. However, I suspect I'll find more as time goes on, I'll be able to find some more good stuff, especially once I actually make it to the country. I had a similar experience with Japanese music, and I have plenty that I like now.

[digsydinner]

[Suwon Sister]

We ran into these guys one night at Sadang Station. Luckily I had my video camera with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNUlqmeo3aM

[afsjesse]

I like Nell.

[inthewild]

피아 is ok
pia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bodH0i46l2o&feature=related

[alphakennyone]

I like bbong jak when it has fast, frenetic keyboards and spacey echo effects. I wonder if that is a genre within itself, cuz I'd love to find more of it.

Koreans think I'm a freak when I turn it on though.

[bobbyhanlon]

go on youtube and search for a user named 'orienkorean'. i don't know who this guy is, but he has videos up of just about every korean song i ever liked. a lot of indie, acid jazz, punk, hip hop, metal, a bit of everything, but a refreshing lack of pop baloney. he has literally hundreds of videos, most aren't great, but there's enough great stuff there to make you completely change your mind about korean music.

the trouble with korean music is not a lack of good stuff- the trouble is that the mainstream is unbelievably crap, and narrow with it. the majority are happy with their ballad nonsense, but there's a ton of good music out there if you look for it.

[kiwiduncan]

Try this thread. And please add to it if you've got some good bands to recommend

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=117319&highlight=

[VanIslander]

classical music, yes

[ducati]

@OP,
The answer is yes. Just because you're not a fan of what's on TV, doesn't mean great music is not here. With anything, you have to look for it. Broaden your horizons.

[PeteJB]

Let me know what kind of music fits your taste, I can probably recommend something Korean for you that might meet those requirements. Since there is simply SO much music, it's hard to just make a random list. A lot of Koreans do not like the boy and girl band stuff, either.

[HapKi]

I've always liked Kim Kwang Seok, 80's Dylan-like folk-rock singer who commited suicide in 96.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-X_mtJK4Q

and Deli Spice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGVddBhx22s

[Yaya]