Bands DAY6, left, and Lucy are at the forefront of the recent band music resurgence in the Korean music scene. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment and Mystic Story

The most notable change in the 2024 music scene has been the resurgence of K-pop bands.

Long overshadowed by idol groups, bands like DAY6, Lucy and The Rose are redefining the spectrum of Korea's music industry, achieving meaningful success and broadening the audience for band-driven music.

For years, band music in K-pop was regarded as a "nonmainstream genre." While iconic groups like Deulgukhwa, Boohwal, Sanulrim and NEXT thrived in earlier decades, the band scene lost momentum in the 2000s.

Bands such as YB, Jaurim, No Brain and Crying Nut were once at the forefront of popular music, enjoying critical and public acclaim.

Later, idol bands like F.T. Island and CNBLUE found success, and groups like Kiha & The Faces, led by seasoned musician Chang Ki-ha, and Jannabi garnered attention with their distinctive styles.

However, these efforts were isolated and did not lead to a full-fledged band revival.

After years of anticipation, 2024 has seen a true resurgence of bands in the K-pop market. Fueled by undeniable talent, commercial appeal and music that resonates across diverse listener demographics, bands have made an impressive comeback.

Band DAY6 is a key player in leading the resurgence of bands in this year's K-pop market. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

DAY6 ignites the spark

Leading the charge is DAY6, which debuted in 2015 but reached new heights this year, marking a true breakthrough.

The band's previously released tracks, "You Were Beautiful" and "Time of Our Life," saw a resurgence on streaming charts.

The group's momentum continued with its postmilitary comeback single, "Welcome to the Show," which gained significant traction earlier this year.

Riding the wave of success, DAY6 expanded its concert scale, performing at Inspire Arena in Incheon. Its September mini-album, "Band Aid," proved to be a game-changer, dominating domestic music charts and cementing its popularity even among top idol groups.

DAY6 became a regular headliner at major music festivals and earned the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award at the 2024 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in October.

Last month, the band also secured its first-ever grand prize at the Korea Grand Music Awards, highlighting its peak popularity.

DAY6 will make history on Friday and Saturday as the first Korean band to headline a concert at Gocheok Sky Dome. Titled “2024 DAY6 Special Concert ‘The Present,'” the event sold out instantly, demonstrating the band's overwhelming demand.

Band Lucy also enjoys growing popularity. Courtesy of Mystic Story

Lucy and The Rose join the movement

DAY6 is not alone in this resurgence. Lucy, formed through JTBC's "Superband," has gained a devoted fanbase and showcased impressive achievements.

The band kicked off its first world tour, "written by FLOWER," with a sold-out concert in Seoul, visiting major cities across Asia and North America.

Its latest mini-album, "FROM.," also performed well on streaming charts, earning them headlining spots at major music festivals.

The Rose, meanwhile, made waves overseas and contributed significantly to the band scene revival. With its 2023 full-length album "Dual," the group became the first Korean band to enter the Billboard 200 chart.

This year, The Rose took the stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, solidifying its global presence.

The group's North American tour attracted 66,000 attendees, and its European tour drew an additional 70,000 fans, underscoring its international appeal.

Band The Rose is gaining popularity overseas, building a strong international reputation ahead of domestic recognition. Courtesy of Transparent Arts

In addition to DAY6, Lucy and The Rose, bands like Silica Gel, Thornapple, Wave To Earth, Xdinary Heroes and Dragon Pony have been instrumental in revitalizing Korea's band scene.

Their success has not gone unnoticed, with idol groups and solo artists increasingly experimenting with band sounds, signaling a significant shift in the K-pop music landscape.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.