Manhwa company iSeeToon publishes Korean web comics - "webtoons", apparently - in English as applications for iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Earlier this week, June 28, the company released a "dark romance" story called
ill-Fated Relationship, 20 chapters romance between serial killers, written by Hwang Joon Ho. mrkwang is working for the company in question and has held an interview with the author in question: Interview : 'Hwang Joon Ho', author of [Ill-fated relationship]
PR : Korean Indie Music for trailers of Dark Romance Comics app!

With mrkwang (who most will recognize as the foremost retailer of Korean indie music CDs) involved in the project the trailers promoting the ill-Fated Relationship application all came accompanied by some fine Korean indie music:
• 500won - Sad: Side M [Storyberry]
• The Invisible Fish - 습: Side W [Storyberry]
• 500won - Showoff: Side T [Storyberry]
(If you're in Korea use the Storyberry links for some extra functionality in connection to the videos)

With the exception of 그렇고 그런 사이 Chang Kiha & The Faces took quite a fall on Gaon's digital chart for last week with four songs even leaving the top 200. 10cm on the other hand saw a couple of songs climbing back.

k-indie @ Gaon Digital Chart - June 25, 2011
20. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그렇고 그런 사이 [MV]
37. 10cm - 사랑은 은하수 다방에서
48. 10cm - 아메리카노
82. Lady Jane + Humming Urban Stereo - Love Treatment (feat. Untouchable)
90. Taru - 여기서 끝내자 (with Zitten) [MV]
112. 10cm - 죽겠네 (Album Ver.)
120. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 [MV]
149. 10cm - 오늘밤은 어둠이 무서워요 [MV]
154. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 뭘 그렇게 놀래
161. 10cm - 그게 아니고
171. Huckleberry Finn - 도레미파 [MV]
180. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 보고 싶은 사람도 없는데
184. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 우리 지금 만나
187. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 모질게 말하지 말라며
191. 10cm - 죽겠네
193. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그 때 그 노래
197. 10cm - 새벽 4시

Some releases out last week:

June 23:

Electronica trio Planet Shiver - a name perhaps best known from the 2009 joint Epik High album Remixing The Human Soul - has released a digital mini album called Twilight Zone. All songs from the released can be streamed through the Planet Shiver SoundCloud.

N.EX.T guitarist Kim Se Hwang has released his first solo album. Heading into the classic music and rock crossover genre he's taken on Vivaldi's The Four Seasons together with a string ensemble. Here's a TV recorded performance that shows what it sounds like.

Singer/songwriter Shoon has just debuted with his first full length album, 하나도 안 괜찮아요. Songs range from the beautifully melancholic depressive to the more uplifting semi-jazzy and can all be sampled through the official YouTube channel.

June 24:

Together with a number of KBS radio DJs, The KOXX have recorded Sinawe's old 크게 라디오를 켜고 for KBS CoolFM. The song was included as the sole track on a digital single called KBS Cool FM 개국 46주년 특별 기획 음반.

Singer/songwriter Choi Go Eun first had her debut EP, 36.5ºc, released in October 2010. It sold out and now a second edition is available with extra track Amazing Grace. Choi Go Eub took part in an On Stage session late last year, with several songs from the EP being presented: Forest; Doubtless Wait Me; Eric's Song.

After a number of digital releases acoustic guitar player Victor View had his first full length album released in April last year. Since then a couple of digital releases more have followed, and now a new CD single called Love has come out. Check out the single teaser here.

More June sales rankings from Hyang Music:

Hyang Chart - 2nd week of June, 2011
1. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 장기하와 얼굴들
2. Mongoose - Cosmic Dancer
3. Dalmoon - 28
4. Seoul Electric Band - Life Is Strange (deluxe edition)
5. 10cm - 1.0
6. Achime - Hyperactivity
7. Thomas Cook - Journey
8. Jang Jae In - Day Breaker
9. Monni - 단 한번의 여행
10. Glen Check - Disco Elevator

The new k-indie oriented additions to the TOP100 list were the following:
46. Knockdown/Dynamite - 呼吸 (호흡)
58. Aquibird - 오소소
65. Reach the Moon - 너를 노래해
80. Bulnabang Star Sossage Club - 석연치않은결말
82. RockVan - Rockvan
84. Siwa - 소요 (逍遙) (2nd edition)

See the full top 100 list here.

Busan based indie rock band RockVan formed already in 2002, but it was not until June 10 this year that the first self-titled EP was released. According to the album info their previous songs were somewhat radical, while the two songs on this release are softer. Although only two different titles - 거울의 전사 and 벽 - the CD holds 5 tracks counting also instrumental versions and 벽 the bonus track.

After another few weeks' hiatus, there is now a new unique artist chart for Indieful ROK's last.fm listener group:

Indieful ROK TOP10 - week 25, 2011

1. Monni (+2) [전화기가 없어도 YT audio]
2. Casker (-1) [안녕 On Stage]
3. Clazziquai (+3) [I Will Give You Everything YT audio]
4. Nell (+4) [Good Night MV]
5. Huckleberry Finn (re) [Girl Stop MV]
6. Fanny Fink (re) [Love Is You YT audio]
7. Humming Urban Stereo (-5) [찰랑소녀 YT audio]
8. 10cm (-3) [오늘밤은 어둠이 무서워요 MV]
9. Taru (re) [지금이 아니면 YT audio]
10. Donawhale (-3) [Shiny Day YT audio]

Don't feel like the chart reflects your taste in music well enough? Join Indieful ROK's last.fm group and maybe next week it'll look a little better!

Some new music out this week:

June 27:

Acoustic jazz band Bye, Lupita released a self-titled EP in June last year and followed it this year with a new EP called 그 밤. For this release the band has also incorporated a bit of bossa rhythms. Check out the band's 그 밤 trailer here, where a bit of 그 밤, 별은 부서져 can be heard.

June 28:

After releasing a solo album in memory of Gary Moore, Yoo Byeong Ryeol is back with his rock band Began Who. The new EP, Bridge 2.5, follows second full length album The City Life, released in 2009.

Ska punk band Copy Machine is back with second full length album Merry Go Round. In addition to a whole bunch of other happy sounding titles, the album comes with Rodeo off last year's single with the same title as bonus track.

June 30:

As already mentioned, rock band AshGray will soon release it's first official full length album. The title is AshGray and Hyang Music offers brief samples for three of the tracks, including the one featuring Joa Band's Jo Jun Ho.

Much like last week spotting some anticipated new releases isn't all that difficult. This week they were 3:

Bugs Indie TOP10 - June 25, 2011
1. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그렇고 그런 사이 [MV]
2. 10cm - 사랑은 은하수 다방에서 [Music Travel Lalala]
3. Taru - 여기서 끝내자 (duet with Zitten)
4. 10cm - 아메리카노 [recandplay.net]
5. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 [MV]
6. Huckleberry Finn - 도레미파
7. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 뭘 그렇게 놀래
8. 10cm - 죽겠네 (Album ver.) [Sketchbook]
9. Serengeti - 그대도 날 (feat. Kingston Rudieska) [MV]
10. Dear Cloud - 널 위해서라고 [MV]

The new additions to the TOP100 list are the following:
13. Shin Yoon Chul - 소년시대 (vocal Leo Bang) [@ Live Club Ssam]
31. Huckleberry Finn - 숨 쉬러 나가다
36. Huckleberry Finn - 까만 타이거 [@ Bar Sha]
38. Serengeti - 봄의 발라드
39. Serengeti - Free Hug
48. The Rock Tigers - Electric Travel [live]
55. Gogoboys - 황홀경
60. Cozy Cafe - Getaway
68. Shin Yoon Chul - 여름날 (vocal Jung In)
75. Shin Yoon Chul - 내 맘은 끝없는 우주를 향해 (vocal Cho Woong) [live]

See the full top 100 list here.

Seoul Electric Band guitarist Shin Yoon Chul is back with a self-titled solo EP. He released his first few solo full length albums in the late 80s/early 90s and has since primarily been working in various band constellations. The new EP got a digital release on June 23 with the CD release following on June 28. The digital single 소년시대, featuring Leo Bang (of U&Me Blue) is of course included, and first and foremost being a guitarist Shin Yoon Chul has worked with a number of different vocalist for the other songs. There is soul songstress Jung In, Goonamguayeoridingstella's Cho Woong, Kim Bada (누구나), and new name Jang Jae Won (꿈같던 하루들).

The first edition of the Hug Live concert was all about female artists, and the second concert which took place June 24 had all male groups - Gogoboys, Handsome People, Bye Bye Sea, and Glen Check. Just like last time, a digital single was released prior to the event, June 23, and Hug Vol.2 sees new Gogoboys song 황홀경 as its only track.

Cozy Café is the brain product of bassist and producer Kwak Young Jun, who has a history working with artists such as Wheesung, Big Mama, Jang Nara, and Baby V.O.X, and vocalist Park Che Won, aka Bandi. Together they have created a latin inspired sound based on bossa nova and samba. First mini album Getaway got a release on June 24.

No newcomers made it to the TOP10 of Hyang Music's album sales chart first week of June, but some new names did make their way to other positions.

Hyang Chart - 1st week of June, 2011
1. Thomas Cook - Journey
2. Mongoose - Cosmic Dancer
3. Dalmoon - 28
4. Achime - Hyperactivity
5. 10cm - 1.0
6. Glen Check - Disco Elevator
7. Monni - 단 한번의 여행
8. Sogyumo Acacia Band - Ciaosmos
9. Nunco - Murder's High
10. Yim Jae Bum - Memories

The new k-indie oriented additions to the TOP100 list were the following:
27. Joyful Island - 1st Mini Album
38. Electric Eel - 충전
45. Apgujeong Grunge - 압구정그런지
48. Kyu Won - 스스로 떠나는 사람들
55. Sacrifice - Breed For War
59. 가당찮 - 간절기의 간지
62. Samack Dolphin - 사막 돌고래
79. MelanKoly Studio - Rubellite

See the full top 100 list here.

Acoustic band Joyful Island plays music in the style of polka, swing, and Irish traditional with its members playing accordion, violin, djembe, guitar, and contrabass. The sextet's 1st Mini Album was released on June 7.

Indie rock act Electric Eel CD debuted with the release of EP 충전 on June 2. You can check out the sound through the official YouTube channel, where plenty of samples for each song on the EP are available: 너의 이빨; 스테이크; 비밀; 자외선; 구조지질학.

Four member indie rock band Apgujeong Grunge released its first self titled mini album, 압구정그런지, on June 3. An all too brief sample of main track 별이진다네 can be found on Hyang Music.

On June 2 metal band Sacrifice followed the 2007 debut album Burning Rage with second full length album Breed For War on June 2. Hyang Music offers a brief sample of the title track. For more check out the YouTube channel of Sacrifice vocalist Ozzahn.

가당찮 released a 17 track album called 간절기의 간지 on June 5. The sound varies between tracks but should be somewhere in the realm between hiphop, electronica, and rock. Hyang Music offers samples for three tracks.

Modern rock act Samack Dolphin's self-titled debut album, 사막 돌고래, was released for digital distribution on April 28 and has since been self-released on CD. It includes the song 황야, released as a digital single in February this year. Hyang Music offers a brief sample of 익명 글 (No Name Writing)

Last week's digital chart from Gaon showed Chang Kiha & The Faces still with all tracks from the recently released second full length still there. 10cm did some heavy climbing with 사랑은 은하수 다방에서, but the most noteworthy this week I'd say is the high number of newcomers.

k-indie @ Gaon Digital Chart - June 18, 2011
17. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그렇고 그런 사이 [MV]
44. 10cm - 사랑은 은하수 다방에서
50. 10cm - 아메리카노
64. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 [MV]
71. Taru - 여기서 끝내자 (with Zitten)
102. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 뭘 그렇게 놀래
109. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 보고 싶은 사람도 없는데
110. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 모질게 말하지 말라며
120. 10cm - 죽겠네 (Album Ver.)
121. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 우리 지금 만나
124. Biuret - Goodbye
125. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그 때 그 노래
132. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 깊은 밤 전화번호부
139. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 마냥 걷는다
148. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 날 보고 뭐라 그런 것도 아닌데
154. Dear Cloud - 널 위해서라고 [MV]
157. The Koxx - 12:00 [MV]
162. 10cm - 오늘밤은 어둠이 무서워요 [MV]
182. 10cm - 그게 아니고
187. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 (다시)
190. Shin Yoon Chul - 소년시대 (vocal. Leo Bang)

Starting some time last year, I came to see the name Telefly floating around with increasing frequency. Although I never got a chance to catch them live myself, I heard they would usually do an outstanding job on stage. Last week the band released it's first full length album on Electric Muse, and thanks to Electric Muse's Kim Mingyu I got a chance to pose some questions to the band.

What is Telefly?
The name "Telefly" is a made-up word combining 'television' and 'butterfly.' It means the butterfly flying around all forms of media. We're a trio rock band, formed in the fall 2009, and have been active around live clubs in the Hongdae area. Telefly aims to create psychedelic rock and recently released the debut album Ultimate Psychedelic.

   [read more ...]

Lady Jane has once again been working together with Humming Urban Stereo, this time for a track called Love Treatment released as a digital single on June 22. Featured on the track is hiphop duo Untouchable.

June 22 has arrived (barely in my part of the world, but definitely so in Korea) and with that also the release of compilation album 大한민국을 怒래한다. The tracklist includes mainly new names (at least to me), but also sees the participation of Phonebooth (빈 둥지), Black Syndrome (a monster), and Siberian Husky (거짓말 또 거짓말). The musicians have gathered to express their anger against corrupted politicians and a corrupt government and all contributions to the album can be sampled through Culture People's YouTube account.

It's easy to spot the two most popular releases from last week on this week's indie music chart from Bugs.

Bugs Indie TOP10 - June 18, 2011
1. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그렇고 그런 사이 [MV]
2. Taru - 여기서 끝내자 (duet with Zitten)
3. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 [MV]
4. 10cm - 아메리카노 [recandplay.net]
5. 10cm - 사랑은 은하수 다방에서 [Music Travel Lalala]
6. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 뭘 그렇게 놀래
7. Shin Yoon Chul - 소년시대 (vocal Leo Bang) [@ Live Club Ssam]
8. Dear Cloud - 널 위해서라고 [MV]
9. 10cm - 죽겠네 (Album ver.) [Sketchbook]
10. TheThe - 못믿을 사람 [MV]

The new additions to the TOP100 list are the following:
13. Taru - 아이스크림가게, 팬시보이
14. Taru - 지금이 아니면
17. Dear Cloud - 지금은 알지 못해도
18. Dear Cloud - You're Never Gonna Know
92. Farewell Radio - Waffle

See the full top 100 list here.

Farewell Radio debuted with one track digital single Waffle on June 16. It seems it's and indie pop ballad style song, but the album info promises an extremely sweet song even though the band's name carries regret and sorrow.

Siwa is a very talented singer/songwriter. As a member of adultchild Rainbow99 has been responsible for some of my favorite music, and his electronica solo work is enjoyable as well. When first learning of their joint project, SiwaRainbow, naturally I was quite excited. Last week the duo returned with a new album, 우리 모두는 혼자, and the lovely Siwa was so kind as to answer a few questions for Indieful ROK:

Could you please start by introducing yourselves and share the story of how you came to work together?
Rainbow99 used to be a guitarist of 어른아이 [adultchild] as a regular member. Nowadays he plays guitar with Kafka, Hi, Mr. Memory, 옥상달빛 [Dalmoon] and 시와 [Siwa]. He released a self-produced album, love is no tomorrow in 2010. Also, he is the album producer of 투명 [Two Myung] and SiwaRainbow. As a producer he has many plans involving various kinds of music this year.

Siwa is a singer and song writer for some kind of folk music. She released the EP 시와, which included the song 길상사에서, in 2007, and a full-length album, 소요 (wandering), in 2010. Her name first became known through the song 화양연화 on the 3rd Live Club Bbang compilation.

Rainbow99 loved my song 길상사에서. Then we've became closer to each other. He plays the guitar for my performances. Eventually we came to make our music as SiwaRainbow.

   [read more ...]

Some reviews published during the last week or so:


Electro shoegazing band Idiotape released debut EP 0805 on July 13 last year. The title track got a music video and the songs all proved popular during the 2K11 Seoulsonic North America tour in which the band participated. Chris Park has had a listen to the release: Idiotape – 0805 Review


refresh_daemon is back with a new review series, this time looking at albums from Jaurim. But of course he also found time to review a couple of albums new to his collection:
- Replay: 자우림 - 戀人
- Replay: 紫雨林 - B定規作業
- Inbox: Sorri - Mingle
- Inbox: 타바코쥬스 - 설레발

A while back a friend planning a visa run to Korea asked me for must-do's while there. I of course said I'd be happy to provide a list, but soon realized it'd have to be limited to Seoul. And after that followed the insight that I only really know what to do in Hongdae, so I put together a few suggestions on activities towards the full Hongdae experience. Keep in mind that I've only ever gone to Korea on vacation on a few occasions, so this list is far from complete - you are more than welcome to leave your own suggestions in the comments!

First of all, you're going to need some place to stay. Having friends to stay with is great - especially if they work so much staying at their place is the only way to actually meet them - but my most heartily recommendation would be to check in at the Hongdae Guesthouse 2.0 - Yellow Submarine. For a sum less than a nightly taxi fare to the outskirts of Seoul (not to mention saving the trouble of getting a taxi at that hour as a foreigner - especially one that'll actually consider taking you there) you get a bed to stay in close to Hongdae, a mere 5 minute walk from all the noise which as far as I'm concerned is just perfect. There's internet and breakfast, but most importantly the people running the place are fantastic human beings. The guests I've encountered there have all been great too, so even if your plans are canceled last-minute you can be sure to have a great time just hanging out with the hostel people. I'd pick the Yellow Submarine over a fancy hotel any time, and even now when my situation has changed so that I couldn't stay there myself I drop by just to say hi. This has nothing to do with Korean indie music but is the most valuable tip I can provide.

You will also need somewhere to eat. Korea in general - Hongdae being far from an exception - offers plenty of opportunities to do so at virtually every hour of the day. A surprising amount of people related to the indie scene are running their own restaurants or cafés and some time I might attempt gathering a list of them all, but for now let me just recommend my favorite place for fried chicken: Reggae Chicken! Run by Ryu Kwanghee of The Mustangs and and Nenoon fame. There are currently two locations, the original near Hongdae station and the new one by Sunshine, close to Sangsu station. Perfectly crisp chicken with delicious Jamaica inspired flavor served in a reggae infused environment.

For snacking, there's Takomong, close to Sangsu station, a popular hangout especially among hardcore band members. It is run by Seo Jung Ki of God of Emptiness, and he serves delicious Japanese style balls made out of octopus.

   [read more ...]

Some entertainment for the weekend:


The new Taru album has gotten some attention from allkpop: Indie singer Taru releases second album, “100 Percent Reality”. Soompi too offers some more information on that one as well as a couple of other recent and upcoming releases:
- Hongdae’s Goddess, Taru Releases Sophomore Album
- Indie Band Dear Cloud Releases Its Third Album
- Rock Band Biuret Makes a Comeback

More from Soompi as the latest Under The Radar post covers My Aunt Mary vocalist Thomas Cook: Under The Radar - Thomas Cook

Paul Kerry alerted me to this article about No Reply, introducing them to a wider audience before their Golden Age concert at the Olymic Hall in July: [Herald Interview] No Reply brings back sounds of ’90s K-pop

Via Korean rock is real, an introduction to Glen Check from Nice Korean Girl: Glen Check

Also via Korean rock is real - some photos and impressions from Crying Nut at Music Matters: Crying Nut Gone Nuts for MUSIC MATTERS 2011

An equally enjoyable yet more serene performance was recently enjoyed by Paula of noona blog, that got to see WagWak and Demian The Band perform at what seems like a quaint location hours away from Seoul: Escape To The Mountains


Via Lost in the maze I came across this video interview from Popseoul! with the Seoulsonic bands (Galaxy Express, Idiotape, Vidulgi OoyoO) from the North America tour this spring.
[POPSEOUL! Spotlight] Vidulgi OoyoO, Idiotape, Galaxy Express Interview (where the corresponding Popseoul! post is I have yet to find out, however)

A week ago Aquibird returned with a second full length album. It's been five years since the debut and the band has undergone some changes since, leaving me even more curious to learn more on the band. Finally I got the chance, as DJ Magik Cool J was kind enough to answer a few questions for Indieful ROK:

What is the story behind Aquibird?
Pet shops in Korea sell not only pet fishes but also pet birds. Those pet shops are usually called 'aquarium'. The vogue irony of pet birds in an aquarium is similar to our musical identity that unaligned with any particular genre. So we named us 'Aquibird', which means birds in aquarium.

   [read more ...]

Following yesterday's April releases post with a few releases from May yet to be covered on this blog:


Singer/songwriter Be Sweet released her first full length album, Lost Of Spring, on May 19. She debuted in 2009 with digital single Pain and the main song from that release, 너의 곁에 is included on the new album. In 2010 came the second digital single, 부탁, and an acoustic version of it is also included on the album. Check out the music video for Can't Stop here.

LA based pop punk band Benzene released the single June 15th in the US on their own label, Singuya, in February this year. As of May 25 the single also has distribution in Korea via Townhall Records. Listen to the entire single via MySpace.

Originally featured on their first full length album, Sogyumo Acacia Band's Hello was featured in KBS drama The Snow Queen (눈의 여왕) and was also included on the soundtrack, released May 19.

After seeing the most recent indie chart from Bugs I did expect a bit of Chang Kiha & The Faces on the digital chart from Gaon as well. However I did not expect the full 장기하와 얼굴들 to get into the top 200. Now let's see if they'll be lasting as long as 10cm!

k-indie @ Gaon Digital Chart - June 11, 2011
39. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그렇고 그런 사이 [MV]
41. 10cm - 아메리카노
80. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 [MV]
105. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 뭘 그렇게 놀래
106. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 고 싶은 사람도 없는데
109. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 모질게 말하지 말라며
111. The Breeze - 너무나 눈부신 [MV]
113. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 우리 지금 만나
119. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 그 때 그 노래
122. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 깊은 밤 전화번호부
128. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 마냥 걷는다
135. 10cm - 사랑은 은하수 다방에서
138. Chang Kiha & The Faces - 날 보고 뭐라 그런 것도 아닌데
142. 10cm - 죽겠네 (Album Ver.)
155. Chang Kiha & The Faces - TV를 봤네 (다시)
185. 10cm - 오늘밤은 어둠이 무서워요 [MV]

Following the comeback in 2009 soft rock band the breeze has been offering a number of digital releases. June 3 came a mini album called simply Breeze featuring three new songs and instrumental versions of the same.