Hongdae blues by Nicole Quek

HONGDAE BLUES PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE QUEK

여일밴드

Yeoil Band

더 루스터스

56—87

The Roosters

42— 55

30—41

버닝몽키즈

Burning Monkeys

4—15

16—29

아시안체어샷

Asian Chairshot

블락스

BLOCS

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE At present, there are many people who have a misconception that Korean music only consists of K-pop. On the streets of South Korea, there is bound to be at least one K-pop group advertisement or poster. How much has the Korean music culture evolved within a short span of 5 years? In South Korea, Indie bands that offer an alternative range of music are not as recognized. It is disheartening how K-pop is considered the only music in Korean culture when the music by the Korean Indie bands deserves as much appreciation. Instead, many talented musicians find their voice at a small town in Seoul called Hongdae. It has become a second home to the young and passionate music enthusiasts who hang around and perform at live clubs. Apart from earning their income by performing live at clubs, some begin their career by busking along the streets. Personally, as a K-pop fan for more than 5 years, I find it disheartening that majority of the fans pay attention to groups with good-looking members rather than the quality of music they produce. The Hallyu wave has invaded South Korea itself and has spread worldwide within a short time. How much have this invasion of pop culture affected Hongdae and itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; musiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; career? How do these K-Indie bands cope and survive in this madness of K-pop? This photography project serves to bring you closer to the bands, through the stories that they share.

손희남 Son Hee Nam, 33 —Guitar

황영원 Hwang Young Won, 32 — Vocal & Bass

박계완 Park Gye Wan, 36 — Drums

ASIAN CH IRSHOT “We started music during middle or high school, and it has been nearly 10-15 years since our band started playing genres like rock with a mix of psychedelic and hard rock. Despite earning little and living in a poor lifestyle, I can’t stop myself from being involved with our band activities. I previously worked for another job but gave up because of the hectic schedules. Playing in the band is my current job and it’s a good thing that my schedule is kept busy.”

“저희가 밴드를 시작한 시기는 한 다들 10 년, 15년정도 되었구요. 대부분 중, 고등학교때 부터 시작했습니다. 저희가 하는 노래장르는 록 이지만 대부분 섞여있고요 하드락이나 싸이키델릭 이있습니다. 전에는 직업이 있었는데 지금은 스케줄이 바빠져서 직업이 없구요. 바쁜건 좋지만 그에비해 돈이 별로 안벌리네요. 그래도 일을해야 돈을 벌기때문에 안할수가 없는거같습니다. 지금은 그래서 궁핍한 생활을 하고있습니다.”

Perhaps if our indie bands have the opportunity to perform K-rock more often overseas, we might be able to gain more recognition for our music someday. Indeed K-pop is very popular, and it is a positive thing that Korea is being more well-known for that. We had gain positive benefits like support from overseas fans due to the influence of K-pop, which is great. We do like K-pop but we don’t love it. The future is unpredictable, but I hope that more people will come to recognize indie music if we continue to perform as how we do now. Perhaps if we continue to work hard to develop a recognition for the indie music industry, indie music might be comparable to K-pop someday. 케이팝이 워낙 유명하니까 당연히 그렇게 인식 되는게 맞다고 보고요, 우리같은 인디팀들이 해외에 자주 나가서 활동하면 언젠가는 케이롹을 인정받게 될거라고 생각합니다. 그래도 보면은 긍정적인거같아요 한국에대한 관심은 대부분 케이팝덕인거 같아서요. 그런데 물론 저희가 인디를 하고있다 보니까 그런 장르를 좋아는 하지만 사랑하는수준은 아니라고 말씀드리고싶습니다. 그래도 케이팝덕분에 우리가 외국에서 사랑을 받을수 있고 좋은 기회가 생길수있기 때문에 좋은거 같습니다. 솔직히… 그리고 그렇게 되면 잘은 모르겠는데. 그래도 저희가 할수있는 역할을, 그리고 원래하던 공연 열심히 하면 언젠간 성공하지 않을까 생각합니다. 그럼 나중에 자연스레 이런 종류의 음악도 있다는걸 알릴수있지 않을까 라고도 생각합니다. 우선 우리나라(국내)에서 인디 밴드들이 먼저 노력을 열심히하여서 어느정도 자리를 잡으면 언젠간 나중에 케이팝과 대등하게 될수있을거라고 생각합니다.

In Korea, the “Big 3s” - SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment are known to be very successful entertainment companies that have the capabilities in huge investments. Indie signifies independence, and therefore there are many things we have to do on our own. A huge difference between such entertainments and indie bands is the range of investments. I feel that the colour of indie and K-pop music is different, as indie focuses on the freedom of playing music freely and not for profit. Personally, I feel that indie music is like kimichi. The first taste is hard, but you’ll gradually start to like kimchi after consuming it more frequently. We do like K-pop, especially girl groups~ 한국에는 3대 기획사가 있는데 노래에 대한 투자 단위가 굉장히 다릅니다. 저희인디 같은 경우 단어 인디 자체가 인디펜던트 라는 뜻이다 보니 자립심을 필요로 하게되는거 같습니다. 또한 인디는 우리가 좋아하고 우리가 생각하는 음악을 하는거 이고 노래가 팔리거나 팔리지 않는것을 고려하는게 아니다보니까 우리의 색깔은 더더욱 다를수밖에 없는거 같습니다. 인디라는 노래는 한국의 김치처럼, 처음에는 힘들어도 나중에는 좋아하지 않을까 라고 생각합니다. 저희는 케이팝도 좋아합니다.. 특히 걸그룹 좋아해요~

“저희는 공연을 이근방에서 자주하고요 , 요즘엔 사람들이 많이 홍대 에 오기때문에 매주 저녁마다 공연을 하고있습니다.”

Posters of plays being publicized on the ground at the club.

“To us, attracting an audience through the music we play is more important than through looks. In fact, we have gave up being conscious on our appearance. We rather focus on the aura we give, as we feel that it is more important as compared to looking good.” “저희는 딱히 신경을 쓰지 않습니다. 저는 솔직히 포기했습니다. 저희는 생긴거보단 분위기나 기운을 중요시하기때문에 그런게 또한 멋있다고 생각합니다.. 왜냐면 저희는 잘생긴편이 아니기 떄문에. 매력이 중요하다고 생각합니다. 또한 보면 외모는 하나의 기운으로 보기때문에.”

“I think its cool to play in a band and I’m doing something that I don’t find stressful, it’s my own satisfaction.” “밴드를하는게 멋있는거 같고, 멋있는 일을 하는 제 만족인거같아요. 스트레스가 또한 없기때 문에 그리고 하고싶은 일을 하기때문에 만족하고있습니다.”

“I just hope that in the future, indie bands will receive more support.” “게다가 현재 한국에는 괜찮은 밴드들이 많이 있다 보니, 앞으로 인디 밴드들의 지원이 많 아 지면 좋을거같습니다.”

“Indie bands normally perform the type of music they like whereas K-pop plays the kind music that the audience like to listen.” “케이팝은 대중들이 좋아하는 음악을 추구 하 지만 인디는 저희가 좋아하는 음악을 하고 있습니다.”

What could be more fragile than their main source of income.

Nothing but you. Useless Generation. Baby, please be yourself.

What genre do your band play?

Our music is a mix of different genres altogether, we don’t really play a specific genre. However, if we had to choose, perhaps psychedelic and alternative are the two genres that’s compatible to the music we play. 저희는 롹음악을 하고는 있지만 많은 종류가 섞여있어서 딱히 종류가 있지는 않습니다. 굳이 그래도 따지자면 싸이키델릭 이나 얼테네이티브 음악을 하고있습니다.

How often do you perform and where are the locations?

We don’t perform as much as last time but we still play twice or thrice a month. We frequently play in Club FF or Channel 1969. 요즘 근래 들어서는 예전처럼 하지는 않지만 그래도 한달에 두세번정도 공연을 하고있고요. 클럽 에프에프나 채널 1969 에서 공연을 많이 하고있습니다.

What other jobs do you have and when did you started music?

I started having an interest for music in Secondary 3, but only started to seriously pursue from third year in high school. I currently play in the band and am also a freelance teacher that teaches guitar lessons. 제가 하는일은 밴드 활동과 프리랜스로 학생들을 가르치고 있습니다. 저는 악기를 중학교 3학년때 부터 시작했고요 진지하게 시작한지는 고등학교 3학년 부터입니다.

BLOCS

문석민 Moon Suk Min, 28 — Guitar

I’m just a musician in Blocs. I used to play the classical piano when I was young and moved on to jazz piano after that. I started to like rock music after joining a rock band when I was in high school. Now I’m in Blocs doing alternative music. 하는일은 뮤지션활동하고있습니다. 저는 악기를 어릴적 클래식 피아노를 했었는데요. 그이후 나중에 재즈 피아노를 한적이있습니다. 고등학교때 롹 밴드를 시작을 계기로 롹음악을 좋아하게 되었구요 지금은 블락스에서 롹음악을 하고있습니다.

김영호 Kim Young Ho, 31 — Keyboard/Synthesizer

I’m just a musician in Blocs as well. I’ve already played some instruments and started singing on my own before I was 18 years old. 저는 음악만 하는 뮤지션 입니다. 우선 음악을 정확히 시작한지는 한 18 살 때 부터 인거 같고요 . 그전에도 음악이 좋아서 혼자 연주하고 노래를 불렀던 적이있습니다.

백경호 Baek Kyoung Ho, 27 — Vocal

I’m also a musician in Blocs. My older brother used to play the guitar and he seemed really cool. The bass has two less strings, it will be easier so I started playing the bass. 저는 음악활동만 하고있습니다. 베이스를 시작한 계기는 저희 형이 기타를 치는데 그걸보곤 베이스는 2줄이 없으니깐 쉬울 것 같아서 시작하였습니다.

유현욱 Yoo Hyun Wook, 27 — Bass

Since secondary, I have been playing musical instruments. Currently I’m providing drumming lessons. 하는일은 아이들을 가르치고있습니다. 저는 악기를 중학교 2학년때부터 시작했습니다.

김형균 Kim Hyung Kyun, 28 —Drums

“In my own perspective, there are difficulties in the indie music culture within Korea. K-pop and indie music are considered 2 different types of music, but I see positivity when people perceive indie as K-pop. As we know Korea concentrates on sending only popular idols overseas, opportunities for indie artists to perform overseas are very minimal.”

“일단 우리나라안에서 케이팝이랑 인디는 별개라고 생각합니다. 외국에서 인디를 케이팝으로 인식해서 좋게 보일수있다면 좋은 거라고 생각합니다. 저는 인디문화가 국내에서 문제가 많다고 생각합니다. 보통 국내에서 대표로 외국에 내보내는 뮤지션들은 대부분 아이돌이다 보니까. 인디의 관심이 국내도 외국도 설수있는 자리가 많이 없다고 생각합니다.”

“In my opinion, there are many good songs in the Korean indie scene. However there is very little exposure of our indie music and generally huge entertainment companies are doing their marketing very well. Thus the chances for people to recognize indie music is low. If we see to date, there has been an increase to the number of people who are interested to listen to music that has unique style, an example would be singer songwriter. So in my opinion, I think it’s possible for the indie industry to be more famous in the future.” “개인적으로 인디에는 좋은 음악이 굉장히 많습니다. 그런데 현재 인디음악들은 사람들이 접하기힘들기에 또한. 보통 큰 회사들이 자기 음원들 홍보를 잘하기에 인디음악들이 대중들에서 다가갈수있는 기회는 더욱 적은거같아 아쉽습니다.또한 보면은 예전에 비해서 요즘 대중들은 그냥 노래를 잘부르는 사람들보다는 매력적이고 개성이 강한 가수들을 (싱어송 라이터) 더 좋아하게 되었는데, 그래서 보면 나중에 시간이 좀더 지나면 인디가 더 유명해질거라고 생각합니다.”

“First of all the main thing I’ve mentioned about is playing musical instruments, although there are many K-pop artists who composes songs, but they don’t play. For example there’s a K-pop band called CNBLUE, I just wish that singers like CNBLUE should be more famous in the future as they are the instrument type of band. When we see performances of overseas groups, most of them are instrument type of band. So I wish that even Korea will adapt to its’ culture to having more of these bands.” “우선 대표적으로 다른점은 아까 말했듯이 악기 연주하는거라고 생각합니다. 곡을 쓰는 가수들 중에서도 음악적인 친구들이 있지만, 대부분 직접 연주를 하지는 않거든요. 예로 씨엔블루라는 가수가 있는데, 저는 개인적으로 다른 그냥 댄스 가수들보다 그런 밴드형식의 가수인 씨엔 블루같은 팀들이 더 유명해졌으면 좋겠습니다. 또한 외국 공연들을 보면 대부분이 밴드팀으로 구성되어있는데, 우리나라 또한 조금더 그런문화에 적응했으면 좋겠습니다.”

“The difference between indie and K-pop music is their ‘objectives’. Indie music solely do live performances, whereas K-pop performs to gain fame and to earn profits. In the states, people are more focus on the quality of music as opposed to the appearances of the musicians. However, people in Korea are more focus on the appearances as compared to the quality of music. This had lead to many musicians giving up on their music career. In addition, if their quality of music is low, there are some who uses critical performances such as showing off their skin as a cover up.” “따라서 인디와 다른점은 목적이 다른거같습니다. 순수하게 음악을 하려는것보다는 그들은 스타성을 중요시하고 인기위주 활동을 하는게 다르다고 생각합니다. 미국을 보면 보통 외모보다는 음악성을 중요시 하다보니까 개성을 많이 보는데. 우리나라는 노래가 너무 상품화이고 돈을 중요시하다보니까. 그래서 인디음악하시는 분들이 많이 포기하게 되는거 같습니다. 음악이 별로여도 옷을 벗거나 파격적인 퍼포먼스로 인기를 끄는게 음악의 질또한 낮추는거 같습니다.”

Do you think being good looking plays a huge part in the music industry and how has this affected the many musicians in K-indie? “I think it’s important. Perhaps having good looks is considered a talent given to an individual. Since South Korea has become a look-centric society country, the indie industry has been affected to the extent that even our own band members are trying to put their best appearances to attract more audiences. There are some bands that plays bad quality music but have lots of female fans and this made me realized that their appearances are visually appealing. Based on our observation, even fans from overseas focuses on the appearances of the musician. Unlike K-pop idols, indie musicians have unique appearances if you observe closely. Besides that, appearances is optional in other countries whereas it is a necessary feature in South Korea.” “저는 중요하다고 생각합니다. 비주얼도 하나의 재능이라고 생각합니다. 노래실력처럼 외모도 그또한 타고나는 거라고 생각합니다. 그런데 보면 인디는 아이돌과는 다르게 제각각 생겼다고 생각합니다. 요즘한국은 외모지상주의인데 그래서 인디쪽에도 영향이 있다고 생각합니다. 우리도 밴드내에서 살빼고 관리를 해야되는데. 많은 사람들앞에서 공연하는 입장에서는 더더욱 관리를 해야 보는 사람들도 더 좋아하고, 실제로 여성팬분들이 많으려면 외모가 중요한 역활을 하는 거 같습니다. 종종보면 음악은 개인적으로 별로인거같은데 여성팬분들이 많은 밴드를 보면 밴드 맴버들 외모가 출중하는 격이 많은거 같습니다. 외국을봐도 외모를 중요시할때가 있는데 그러므로 그건 당연한거 같습니다. 또한 보통 외국은 외모를 하나의 옵션으로만 보는데 우리나라는 옵션이 아닌 당연한 거라고 여기기에 문제가 많은거같습니다.”

“I have been playing in this industry for more than 4 years, but I don’t see any support. That’s so sad.” “제가 4-5년 정도 활동을 했는데 저는 전혀 없다고 생각합니다. 아쉽네요.”

“I have made many sacrifices. Despite the sacrifices and not having plenty money wise, I’ve received happiness and life satisfaction. The band is like another family to me, we cry and laugh together. I really like the five of us. This is what real happiness is.” “I feel the same way too. I had given up on lots of things and in return I gained something even more valuable.” “This band is like a girlfriend. Not physically but mentally.” “I feel like I’m dating, but we’re not gays.” “I’m satisfied with what I’m doing right now, as it is something I’m passionate about and something that can only be felt through our hearts.”

“포기한게 좀 많았습니다. 그래서 재정적으로는 부족함이 생겼지만 밴드활동을하면서 삶의 만족도와 삶의 행복을 얻은거같습니다. 밴드는 새로운 가족이기에 다섯명이서 울고불고 만드는 삶이라 그게 좋고 행복합니다.” “저또한 같은 생각입니다. 포기해야되는 부분이 많은데 그래도 포기함으로서 얻는것들이 크고 중요하다고 생각합니다.” “밴드는 또하나의 애인인거같습니다. 육체적이지 않고 정신적으로요.” “연애하는 기분입니다. 저희 게이는 아닙니다.” “하는일에 마음으로 느낄수있는 직업을 가진거에,또한 원해서 하는 일이고 그일을 하고있단거에 저는 만족하고있습니다.”

BURNING MONKEYS 박동민 Park Dong Min, 32 —Bass

김용범 Kim Young Bum, 25 — Guitar

“I used to play in a band when I was 20 years old. When I became 28, my friend suggested me to join this band. So it has only been 6 months since I’ve joined.”

“I had known the band since 2010. Initially, I wasn’t able to play well. However, with experiences of about 3-4 years I finally started playing properly since last year.”

“저는 어릴때, 한 20살때 친구들이랑 밴드를 하다가 28,9살이 되고 지인의 소개로 밴드를 시작하게 되었고요 이 밴드팀에는 작년 6월달부터 들어오게 되었습니다.”

“저는 이밴드를 2010년 정도 초에 알게되었구요. 그때당시에는 음악도 못하고 멤버도 지금이랑 많이 달라서 3,4 년정도 허송새월을 보내다가 작년부터 제대로 활동하기 시작했습니다.”

김지환 Kim Ji Hwan, 25 — Vocal & Guitar

“I have thoughts of joining a band in secondary school and when my uncle showed me a band performance and told me that if I played in a band, I could attract a lot of pretty girls. Now, my uncle is a diplomatist. But look at me now…”

김조원 Kim Cho Won, 28 — Drums

“I used to play drums since I was in grade six as my mum had sent me for lessons.” “저는 6학년 겨울방학때 엄마가 드럼레슨을 하게해주셨는데 그계기로 지금까지 드럼을 치고있습니다.”

“저는 중학교때부터 밴드를 하고싶어서 고민을 하다 밴드를 하게되었습니다. 처음에 저희 삼촌이 밴드 공연을 보여줬는데 밴드가 여자들에게 인기가많아서 시작하게 되었는데 삼촌은 지금 외교관이시고 저는 지금…”

Our band plays punk or disco genre which is based on garage. We usually perform at Club FF and Freebird once a week. But since we are currently producing an album, we will only be able to perform twice a month. 저희밴드는 게러지를 기반으로 펑크나 디스코장르를 정목해서 하고있습니다. 에프에르 랑 프리버드에서 자주하고 홍대 클럽에서 1주일에 한번씩 공연을 합니다. 지금은 앨범을 준비중이라 공연은 한달에 2 번정도 할거같습니다.

Good songs always become famous in some way, however Korean indie bands are not able to produce such popular songs because they don’t live in such conditions as compared to the other famous singers. Currently we cannot solely survive by just playing music, therefore we can’t fully concentrate on making good music as we have to find other means to survive. We can be more famous overseas if our music industry culture is changed like how Japan or United States music industry is. Thus being able to produce more good songs. 좋은노래는 어떻게든 소문이 나는건데. 다만 한국인디밴드들이 활동하기에 열악한환경이라서 좋은음악이 안나오는거같다고 생각해요. 음악만 하면서 먹고살수없고 그래서 음악에 완전히 집중을 못하고 그래서 좋은노래가 안나오고.. 미국이나 일본처럼 입에 풀칠하면서 살수있을정도 살수있다면. 뮤지션들이 좋은 음악을 만들수있고 그럼 외국에서 좋은 반응을 얻지않을까 라고 생각합니다.

“I think rock is included in K-pop. All the Korean songs are considered as K-pop. But when we look at Japan, they have J-pop and J-rock as a very distinctive genre. I hope that Korea would be the same too.” “한국케이팝에 다 포함된다고 생각해요 롹같은경우, 한국노래들을 대부분 다 케이팝으로 나 분류하는거같아요. 일본같은경우는 제이롹 제이팝 처럼 분류하지만 한국도 케이롹이렇게 분류되도록 시장이 커지면 분류되지않을까요?”

“I’m not asking for help from the government but we don’t have any place to perform other than Hongdae. We have to rely solely on events as it’s the only way to earn money. People don’t even buy our songs or CDs. I think the problem is the marketing. There are not many fans of K-indie within Korea. I only see some crazy fans. Therefore I think would be much better if there are more support in marketing for indie music.” “정부에서 지원을 바라는건 아니지만 우리는 지금 활동하기 힘든 구조라고 생각합니다. 저희는 보통 홍대말곤 활동 할곳도 없고. 행사에만 의존하게 되는데, 행사말고는 돈을 벌수도없고 게다가. 사람들이 노래를 사주지도않고. 결국 홍보가 문제 인거같아요, 인디 밴드는 홍보가 부족한거같아요. 팬들또한 외국을 떠나서 국내팬들조차도 많이 없으며, 매번 보던 매니아 층만 있고, 그래서 일반인들도 더 많이 볼수있게 인디 밴드들이 홍보가 된다면 좋을거 같아요.”

The little they could do for self promotions.

“If there is any difference, I would say that idols have companies to support them but we survive independently in the music industry. Also idols go ahead with what the companies want to achieve. But we don’t.” “차이점이있다면, 아이돌은 기획사가 있고 우리는 스스로 시장에서 개척해야되고. 아이돌들은 기획사가 원하는 대로 만 움직이는 가수고 우리는 그렇지 않은거 같습니다.”

"We mentioned that we feel alive on the stage and that we are playing in a band because we like to stand on the stage. I really want to continue to play music for a long period of time." “앞에서 다들 얘기했지만, 연주하거나 무대 오를때 살아있는 느낌을 받는게 좋고, 무대가 좋아서 밴드를 하는거니까 음악을 오래하는게 목표입니다.”

“Personally, this is considered a challenge as compared to my friends who are working in companies after they had graduated. However, this is my own satisfaction and there are people who are actually envious about the fact that I’m pursuing something that I really enjoy. Even so, when it comes to money wise, it’s the other way around.” “보통의 제 나이 또래처럼 대학 나와서 인생을 보내기보다는 이렇게 하고싶은 일을하는게 하나의 모험이라고 생각합니다.. 또한 이건 자기 만족인거같아요, 보통사람들은 제가 하고싶은걸 하고있다고 부러워하는데. 그러면 마음은 좋지만 한편으로는 이것이 주 업이다보니까 씁슬하게 느껴질때도 있는거같아요.”

“Maybe 50% of the fans were attracted to K-pop is because of the looks. There’s a word called eolppa which means crazy fans for good looking idols. So with good looks and good songs it’s like jackpot. In my opinion, international fans that likes the idols are because of their looks. Also there are much more fans within Asia than the states. An example, there’s a singer called PSY, honestly he don’t have good looks, but he’s really famous in the states. So I think especially in Asia, the looks are really important. Maybe that’s why we’re not that popular.” “외모가 반은 먹고 들어갑니다.. 얼빠 라고 얼굴만 잘생기면 반은 먹고 들어갑니다.. 거기다가 음악을 잘하면 대박이 나는거죠. 외국사람들이 우리를 좋아하는 이유가 외모가 잘생겨서 라고 생각합니다. 보면 서양보다는 아시아권에서 더 인기가 많은 거 처럼요. 보면 가수 싸이가 잘생긴편은 아니지만, 미국에서 유명한거 보면 외모를 많이 보는거 같진 않아요. 그렇지만 특히 아시아에서는 중요하다고 생각합니다. 어떻게 보면 그래서 저희가 인기가 없는거 같아요. ㅎㅎㅎㅎ”

“I really wish to continue playing in this band for a long time. Initially I played music because I thought it was cool, but as I became more serious about the band, I knew that I really want to play in this band for a long time. Although the lifestyle of being in an indie band is tough, I would still like to play music. Maybe people have a perception that I’m playing in a band as a hobby, but I beg to differ. Personally, this band will be my life and I’m really happy to be part of this band. What I think is important is that people should do something they have a passion for. Since I’m young, I should try everything without having any fears.” “저는 밴드 활동을 하면서 앞으로도 계속 해야겠다라는 생각을해요. 처음에는 겉멋으로 시작했지만 하면할수록 평생 하고싶다는 생각을 가지게 되는거 같고요. 인디밴드생활은 힘들지만 일을 해서라도 음악은 하고 싶고. 요즘엔 일해야될 나이이지만. 제가 솔직히 돈을벌려는 이유는 이 밴드를 계속하고싶어서 하는거에요. 남들이 보기엔 취미로 밴드를 하는거같겠지만 저는 이밴드 생활이 제 삶이 될거같구요. 저는 밴드 일하는게 제일 행복해요. 그리고 조금은 힘들더라도 하고싶은 일 하는게 중요하다고 생각해요. 저는 아직 늙지 않았으니까 젊었을때 조금은 힘들더라고 하고싶은일 하는게 좋을거같아서 밴드활동을 합니다.”

THE ROOSTERS

김진우 Kim Jin Woo, 22 —Vocal & Bass

이찬희 Lee Chan Hee, 22 — Harmonica & Keyboard

We have been friends since high school, and that is also where the band started. All of us have been playing music since secondary school. The genre our band play is rock and roll. We perform twice a week mostly at Hongdae clubs, and we frequently play at Club FF, Freebird and Ruailrock. 저희는 고등학교때 부터 친구였고요, 같은 학교에서 밴드를 시작했습니다. 다들 중학교때 부터 음악을 시작했고요. 저희는 롹엔롤을 하는 밴드입니다. 일주일에 한두번정도 공연하고요, 대부분 홍대 클럽에서 하고 있습니다. 보통 에프에프, 프리버드, 라일락 에서 공연하고있습니다.

남휘현 Nam Hui Hyeon, 22 —Guitar

황성민 Hwang Sung Min, 22 —Drums

What are your thoughts about the difference between the performers of K-pop and K-indie?

In my personal opinion, I think idols are entertainers and not artists. The objective of producing the team and the way to start music is very different, perhaps in the sense of direction. However, the main objective of performing on stage is definitely different. Therefore, I hope people will not perceive K-indie as K-pop.

아이돌은 엔터테이너 라고 보고… 예술가는 아니라고 봅니다. 팀을만들때 기획 자체가 다르고, 또한 시작이 다른거 같습니다. 게다가 방향성의 차이인거 같습니다. 같이 음악하는 사람으로서 열심히는 하지만, 또한 대중앞에 서는것은 똑같아보이지만 무대에 오르는 목적이나 생각이 많이 다르다고 생각합니다. 그래서 같이 비슷하게 보는것은 솔직히 원치 않은 부분이긴 하죠.

“I see that there are high possibilities for indie to be as popular as K-pop. If not we wouldn’t play music if there are no chances at all. There’s still a possibility thats why we’re still playing music. But one thing that can be improved and change would be the indie music industry system. However what matters is we still believe that when the song is good, it will provide a connection to the audience.” “충분히 가능하다고 봅니다. 가능성이없다면 저희도 활동을 하지않을거같습니다. 가능성이 있기에 저희도 활동을 하는거구요. 그건 가능한 일이고. 그래도 시스템이 조금은 바뀐다면 좋을거같습니다. 그래도 음악이 좋으면 다 통할거라고 당연히 믿습니다.”

“I don’t think we need any financial support, but more importantly are the fans support and interest in indie music. However, we don’t want to worry so much about it. I also think that the image of poor lifestyle with indie musicians could be a reason that’s preventing us from being on par with K-pop bands. Although we are indie bands, there’s no reason for us not the be famous since we’re simply playing our favorite type of music. As mentioned, I really don’t think we need any financial support but we do need support from the fans instead.” “지원을 굳이 받을 필요는 없다고 보고있습니다. 음악에대한 관심이 필요하다고는 보는데... 굳이 따지자면 음악을 시작할때 들어오는 입구가 좁은거 같기는 한거같지만 그래도 걱정은 까지 되지는 않습니다. 그리고 인디밴드라면 당연하게 비춰지는 후줄근한 이미지가 우리의 성장을 막고 있는거 같습니다. 인디밴드라고해서 스타가 되지않아야될 이유도 없는거 같고요 자기가 하고싶은 음악을 하는게 인디밴드입니다. 지원이라고 할거는 딱히 없지만 방금말했던 그런 인식을 바꿔줄수있는게 지금으로선 제일 중요한 지원이라고 생각합니다.”

“I have came to realize what is good and suitable for me.” “저도 뭐가더 나한테 좋은지 알게되고, 또한 나에게 재밋는게 뭔지 알게 된거같아요.”

“We are a band that survives with our appearances because we are considered as an idol group within Hongdae’s indie music industry. Therefore, I do not see any disadvantages as we are visually appealing. This is a reason why I don’t want to bring down the idols by speaking bad about them as we are also pretty good looking. We try to revolve our style around the ‘60s modernists’ and we have also benefited as we have our urbanized looks as well. I wish to raise an awareness to other bands that appearances do play an important role.” “저희는 얼굴로 먹고사는 밴드이고. 저희는 홍대에서 인디계의 아이돌같은 밴드이고. 저희도 워낙 잘생기고 그러기때문에 딱히 나쁜점이 저희한텐 없었고 오히려 득이 되었던거 같습니다. 저희는 그래서 아이돌 욕하고 그러고싶지않아요 워낙 잘생겼기때문에. 그래도 스타일 적인 모습에서는 모드 문화를 60년대 모더니스트들을 닮으려고 했구요. 거기다가 저희의 도시적인 외모가 있기에 저희에겐 더더욱 이득이 됬던거같아요. 다른밴드들도 뭔가가 부족하다고 생각할경우 외모가 중요하단걸 아셨으면 좋겠어요.”

YEOIL BAND We don’t play fast beat type of music. Instead, we play any type of music that can be played with guitar and voices. I, Han Gyeol have been playing music in a band ever since I was in secondary one. This dude, Hui Kyum have been playing for 3 years and have been trained in musical instrument since before then. 저희는 딱히 장르를 가리지 않고 기타로 구현할수있는 목소리나 음악은 전부 하고있습니다. 저는 거의 중학교 1부터 홍대에서 밴드를 했구요. 이친구는 밴드를 한지는 3년정도했구요 그전부턴 각종 악기들 배웠습니다..

정휘겸 Chung Hui Kyum, 22 — Percussion & Chorus

조한결 Jo Han Gyeol, 21 — Vocal & Guitar

Yeoil band was formed in 2012. One fine day, the both of us were busking on the streets just beside each other. We were strangers back then, and we had similar thoughts about each other like “wow he’s good!”. That was when we decided, why not we form our own band as a duo. We stopped schooling and decided to pursue with our music career. To be honest, I, Han Gyeol was notorious before I started playing music. However, after started playing music, my lifestyle has changed and the people I mixed with have also changed. Basically, music has changed my life. To me, music like a gift and so I will work harder. The great thing about playing music is that I only practice and perform on the stage. I’ve got my own guitar, a girlfriend and I have allowances to buy my own meals. It’s like I have only been doing what I’ve wanted to do and at the same time I have also gained something from it. This is why I can’t stop music. I, Hui Kyum feel the same way too. Back then my mother told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. I decided to picked up playing percussion and I did not realized it was difficult to learn. It was something new, and it has since changed my life a lot as well. I’m 22 years old and majority of my friends are currently in the working life, which makes me feel really lucky because I’m doing something that I can truly enjoy. 저희는 밴드를 2012년 부터 시작했습니다. 저는 음악 시작전에 나쁜 친구였습니다. 질이않좋은 친구, 양아치라고 알려져있죠. 저는 음악시작후 바뀌게 되었고 주위 친구들또한 많이 바뀌었던거같아요. 음악은 저를 바꾸어줬고 제 우주를 바꾸어 주었습니다. 음악은 저에게 선물같은 존재이고 그래서 앞으로도 더 노력할것입니다. 음악을 하면서 좋은점은, 공연하고 연습만했을뿐인데 기타도 생기고 여자친구도 생기고 밥도 나오고 술도나오고 , 조건없이 열심히했을뿐인데 계속 주어지는게 나오니까. 노력을 멈출수없을거같아요. 저도 많이 바뀌었는데요. 엄마가 예전에 하고싶은거 하라할때 음악을 시작한거라 많이 바뀌었었죠. 게다가 곱게 자라다가 시작하게된거라 더더욱 바뀌에 되었던거 같아요.저같은 경우는 이제 23이고 주위는 사회에 나가는 경우가 많은데 대부분 보면 하기싫은 일들을 하고있는데. 저는 하고싶은걸 하고있으니 운이 좋은거죠.

“Jim Carrey’s father once said to him that he had a job that he didn’t want to do, but due to circumstances he had to support his family but still experienced failure. So he told his son Jim, that he should do something he really want to do.” “짐캐리 아빠는 이러한 얘기를 했는데, 자기는 하기싫은 일을 가족때문에 했는데 그래도 망했었다고, 그래서 아들 짐캐리한텐 넌 하고싶은거 하라고 했습니다.” 63

Hui Kyum meeting his mother coincidentally at the same location they performed that day.

“I don’t see it negatively that Korean music is being perceived as K-pop. Because K-pop is getting so much love, you can see that our music culture has developed tremendously. However, I just hope that more people will give the attention to the indie artists. Since indie artists are independent, they don’t have much opportunities compared to K-pop groups to travel overseas to perform.” “저는 나쁘게 보지않습니다.. 케이팝이 사랑받는다는거는 우리 문화가 많이 발전했다는거고 그래도 사람들이 인디아티스트들에게 조금더 관심을 가져준다면 앞으로 우리가 먹고사는데 더 좋을거같습니다. 인디밴드들은 딱히 기획사가 없기때문에 관리를 못받아서 케이팝처럼 외국에 나가기가 힘들어서 불만이 많습니다.”

To see indie bands busking along the streets of Hongdae, right beside it is a huge poster of an idol of a popular girl group.

Locally, do you think Korean indie is getting enough support?

No.. As you can see, there are barely any audiences supporting us. Not even 1 out of a 100 people. In my perspective, there should be some need of supports. 전혀 없습니다.. 우리가 끼니를 굶고있는거 보면 알수있듯이 없습니다. 하나부터 백까지 1도 없는거같아요. 그래서 아직은 조금 더 지원이 필요한거같습니다..

“I think the difference between K-indie and K-pop is a matter of the character of music since indie music are not produced from other people. Instead, it is produced by ourselves. So the music is always different and therefore there’s many different colours and characteristics. For K-pop idols, the role of producers behind the scenes are the most important. I think it’s difficult because there’s not enough support, therefore indie artists have to support themselves.” “제가 보기엔 음악 성향인거같아요. 인디는 곡을 누구한테 받는게 아니라서 자기가 직접 작업을 하는건데. 보통 자신이 멋있다고 생각해온것들이 제각각 열이면 열 다 다르기때문에 개성, 색깔이 있는거같아요. 아이돌들은 음악을 받고나서 활동을하는거라서 대중들에게 다가갈때엔 작곡가나 뒤에서 도우시는 분들의 성향이 많이 중요하다고 생각합니다. 인디아티스트들은 출중한 외모를 가지고있지는 않지만, 공영방송 나가기도 힘들고 차트에 올라가는 인디 음악들도 이상의 지원이없기에 아티스트 스스로 꾸려서 나가야되기때문에 그건 힘든거같습니다.”

“Students are to do something that they are passionate of. If they try their best to reach their goal, one day they would achieve that goal.” “학생들은 좋아하는 일을 포기말고 좋아하는 일을 하면서 끈덕지게 꾸준히 노력하면 그 분야에서 성공할거라고 생각합니다.”

Meeting their fan along the streets in Hongdae and even fellow a busking friend.

“Basically our music industry should change. Since indie music within Korea is not popular, therefore it would be the same for overseas. If we take a look at the UK music charts, most of indie artists got famous from cable channels. Therefore I think indie music still have potential to be successful in the music industry if it’s done in similar way to the states.” “기본적으로 우리나라 음악 산업이 바뀌어야 한다고 봅니다. 우리나라 자체에서 인디가 인정을 못받기에 외국에서도 아직은 인정을 받지못하는거 같습니다. 유케이 차트를 보면 인디밴드들이 지역방송에서 점점 유명해지는 케이스가 많은데. 그런거처럼 인디는 충분한 가능성이있다고 봅니다.”

Because of Han Gyeol’s eyes, during his school days he always got himself into fights as schoolmates mistook him for glaring at them. “I don’t want people to misunderstand me so I put on fake glasses to cover up those eyes that gives off a fierce stare.”

“Yeoil means constant attitude from the beginning to the end. Thus the name of our band, Yeoil Band.”

In the past, in order to earn some money to buy his own instruments, Han Gyeol took up all kinds of part time jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to have many part time jobs, even as a delivery boy to an assistant chef in a restaurant, but now I teach guitar to students.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I play darts all the time since I perform here almost every single day. It has become a habit for me to kill time.â&#x20AC;?

“Although we have no thoughts of enhancing our looks, but I think the looks plays a very important part. However, the quality of music is a load more important. Thus the importance of the looks will be 1%. This is because our fans are not coming to see our faces but to listen to our music. But then, I still think there are some importance of looks as there are ‘eolppa’ fans. They are fans who support good looking artists.” “외모에 신경을 많이 쓰지는 못하고있지만. 외모가 중요하다고생각합니다. 그래도 음악은 질이 중요하기때문에. 비중은 1프로정도 라고 생각합니다.. 저희 팬분들은 저희 음악들으러 오지, 얼굴을보러 오시는게 아니거든요.. 그래도 비중은 있다고 생각합니다. 얼빠 같은 비중이 있으니까요.”

Teacher and student performing on the same stage.

The owner of ‘Acoustic Holic’ is a musician himself, he understands the boys better than anyone else. Which is why he’s giving them the support he could give.

EPILOGUE This journey has been an eye-opening experience for me. Initially, I never knew the popularity of Korean indie music was this low and unappreciated. This trip to Korea has allowed me to have a better understanding and appreciation to these bands. Behind every photo is a story to be told, and I hope these photos have brought you closer to the bands and the indie music industry in Korea.

THANKS TO I would like to show my appreciation to Yong Jun oppa for his help in this project which is something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve longed to do. Without his help, I would not know where I should start from. Thus, it has been a blessing for having met a friend like him.

Special thanks to Asian Chairshot, Blocs, Burning Monkeys, The Roosters and Yeoil Band for their contributions to this project. May this project provide more people with exposure to these indie bands as well as the indie music scene in Korea.

To Nam Gung sajangnim, thank you so much for being so spontaneous and cooperative in seeking help for me despite your tight schedule.

My greatest gratitude to my Hyung, Seung Min for sacrificing his time to help in the translation of this project.

Language barrier could become a problem for me if it were not for Kim Ji Seon unnie who had enabled interviews and conversations to go smoothly throughout the journey. She contributed a huge effort in arranging the bands and helping in communication. Unnie, thank you so much for your handwork and time! Thank you Kyu Suk sajangnim for providing me with this opportunity to photograph and interview the two bands he manages, Asian Chairshot and Blocs. I would also like to thank Min oppa, for helping to schedule the Blocs for a shoot and other miscellaneous details such as obtaining accurate informations of the band for the publication. In addition, thank you for your kind hospitality and making the journey of this project enjoyable!

Sincere thanks to my lecturers, Isidro Ramirez, Chee Yong, Say Keong, David Lee, Patricia Tan and Sean for their guidance and advices throughout this project. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my friends Chanel, Vanessa, Boo and Jasmine for their endless support throughout my photography career and also assisting in the contents of this publication. Last but not least, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to my parents for their constant support, particularly my father who followed me throughout my journey in Korea to ensure about my safety and to keep me going. The journey was enjoyable with his presence and it was also an opportunity for us to become closer. Lastly, I would like to thank God for his everlasting guidance, protection and for providing faith for me to overcome obstacles that I had to face with. 89