Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
What comes after going crazy over K-pop idols? You go after the bands. Introducing the representative songs of five skilled K-bands that captivate us with their intense sound and performances.
DAY6 – Time of Our Life (2019)
DAY6, introduced by JYP Entertainment, was the agency’s first band. Members Young K, Wonpil, Sungjin, and Dowoon each take on the roles of bass, keyboard, electric guitar, and drums, and unlike other bands, all members contribute to the vocals. They are also skilled in songwriting and composing. The title track of their fifth mini-album, “Time of Our Life,” is a love song that likens the time they spend together to a book, with a powerful rock sound that evokes the pinnacle of youth and lyrics that capture the mood of someone newly in love. Earlier this year, DAY6 made a comeback with their eighth mini-album, Fourever, reinforcing their determination as a complete four-member group after a military hiatus.
N.Flying – Rooftop (2019)
N.Flying, a band under FNC Entertainment, debuted in 2015 and followed in the footsteps of FTISLAND and CNBLUE. Initially low in recognition, the band achieved their first music show win four years later, creating a legend of climbing back up the music charts with the song “Rooftop.” First performed in Japan, the song received an unexpectedly explosive response, leading to unplanned Korean music show promotions. “Rooftop” is a breakup song that captures the emotions of reminiscing about an ex. It reflects on the times spent sitting side by side on a rooftop, gazing at the night sky together. It was written by Lee Seung Hyub, a member who is also currently acting as a member of the band Eclipse in the hit drama Lovely Runner.
LUCY – Flowering (2020)
LUCY is the first band introduced by Mystic Story, formed after finishing as runners-up in the 2019 band audition show Superband. The band is unique for including a violin in addition to bass, drums, and guitar. Member Shin Yechan has contributed to IU’s “I stan U” with his violin playing, while bassist and music producer Jo Wonsang has collaborated with other artists, such as writing, composing, and arranging for NCT Doyoung’s “Firefly.” As a band, LUCY offers dazzling band performances, a refreshing sound, and a unique vocal color that make their easy-listening tracks stand out. Their debut song “Flowering” marks the beginning of the band and conveys hope to those enduring harsh winters, promising a blossoming period to come. Currently, LUCY is on their first world tour.
ONEWE – Rain To Be (2021)
ONEWE debuted in 2015 with the single album Butterfly, Finding Flower and was re-debuted by RBW in 2019. Their first mini-album, Planet Nine: Alter Ego, presents a new side of ONEWE found on a ninth planet discovered in the unknown regions of the solar system. The band continues to explore space-themed, lyrical, and expansive concepts. The title track “Rain To Be” is a self-composed song by member Kanghyun, inspired by the team’s nickname, earned due to the frequent rain during their activities, blending shredding guitar and drums with a mystical melody that mimics scattering raindrops.
Xdinary Heroes – Test Me (2022)
Xdinary Heroes, a boy band under JYP Entertainment that debuted in 2021, abbreviates from Extraordinary Heroes, embodying the notion that anyone can be a hero. The band explores rock/metal and pop-punk genres, and even delves into trot and folk/blues, showcasing a diverse range of music. Despite being a band, they resemble K-pop idols with their own universe centered around the online jamming platform ♭form. Their debut mini-album’s title track “Test Me” is a fierce protest against societal norms demanding conformity. The music video, complete with a guerilla subway jamming scene and a battle with a cyborg player, adds layers to the narrative and must be watched to be fully appreciated.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
