
Indie bands from Korea, Japan come together in one-day festival
Indie music festival Reciprocity 2025 is set to take place March 22 at Musinsa Garage in Mapo-gu, Seoul, bringing together some of the best indie bands from Korea and Japan on one stage.
Representing Korea, 2 Day Old Sneakers will open the festival. Formed in 2018, the four-member band carries on the tradition of Korean garage rock, capturing the complicated minds of youth in their music. Bulgogi Disco, known for blending '70s and '80s disco sounds with punk and alternative rock, will also perform.
Japanese band Suichu Spica has been confirmed for the lineup. Originally from Kyoto and now active mainly in Tokyo, Suichu Spica fuses math rock and post-rock with pop influences to create its unique sound. This year, the band is also set to perform at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, in March.
Johnnivan, a five-member multinational band with members from Korea, the US and Japan, was formed in Tokyo in 2018. The band, whose music is deeply influenced by the nostalgic disco sounds of the '70s and '80s, performed at the DMZ Peace Festival in Korea last year.
Also joining the festival is Breimen, a five-member alternative funk band. Built on the rhythms of R&B and soul, the band showcases powerful energy and a distinct sound. Recently, the band earned broader recognition among Koreans with its song "Rolling Stone," which was featured as the final song in the popular anime "Dr. Stone."
Tickets for Reciprocity 2025 are available through Interpark.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Korea Herald
40 minutes ago
- Korea Herald
Interview: Jeon Somi embraces chaos in bold new EP ‘Chaotic & Confused'
The Korean and Canadian singer returns with a genre-blending, deeply personal project exploring self-discovery amid pressure and uncertainty Jeon Somi is back after a year with her second EP, 'Chaotic & Confused' — a candid exploration of self-discovery found within moments of disorder and doubt. The singer first rose to fame in January 2016 on the large-scale survival project 'Produce 101,' where she finished first among 101 contestants. She debuted later that year as a member of the project group, I.O.I. After the group disbanded in early 2017, she signed a solo contract with JYP Entertainment but parted ways a year later without notable releases. In September 2018, she joined The Black Label, working under the guidance of esteemed producer Teddy to establish herself as a solo artist. Her new five-track EP marks what she calls a milestone — both musically and personally — capturing the pressure of being a solo performer nearly a decade into her career, despite still being only 24. 'This album reflects my current chaotic chapter,' Jeon said at a press interview in Seoul, Thursday. 'As always, I've shaped my music to mirror the situations I'm living through. Each track reflects something I can do best right now.' The lead single, 'Closer,' introduces a fresh genre experiment — stutter house — beginning with light, airy guitar riffs before bursting into a high-energy chorus. Its playful unpredictability mirrors the lyric 'a beautifully crooked dream,' which Jeon says reflects the search for herself amid uncertainty. ''Closer' was actually the last song I worked on for the album,' she said. 'I wanted a softer comeback this time, but still with a performance element fans would enjoy. Genre-wise, it allowed me to go deeper creatively.' The track samples Sean Kingston's 2007 hit 'Beautiful Girls,' though Jeon aimed to reimagine it in her own style. 'It's challenging to turn a well-known song into something original,' she said. 'But I feel 'Closer' blends old-school charm, today's house and techno trends, and my own voice perfectly.' The EP spans multiple styles — from the post-punk flair of 'Escapade' to the prerelease nu-disco and R&B single 'Extra,' the hybrid pop title track 'Chaotic & Confused' and the emotive R&B ballad 'Delu.' Jeon, who has been involved in the creation of all her releases, took an even larger role this time, contributing to songwriting, composing, visuals and performance concepts. Expanding her sound Teddy, founder and executive producer of The Black Label, and producer Vince both played key roles in shaping the record. Teddy, who recently co-wrote Blackpink's 'Jump,' is known for his meticulous approach. 'He finds sides of my voice I didn't know I had,' Jeon said. 'He reminds me that as a soloist, I have to fill the entire track on my own — and keep it engaging.' Vince, she added, brings a more relaxed style. 'He lets me record freely first, then gives feedback. I think he trusts me more now — even Teddy has let me work directly with him without oversight.' Vince also contributed to the 'KPop Demon Hunters'' hit soundtrack, including the Saja Boys' 'Your Idol,' which Jeon witnessed being produced in the studio. Asked if she ever wanted to claim a 'KPop Demon Hunters' track for herself, Jeon laughed. 'I used to feel that way, but now I believe the right songs come when the time is right. I focus on what fits me in the moment.' Looking ahead, Jeon says she wants to continue singing songs she can fully own in style, message and delivery. 'I think I have my own vocabulary and way of expressing things,' she said. 'I want to grow that and become a solo artist who competes on the quality of the music itself, while giving fans something exciting to see and hear every time.'


Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
From boo to boohoo: Korean ghosts tug at heartstrings worldwide
From K-pop demons to grim reapers, Korean ghost lore captivates audiences with emotionally rich tales of sorrow, justice and healing Korea's traditional grim reapers, known as jeoseung saja, are gaining global recognition following their portrayal as key antagonists in the Netflix hit "Kpop Demon Hunters." The film follows shaman heroines who battle demons while performing as K-pop idols. Within two months of its release, it soared to become the fourth most-streamed movie on the platform, propelled by sustained global buzz. 'There's a growing sense that traditional Korean imagery feels more approachable and enjoyable, largely because Korean culture is now viewed so favorably and familiarly worldwide,' said culture critic Jung Duk-hyun. 'This positive perception plays a major role in making Korean folklore feel trendy and hip to global audiences.' Clad in dark robes and high-brimmed hats, these grim reapers exude a unique presence and emotional complexity, earning popularity rivaling the protagonists. Far from being purely malevolent, they are portrayed as tormented figures — a reflection of han, a uniquely Korean concept of unresolved sorrow that permeates much of the country's ghost lore. Han is the emotional pain that lingers after a traumatic experience, preventing one from moving on. In Korean supernatural tales, this sentiment explains why spirits remain earthbound — not to terrorize, but to seek closure for injustices or deep regrets. This emotional nuance distinguishes Korean folklore from some of the more dualistic ghost narratives in the West. Rather than evil for evil's sake, Korean spirits are often driven by sorrow, guilt, or betrayal. In "Kpop Demon Hunters," Jinu — the leader of the K-pop boy band Saja Boys — embodies this layered grief. Though transformed into a demon after abandoning his family, his actions stem from guilt and pain, not malice. 'The reapers, especially Jinu, show characteristics of Korean ghosts,' said Jung. 'Korean spirits are often defined not by violence, but by han — a sorrow that compels them to seek understanding from the living rather than inflict harm without reason.' This storytelling tradition casts the supernatural not as monstrous, but as deeply human. In the 'Legend of Arang' from Miryang, for example, a young woman's ghost haunts magistrates not to frighten them, but to seek justice for her death during an attempted assault. Adaptations of such folklore in modern dramas and films often preserve this emotional complexity, blending traditional themes with contemporary storytelling. TvN's 2016 hit series "Dokkaebi (Goblin)" reimagines Korean mythology in a modern setting, exploring han through two central figures: the Goblin, cursed with immortality, and the Reaper, who guides souls to the afterlife. Both characters are burdened by past sins. The Goblin is haunted by those he failed to save, while the Reaper is tormented by having ordered the Goblin's execution in a past life. Their inability to move on mirrors the unresolved sorrow central to Korean ghost stories. This emotional depth continues to shape contemporary content. The SBS series "The Haunted Palace" received praise for portraying diverse spirits shaped by the circumstances of their deaths. The show achieved an 11 percent viewership rating by focusing on the living engaging with spirits' emotional wounds, not just confronting the supernatural. At the heart of Korean ghost narratives is the idea that spirits find peace through communication, not confrontation. In "Kpop Demon Hunters," even in his demon form, Jinu seeks to share his pain, not inflict it. 'Unlike Western fantasy, which often resolves conflict through exorcism, Korean stories are about listening to the dead and helping them release unresolved sorrow,' Jung noted. This storytelling approach invites audiences to empathize with the supernatural and participate in a journey toward healing. Culture critic Kim Heon-sik attributed the growing global fascination with Korea's supernatural traditions to their unique visual and emotional elements. 'Their distinct Korean identity makes them more intriguing,' he said. 'And by integrating ghostly elements into pop culture, especially K-pop, they've become even more appealing.' Kim also emphasized that the success stems in part from subtlety. 'When nationalism or symbolic depth is overemphasized, it can alienate audiences. What made these stories resonate is that they left room for interpretation — letting viewers explore and connect on their own terms.'
![[What to see] Summer getaways for art, architecture lovers](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F08%2F07%2Fnews-p.v1.20250807.042e59fb441d404c996cd5220186f081_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[What to see] Summer getaways for art, architecture lovers](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75)
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
[What to see] Summer getaways for art, architecture lovers
Looking for a cool, relaxing retreat? If you find yourself interested in art and architecture, there are some destinations outside Seoul where you can immerse yourself in art along with beautiful spaces and just forget about the heat while basking in the pleasant environment. Mimesis Art Museum in Paju Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira is renowned for poetic minimalism and architectural design that sensitively responds to its surroundings. Mimesis Art Museum in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, about a 30-minute drive northwest of Seoul, is one of his notable works here. The museum with a total area 3,663 square meters was commissioned by Open Books and completed in 2009. The interior is lit by indirect, natural light, illuminating the building's beauty and purity. The museum is now showing solo exhibitions of painters Suh Yoon-hee and Lee Hye-in, titled 'Where am I' and 'Eternal Sunset in My Mind,' respectively. Visitors can rest and grab a coffee at the cafe with a view of greenery outside the window. 253 Mulbal-ro, Paju, Gyeonggi Province Koo House Museum in Yangpyeong There is a unique museum in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, that gives a glimpse into the house of a collector. Koo House Museum, designed by Korea's leading architect Cho Min-suk, was built by Korean first-generation graphic designer Koo Jung-soon. The museum shows Koo's collection of contemporary art and design works, which are on display across the space that gives a feeling of having been invited to a collector's house. Koo, who has amassed some 500 works of art, opened the museum, where she also lives, in 2016. The museum also allows pets inside, as long as they are kept in a carrier or stroller. Along with the permanent exhibition of Koo's collection, special exhibitions of invited artists are held regularly. 49-12 Munaemi-gil, Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province Johyun Gallery in Busan If you find yourself in Busan looking for some art, Johyun Gallery on the city's 8-kilometer Dalmaji coastal road is recommended. The gallery is currently showing a solo exhibition of Korean art master Kim Chong-hak that traces the evolution of his painterly practice with a focus on his drawings. Immersed in the rhythms of the mountain, Kim -- also known as a painter of Seoraksan where he made his home -- has spent decades painting wildflowers, forests and snowscapes that reveal both visible and invisible structures of the landscape. On the ground floor is the artist's monumental painting filled with forms from nature in vibrant colors as a key work in his oeuvre, revealing both the scale he pursued in his painting and his attitude toward nature. 'Two-thirds of my paintings are about wildflowers, yet I try to paint those flowers rougher, reclusive and bold. I often exaggerate and at times overemphasize certain parts to bring out vitality. If artwork does not bring out the vitality of nature, it is a failed endeavor,' the artist says in a video at the exhibition.