Biography
HYUKOH (혁오) is a South Korean indie rock band formed in Seoul’s Hongdae scene in May 2014, led by vocalist and guitarist Oh Hyuk alongside guitarist Lim Hyun-jae, bassist Im Dong-geon, and drummer Lee In-woo.[1][3][4] All four members were born in 1993, and the band’s name comes from its frontman, who was born in South Korea but moved to China as a baby and spent his youth in cities including Jilin, Shenyang, and Beijing before returning to Korea in 2012 to study fine arts at Hongik University.[1][2] Initially, Oh Hyuk performed solo under the name “Hyukoh,” writing much of the material that became the band’s debut EP "20," released on September 18, 2014; he then recruited Lim, Im, and Lee to form the full band and began building a following in small Hongdae live clubs.[1][4][5]
The band’s early releases, including EPs "20" (2014) and "22" (2015), showcased a sound that departed from highly produced K-pop, blending 1990s indie rock, soft rock, and contemporary shoegaze with intimate lyrics sung in both Korean and English.[2][3][5] Their reputation grew rapidly through word of mouth and opening slots for international acts such as Mac DeMarco and How to Dress Well, before a breakout appearance on the hugely popular variety show Infinite Challenge in summer 2015 propelled them into the mainstream, with their song "Comes and Goes" topping South Korean charts over major K-pop groups.[1][4][5] That same year, they signed as the first act to Tablo’s independent label HIGHGRND, backed by YG Entertainment, while remaining managed by indie company DRDR AMC.[1] Subsequent projects, including their full-length album "23," solidified HYUKOH as key figures in a “post–K-pop” generation of Korean music, celebrated for offering a more organic band sound and emotionally resonant songwriting within the broader Korean music landscape.[2][6]
HYUKOH’s legacy lies in proving that an indie rock quartet could compete commercially with Korea’s biggest idol acts while maintaining artistic autonomy and a multi-genre approach.[3][5][6] Their willingness to mix genres freely, write candidly about relationships and life, and sing across languages has made them a touchstone band for younger Korean musicians seeking alternatives to the idol system.[2][5][6] Frequently described as central to Hongdae’s modern indie identity, HYUKOH helped broaden international perceptions of Korean music beyond K-pop by touring globally and appearing at major rock festivals, positioning them as one of the most influential Korean bands of their generation.[3][4][6]
Fun Facts
- All four HYUKOH members were born in 1993, and their early releases "20", "22" and album "23" correspond to their ages at the time.[1][4][6]
- Before forming the full band, Oh Hyuk performed solo under the name “Hyukoh,” writing most of the songs that later appeared on the debut EP "20" while he was still living in Beijing.[1][5]
- HYUKOH’s song "Comes and Goes" became so ubiquitous after their 2015 breakthrough that it reportedly could be heard coming from shops all over Seoul, surpassing releases by top K-pop acts on the charts.[5]
- Oh Hyuk often writes lyrics in both Korean and English, explaining that he actually finds it harder to write in Korean because he feels pressure to do it perfectly as a native speaker.[5]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Tablo - Korean rapper/producer who signed HYUKOH as the first act to his independent label HIGHGRND, helping introduce the band to a broader mainstream and industry network (Label partnership under HIGHGRND; collaboration with Oh Hyuk on TV show "Show Me the Money" following their "Infinite Challenge" exposure) [2015–late 2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Oh Hyuk - Founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, primary lyricist and main composer for HYUKOH’s songs (EPs "20" and "22", album "23" and subsequent band releases; wrote most of the early songs while living in Beijing) [2014–present]
- Lim Hyun-jae (HyunJae Lim) - Lead guitarist who contributes musical ideas and arrangements, developing songs together with Oh Hyuk and the band (All core band releases including EP "22" and album "23"; co-develops compositions that Oh Hyuk initially writes) [2014–present]
- Im Dong-geon (DongGeon Im) - Bassist recruited in 2014; part of the core quartet shaping HYUKOH’s rhythmic and harmonic foundation (EPs "20", "22" and later recordings; live performances and tours as HYUKOH’s bassist) [2014–present]
- Lee In-woo (InWoo Lee) - Drummer in the original four-member lineup; contributed to the band’s early live momentum in Hongdae and festival stages (EPs "20", "22" and subsequent releases; live performances including large rock festivals and TV appearances) [2014–present (with some touring absences due to health)]
- Primary - Producer who featured Oh Hyuk on the track "Lucky You!", which reached number one on Korean charts and raised Oh Hyuk and HYUKOH’s profile (Single "Lucky You!" (Primary feat. Oh Hyuk)) [2015]
- JNKYRD - Guest member providing synthesizers, drum programming and other electronic elements, especially when drummer Lee In-woo could not tour for health reasons (Participation in HYUKOH’s 2020 world tour and later projects as a guest musician) [2020–present (guest role)]
Artists Influenced
- Younger South Korean indie and band-scene artists (general) - HYUKOH’s commercial breakthrough as an indie band in a K-pop–dominated market and their ‘post–K-pop’ positioning are often cited as opening doors and setting a model for newer Korean bands seeking mainstream visibility (Impact associated with EP "22", hit single "Comes and Goes", and album "23" as emblematic indie-success references) [Mid-2010s–present]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
HYUKOH has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 23:48 | Graduationfrom 24: How To Find True Love and Happiness | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. |