New Rock and Indie Bands You Need To Know

Photo: AxMxP Official X

As K-Pop continues to grow in popularity worldwide, Korean rock music remains equally as special, with the country housing some of the best and most unique bands of this genre that also deserve global attention. Over the past year or two, several new bands have emerged in the K-Rock scene (some consisting of members with backgrounds in well-known K-Pop groups) with different tastes in rock music continuously catered for. So, if you are looking for some new Korean rock bands to listen to, then check out the bands listed below and prepare to be amazed.  

“All in on me” - ChRocktikal

As a member of Dreamcatcher, Siyeon is no stranger to rock music and dark concepts, but her new, co-ed rock band, ChRocktikal, and the music they make still came as a surprise, albeit a welcome one. Having made their debut in January, the songs from their first full-length album, We break, you awake, each delve into different sounds in and out of rock, with “All in on me” standing out as one of my favorites. Although a rock band and a rock album, “All in on me” centres more on a disco sound with a heavy bassline driving the song behind Siyeon’s soothing vocals. The song also features vocal effects (in the chorus and the pre-chorus) that immediately grab your attention and add an extra level of excitement to the song.

“Too Much” - AxMxP

When it comes to making rock bands, FNC Entertainment are the expert with the likes of FTISLAND, CNBLUE, and N.FLYING, all being on their roster. Now, there’s a new band in town with AxMxP being the newest of FNC Entertainment rock bands to make their way onto the music scene, having debuted in September 2025. Four months later, AxMxP’s debut mini-album Amplify My Way arrived, consisting of seven incredible tracks that fans of K-Pop-Rock will love. As an N.Fia (a fan of N.Flying), AxMxP’s music reminds me of N.Flying, especially their earlier tracks that were quite rap-heavy, with the second single, “Too Much,” immediately becoming my favorite because of this exact reason. “Too Much” incorporates a focus on rap-rock with AxMxP’s captivating vocals and an impressive instrumental arrangement coming together to create an unforgettable song that fans of both K-Pop and K-Rock would love.

“3333” - KIK

As a fan of both K-Pop and K-Rock, the idea of members from PENTAGON, Lacuna, and SURL joining forces to form a new rock band was exciting to me, and that excitement continues to expand with each new release from their band, known as KIK. After debuting in June 2025, KIK released their second EP, LOW KIK, in January. The opening track “3333” draws listeners into the EP with its beautifully haunting and mysterious sound that feels perfect for a horror or thriller movie, whilst also being reminiscent of the likes of Radiohead and MUSE. As someone who has seen each member's respective bands live before, listening to “3333,” and the rest of the LOW KIK ep, makes me look forward to seeing KIK perform live one day too.

“Black Tesla” - can’t be blue, XngHan

Although can’t be blue debuted in 2024, they are a band that everyone needs to know about in 2026. All of the songs from their latest EP, Prussian Blue, are worth listening to, but the opening track, “Black Tesla” featuring XngHan, immediately became my favorite. Dohun and XngHan’s vocals excellently complement each other, with Dohun effortlessly switching between a soft, tender vocal in the chorus to a husky rap charm in the verse, whilst XngHan approaches “Black Tesla” with a strong, R&B singing voice, together creating musical magic, especially over that intricate instrumental in the background. The synth, the drums, the bass, the guitar, everything about the song will have listeners hooked from the beginning, never wanting the song to end.

Edited by Cara Musashi