DAY6’s Craze Drives 20% Increase in Rock Streaming, Attracting Attention Even from Indie Bands

The most notable phenomenon in South Korea’s popular music industry last year was the “band boom.” DAY6, the first band produced by JYP Entertainment, led this trend by successfully holding concerts at Seoul’s Gocheok Dome—the first time a Korean band did so—while the rookie girl group QWER also gained massive popularity among Generation 1020 thanks to their song “Gominjungdok,” which went viral on short-form video platforms. Data from music streaming services clearly reflects this trend. Melon, South Korea’s largest music platform, reported that rock genre streaming increased by 20% in 2024 compared to 2023. At the center of this growth is DAY6, who returned to the scene after completing their military service. Their albums “Forever” and “Band Aid,” released last year, were highly successful, resulting in streaming numbers more than tripled from the previous year from January to September. The band’s success isn’t limited to the mainstream; it has created a “trickle-down effect” that benefits indie rock bands as well. According to Melon’s data, the streaming for indie rock band Silica Gel increased by 210% compared to the previous year, while Wave Two Earth saw a 213% rise. Female indie rock musician Hanroro experienced a 155% increase in streaming compared to last year. Music critic Im Hee-yoon noted, “Since band music often takes on rock forms, interest in rock inevitably grows. Not only popular rock with pop influences but also more raw-style indie bands are receiving attention and becoming more active.” Genie, another music platform, shows a similar trend. Thirteen of the top 100 songs on its annual chart last year were rock tracks, a 44% increase from the previous year (9 songs). While solo artist Yoonha’s “Saegeneui Jihyeongseon” ranked fourth in 2023 as the leading rock song, DAY6’s “Yeoppeoaseo” took that spot in 2024. DAY6 managed to have four of their songs make it into Genie’s annual top 100. This year, the spread of band music is expected to grow even further, as both large and smaller agencies are competing to launch new bands. Xdinary Heroes, launched by JYP in 2021, is gaining momentum as a potential successor to DAY6, while Dragon Pony from Antenna Music is also receiving positive market responses. N.Flying of FNC Entertainment saw increased interest after member Lee Seunghyub appeared in the drama “Seonjae Uppo Ttueo” last year, leading to a more than triple increase in their Melon streaming numbers. LUCY from Mystic Story, formed through the talent show “Superband,” is also set to be active this year. The upcoming concert in South Korea by the world-famous rock band Oasis in October is expected to fuel the rock craze even more. The band began its first world tour 15 years after disbanding last year and announced a reunion, with South Korea being part of the tour schedule, raising expectations among rock fans. Critic Im Hee-yoon said, “I felt tremendous enthusiasm at recent middle school band competitions, and more students are attending practical music schools to learn real instruments. As the band craze continues in the future, interest in rock music will only grow further.”