In becoming a global phenomenon, K-Pop artists can now be heard on airwaves everywhere. There's themed music festivals, college clubs, and dance cover crews that replicate the hottest choreography in the industry. There's no doubt that the genre has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings, allowing even more audiences to discover the beauty of K-Pop. Alas, the Korean music scene has so much more to offer, aside from the pumping dance rhythm that K-Pop brings.

Korean indie music has a delicate touch whether it's introspective lyrics or a soothing acoustic melody. There are certain times of the day when it's just perfect to listen to a great indie artist — namely at night. Listening to indie artists at night provide an unforgettably healing experience to the average listener.

With that said, we've compiled a list of Korean indie artists you should definitely have on your nighttime playlist.

 

1. Car, the garden

While he made his debut in 2013, it was through winning SBS' music survival program, "The Fan", in 2019 that he started to see mainstream success. Since then, he's lent his voice to various K-Drama OSTs which include shows like "Marry My Husband", "Like Flowers In The Sand", "True Beauty", and so much more. His voice is absolutely soothing, making him the perfect company to a round of late night thinking.

 

2. Mingginyu

Listening to Mingginyu is an ethereal experience that's extremely hard to forget. She makes you feel as if you're floating on a cloud, drifting away to the kingdom of sleep. Her voice is akin to the sweetest lullaby, making her the perfect artist to have on your nighttime playlist.

 

3. KIMMUSEUM

K-Drama fans everywhere fondly remember KIMMUSEUM's contribution to the OST for the widely popular "Nevertheless". He's participated in many more OSTs since and has also released a number of original tracks. Each song is a breath of fresh air, transforming into a beacon of light in the darkness.

 

4. Heo HoyKyung

The singer-songwriter made her debut in 2021 and hasn't looked back since. Heo HoyKyung has become an absolute gift upon the Korean indie scene with her melodic vocals and heartwarming lyrics. Her songs are able to successfully pull on your heartstrings, making you soft and vulnerable from beginning to end. With this sentimentality, Heo HoyKyung makes the perfect addition to any nighttime playlist.

 

5. ALEPH

ALEPH brings you to the moon and back, making you believe it's possible to live amongst the stars. His vocals are tender and pure, leaving a deep imprint on your soul. If you ever need some background music while lost in thought, ALEPH should definitely be at the top of your playlist.

 

6. Coffeeboy

Coffeeboy has a storied career and a well-known artist within the Korean indie scene. His vocals are incredibly sweet, reminiscent of a warm spring day. The positivity and warmth from his tracks act as the perfect deterrent to everything the night throws at us.

 

7. Sweden Laundry

Sweden Laundry have outstanding duality, able to tackle upbeat melodies and slow, meaningful ballads. Their voices strike straight to the core of your heart where they grab hold and vow to never let go. While doing some self-reflection, you'll definitely want a song from Sweden Laundry playing in the background.

Which Korean indie artist are you adding to your playlist?

Prepare yourself for an electrifying lineup of K-Pop and Korean artists' events happening in Korea this November! Immerse yourself in incredible performances, fanmeetings, and live music encounters. Keep yourself informed about the most sizzling events, venues, and dates through our monthly event guide.

Check out the other K-Pop concerts and fanmeeting in other locations here: East Asia (except Korea), Southeast Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific.

Note: This list is in chronological order and grouped by artist.

 

Xdinary Heroes "Break the Brake" World Tour

Date / Venue

November 3-5 (Seoul, Yes24 Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 Lim YoungWoong "IM HERO" Tour

Date / Venue

November 3-5 (Seoul, KSPO DOME)
November 24-26 (Daegu, EXCO East Wing)

Tickets

Seoul / Daegu

 

SUPER JUNIOR "1t's 8lue" 18th Anniversary Special Event

Date / Venue

November 4 (Seoul, KyungHee University Grand Peace Palace)

Tickets

Offline

 

Chuu "My Palace" 1st Tiny-Con

Date / Venue

November 4-5 (Sungshin Women’s University Woonjung Green Campus Grand Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 EVNNE "Good EVNNEing" 1st Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 4-5 (Jangchung Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

SE SO NEON World Tour

Date / Venue

November 4 (Seoul, Olympic Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 Kwon JinAh X Sam Kim "LOVE IN SEOUL" Concert

Date / Venue

November 9 (Seoul, Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 god "MASTERPIECE" Tour

Date / Venue

November 10-12 (Seoul, KSPO DOME)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 INFINITE's Kim SungKyu "LOVE IN SEOUL" Concert

Date / Venue

November 11-12 (Seoul, Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 A.C.E "OVERTURN" Fan Concert

Date / Venue

November 11 (Seoul, YES24 Live Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 ILY:1 "DEAR MY ONLY:1" Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 11 (Seoul, Ilchi Art Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 N.Flying X ONEWE "Awesome Stage" Concert

Date / Venue

November 11 (Seoul, KBS Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 VANNER X DKB "Awesome Stage" Concert

Date / Venue

November 11 (Seoul, KBS Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 SATURDAY "K-Pop Live"

Date / Venue

November 11 (Seoul, Hongik University Yoon HyungBin Small Theatre)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 VANNER X M.O.N.T "Awesome Stage" Concert

Date / Venue

November 12 (Seoul, KBS Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa "Awesome Stage" Concert

Date / Venue

November 12 (Seoul, KBS Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

ONEWE's GiUk "Flight1112" Concert

Date / Venue

November 12 (Seoul, Westbridge)

Tickets

Offline

 

NINE.i "WE BELIEVE IN i.ENIN" Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 12 (Seoul, Ilchi Art Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

NTX "ODD HOUR" Fan Concert

Date / Venue

November 15 (Seongnam, Seongam Art Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 aespa "MY DRAMA" Fan Meeting

Date / Venue

November 17 (Seoul, KyungHee University Grand Peace Palace)

Tickets

Offline / Online

 

KINGDOM "KINGMAKER QUEST" Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 18 (Seoul, Ilchi Art Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

NCT 127 "The Unity" 3rd Concert Tour

Date / Venue

November 17-19, 24-16 (Seoul, KSPO Dome)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 Highlight "Great Dectective Highlight: Four Shadows and One Light" Fan Con

Date / Venue

November 17-19 (Seoul, Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium)

Tickets

Offline

 

Car, the garden "Harmony" Concert

Date / Venue

November 18-19 (Seoul, Olympic Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

GUMMY "LOVE" Tour Concert

Date / Venue

November 18-19 (Gwangju, Gwangju Arts Center Grand Theater)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 DinDin "Dinvitation: Double Party" Concert

Date / Venue

November 18 (Seoul, Sungshin Women's University Woonjung Green Campus Grand Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

Ryu SuJeong "Happy Birthday to Ryu" 1st Fan Meeting

Date / Venue

November 19 (Seoul, Musinsa Garage)

Tickets

Offline

 

BTS' JungKook “GOLDEN” Live On Stage

Date / Venue

November 20 (Seoul, Jangchung Arena)

Tickets

ARMY Membership Raffle / Weverse Shop GLOBAL album purchase

 

2023 AKMU "AKMUTOPIA" Concert

Date / Venue

November 24-26 (Seoul, KyungHee University Grand Peace Palace)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 Dynamic Duo "In The Long Run" Concert

Date / Venue

November 24-26 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 OH MY GIRL "OH MY LAND" Fan Concert

Date / Venue

November 25 (Seoul, KBS Arena)

Tickets

Offline

 

Loossemble "Make a voyage" 1st Fan-Con

Date / Venue

November 25 (Seoul, Gongam Center Gongam Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

PENTAGON's YeoOne "Happiness & Best Friends" Fan Concert

Date / Venue

November 25 (Seoul, YES24 Live Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

8TURN "TURN TABLE" Fan Concert

Date / Venue

November 25-26 (Seoul, Ilchi Art Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

2023 Park HyungSik "SIKcret Time" Asia Tour Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 26 (Seoul, YES24 Live Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

ATBO "HOME ALONE" 1st Fanmeeting

Date / Venue

November 26 (Seoul, Dongduk Women's University Centennial Memorial Hall)

Tickets

Offline

 

DKB 7th Mini Album "HIP" Fan Showcase

Date / Venue

November 30 (Seoul, Konkuk University New Millenium Grand Theater)

Tickets

Offline

 

In the blink of an eye, the first half of 2023 is nearing its end, which means it's time for our semi-annual top lists! There have been an influx of amazing K-Dramas that have graced our screens, providing endless memories and a whole lot of entertainment.

With stories that tugged on our heartstrings, captivating casts that made these characters a reality, and the community interactions in between every episode, the first half of the year was truly one to remember. Now, while many might focus on a drama's storyline or the casts' magnificent acting, we cannot forget the beautifully made OSTs that enhanced our viewing experience.

Here are the top 10 best K-Drama OSTs from the first half of 2023!

Note: This list includes OSTs from K-Dramas that started in 2023 and ended/will end by June 30.

 

1. Ha HyunSang - 'Alright' From "Crash Course In Romance"

Once this OST began to play, you could not help but be filled with a never-ending hope for Jeon DoYeon and Jung KyungHo's happiness. 'Alright' by Ha HyunSang produced a swarm of butterflies in your stomach that you simply could not shake off. From its heartfelt lyrics to its beautiful melody, everything simply pointed to the song's greatness.

 

2. (G)I-DLE's MiYeon & Yuqi - 'Sweet Dream' From "Love To Hate You"

What a better way to welcome in a new year than with the mesmerizing vocals of MiYeon and Yuqi. The two embodied the name of the song completely with their ethereal harmonies and honey-like vocals. It truly felt like you were floating on the clouds of romance and love with their voices playing in the background.

 

3. Hwang ChiYeul - 'Forgive Me' From "Strangers Again"

Thanks to Hwang ChiYeul's incredible vocal prowess, this OST helped to set the mood perfectly within the ENA drama. Imbued in the track is a sense of infectious yearning that makes you ponder on the what ifs and second chances. It's addictive melody will certainly have you whistling along with it from the very first second.

 

4. sunwoojunga - 'Talk To Me' From "Agency"

Providing one of the most perfect OSTs to cry along to, sunwoojunga's 'Talk To Me' is absolutely heaven-sent. Containing such deep and penetrating sadness, sungwoojunga's vocals plucked at your heartstrings until there was nothing left. 'Talk To Me' did its job excellently and made "Agency" such an amazing experience.

 

5. KyoungSeo - 'Wonder Why' From "The Interest Of Love"

Whether you were hit by waves of frustration watching Yoo YeonSeok and Mun KaYoung dance around their true feelings or enamored by their romantic advances, KyoungSeo's 'Wonder Why' was most likely playing in the background. This OST brought out a sense of poignant yearning that remained with you days after the conclusion of the drama's newest episode. 'Wonder Why' really embodied "The Interest Of Love" perfectly and added greatly to drama lovers' viewing experience all across the globe.

 

6. Park HyungSik - 'Bud' From "Our Blooming Youth"

The sweet scent of spring became even sweeter the moment this OST started to play on our screens. With his amazing acting, it can be easy to forget that Park HyungSik started off as a singer. But his lovely vocals simply grab hold of your heart from the first note and do not dare to let go. It's an OST that stirs up every romantic cell in your body, bringing on an all-encompassing warmth that remains with you until the dead of night.

 

7. Roy Kim - 'Flower' From "Call It Love"

"Call It Love" was the perfect definition of slow burn. But viewers everywhere could not help but tune in week after week to find out what happens between Kim YoungKwang and Lee SungKyoung. The heart-wrenching emotions from the drama were amplified tenfold with Roy Kim's 'Flower', leaving no dry eye in the room. When this OST played, it seemed almost necessary to ensure a box of tissues was within arm's reach.

 

8. Bily Acoustie - 'I'll Turn Around' From "Bora! Deborah"

While a good part of the ENA drama contained heart-fluttering romance, it tackled real aspects of the end of a relationship. From the numbing pain, the overwhelming frustration, and the desire to start again. This OST by Bily Acoustie was touching and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the overarching emotions of loss.

 

9. Car, the garden - 'Haven' From "Taxi Driver 2"

While much of "Taxi Driver 2" was spent in riveting action, Car, the garden's 'Haven' reminds us to slow down and take a step back. It helped us to emphasize even greater with the clients that received help from the Rainbow Taxi team. It's an incredibly touching OST that reaches deep into the depths of your heart to remind you that everything will be okay. Just like Lee JeHoon and crew, 'Haven' offers a safe place to all its listeners.

 

10. Doldams - 'Thank You For The Memories' From "Dr. Romantic 3"

When the news of a brand new installment for the "Dr. Romantic" series was announced, fans everywhere were elated with joy. 'Thank You For The Memories' is an ode to all the amazing memories that the drama provided. From the very first episode, it stirred up waves of nostalgia and comfort to viewers across the globe. While the drama has ended, this OST still remains, serving as a reminder of the incredible series.

What do you think was the best K-Drama OST from the first half of 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!