K-Rock

K-rock is the umbrella term for South Korean rock music, from the psychedelic pioneers who worked under dictatorship-era censorship to the indie bands of the Hongdae scene. *Shin Jung Hyeon* built the first Korean rock sound in the 1960s and 1970s, *Sanulrim* and *Songgolmae* defined its classic album era, and *Seo Taiji and Boys* detonated the old industry in 1992, clearing ground for punk, alternative and indie generations. Sung overwhelmingly in Korean and long overshadowed domestically by idol pop, K-rock sustains a deep album culture whose landmarks, from *Deulgukhwa* to *Hyukoh* and *Jannabi*, anchor the national canon.