IU is known for her incredible vocals, stunning visuals, song writing, composing, and music production abilities. Her lyrics are intimate, candid, and confessional; she tells us about the turbulent and uncertain yet beautiful years of youth, reminding us that we are not alone, that it is okay not to be okay, that we are all precious and that we will all shine brightly one day.

“I’ll be there, behind you who’s walking alone

Singing till the end, this song which will never end

Take a very deep breath

I’ll sing for you who forgot how to cry out loud.”

Personal songs that make us feel as if we're reading someone else's diary yet provide us with a familiar sense of relatability are frequent in the indie genre. So, if you enjoy the comfort of lyrics and melodies like those in IU’s music, check out this playlist of K-Indie artists who will offer your soul a place to rest.

Stella Jang

“On some days, without any reason,

Tears fall

On some days, just looking at the sky,

Makes the heart swell up.”

Stella Jang moved to Korea in 2014 to pursue her singing career after ten years in France. Many people were charmed by her sweet voice and guitar skills on her first single ‘Dumped Yesterday', a lovely song full of deep feelings. Her songs are influenced by pop music from the 90s, hiphop, and French sounds and aesthetics, and her lyrics reflect honest stories about her hardships, liberation and joy, seeking to reflect parts of daily life that the listener can connect to. If you use TikTok, you’ve probably heard her song ‘Colors’ as a trending sound!

OOHYO

“You're lovely when you fly high

You're lovely when you stand up again

You're lovely when you think about me

You're lovely when you sometimes look at me”

OOHYO, a singer-songwriter, began her career in 2015 with the EP ‘Girl Sense’, which featured songs she wrote while still in high school. Her synth pop music portrays her feelings and emotions, as well as memories and monologues from her late teens and early twenties, which are at times exhilarating, at times melancholic, and at times puzzling. Today, her music expresses the same emotions, but from a different viewpoint on life, love, and youth. If you’ve watched the K-Drama Hospital Playlist, then her song ‘While Living Life’ may sound familiar to you.

Jannabi

“For a while, I’ll stay in bloom and wither again, forever.

Yet, I will dream the same dream for my love.

And never ignore what I’ve been dreaming.”

Jannabi is an indie rock band formed in 2012, and is highly influenced by The Beatles. The members consist of Choi Jung Hoon (leader & vocals), Kim Do Hyung (guitar), and Jang Kyung-Joon (drums). The name "Jannabi" (meaning Monkey) was picked since all of the members were born in the zodiac year of the monkey (1992).

They have appeared in several OSTs, the most well-known of which being the song ‘Take My Hand’ for the K-Drama Romance is a Bonus Book. In 2019, the song ‘For Lovers Who Hesitate’ topped the South Korean music charts solidifying them as a must-know name. They are mainly known for their retro style/vintage-pop sounds, sensibility, and distinctive lyrics, which are classical, contemplative, and artistically focused. If you enjoy their music you should check out Jannabi's new album The Land of Fantasy.

ADOY

“Don't stop me, I feel the ocean.

Don't stop me, we need no reason.

Don't stop me, this is the moment.

Keep me young and free.”

ADOY is an indie electronic rock band whose members: Juhwan (vocals, guitar), Zee (synths), Dayeong (bass), and Geunchan (drums) have been involved in a number of notable musical projects before joining the band in 2016. ADOY created their own sound and style by merging synthesisers, electronic arrangements, and pop, as well as their lyrics taking inspiration from their members' daily lives, love stories, and experiences. As a result, their music has a very dream-like sound that is both soothing and familiar, while being exciting and adrenaline-filled; a perfect ode to youth.

The band has risen in popularity over the years, topping the K-indie chart, thanks to the success of their song ‘Grace’, but they think they still have a long way to go before they’re well known by the general public. But the members aren’t focused on that, rather they currently have plans to go on an Asia tour, play in other cities around the world, and collaborate with various artists.

K-Indie has a number of artists who produce relatable and soothing music comparable to the hits released by IU; we hope that in this playlist you were able to find some form of comfort and possibly some new music you like. You can also check out the extended playlist on Kooky’s YouTube channel.

What was your favorite song? And do you have any more recommendations? Don't forget to let us know!

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Writer: Valeria Vilchis

Editor: Han (O.L)

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