Credited with bringing rock (and metal!) into the mainstream of k-pop, Dreamcatcher has complicated, interwoven social justice storylines, powerful performances, and impressive choreography. Also, they happen to have a fantastic discography that goes through many different genres of rock and EDM, and they happen to be a favorite of mine. My first concert too!

A rare full-blown band that debuted under industry titan JYP, Day6 mainly stick with what I’d call slice-of-life rock, relaxed and perfect for a drama soundtrack. But, they do also go for harsher rock at some times, and knock it out of the park every time.

Description: Also a full-blown band, The Rose are technically not k-pop, and their work is pretty evenly split between Korean and English. They stick with rock as a base, but use it to branch into balladry, alternative, and pop. I also got the chance to see them in concert, and they were fantastic.