10ofthebest Illustrators + Designers in Korea’s indie music scene

Written by Charity Lynn (@_charitylynn_)

In our new series called 10ofthebest, we’ll be taking a subject and picking ten of our personal favourite examples of it. This week, we’re looking at Illustrators and Designers in Korea’s indie music scene.

The next time you find yourself at a live show, take a moment to look at and appreciate the art around you: gig posters, stickers, band merch, zines. Artists are the very heart of the indie scene. Let’s take a look at 10 illustrators and designers involved in local indie music that should be on your radar.

Peach Truck Hijackers

(@peachtruckhijackers)

Peach Truck Hijackers aren’t just a kick-ass garage rock band. They are also made up entirely of designers – just one of their many charming points. All members originally majored in design at the same university, before the band was even a concept. After becoming active as a group, they started creating their own merchandise, like t-shirts, zines, and even lighters. 

There is something to be said about the DIY feel within their art. RISO printing is heavily prevalent in their work; they even silk-screen some t-shirts by hand. The result is a one of a kind piece that stands out among the typical cookie-cutter style merch designs. Additionally, the texture and font choices they incorporate meld perfectly with the band’s vibe. This creative side of Peach Truck Hijackers is the core of their identity.

Sanghyeon

 (@snhylee)

If you know the band Seoul Magic Club, then you’re already familiar with some of 상현’s work. He has designed artwork for many of their albums, such as MAD99 and Peace. In addition to his role as guitarist in the band Abnormal Greenhouse, he is also a captivating designer who specialises in both commercial and creative design work. 

What makes 상현’s art stand out is his attention to detail. Every miniscule aspect of his designs seems to have been cared for with great precision. He incorporates minimal colour palettes and subtle texture, which leads his work to radiate a serene and clean quality. His eye for detail and intricate techniques bring forth beautiful design work that deserves more attention.

Eun Bori 

(@artist_eunbori)

You may know Eun Bori as the lovely bassist from the band Moon Night & Stars, but did you also know that she illustrates her own webcomics? Eun Bori tells slice-of-life stories of small day-to-day experiences: cats lounging in the sun, bright flowers under the telephone pole, round clouds moving leisurely through the sky. Her emphasis on the little details we might not always pay attention to during the day is like a reminder to slow down and look around sometimes. 

To tell her stories, she uses cute caricatures of herself and those around her. The round and simple character designs are warm and charming, and make the comics pleasing to read. Eun Bori has a way of illustrating scenarios that all readers can connect to.

Pallo

(@pallo_illust)

Juxtaposed imagery, a vibrant colour palette, social criticism – what more could you want in this day and age? Pallo is just the illustrator for that. He dabbles in both promotional and creative work. Some of his illustrations have also been featured on album artwork and gig posters for bands like Drinking Boys and Girls Choir and Sindosi.

What makes some of Pallo’s work stand out is its quirky and fun approach to more serious topics, from political to environmental. The vivid colours and flat rendering are quintessential to its pop art influence. The prevalence of a subtle grain texture adds to the cohesion of his designs. Pallo’s makes art that you’ll want to adorn every room of your house.

Jenikah Joy

(@sooogoodstudios)

Illustrations with a fiery yet feminine edge–that’s the embodiment of Jenikah Joy’s art. Nature motifs are signature to her work and add a delicate touch to her edgier concepts. It’s no surprise that her designs have been featured on merchandise for the death punk disco band 18Fevers. 

The detailed linework she is able to achieve is truly something to be envied. She captures the emotion she wants to portray perfectly, and the limited colour choices make each detail pop. The typography in her design work is strategically placed alongside the illustrations to make visually striking pieces. 

Dukwon Karl Lee

(@dwkl.rar)

Computer science and art: a pairing that doesn’t always come to mind. But when you see Dukwon Karl Lee’s work, it makes you wonder why more people aren’t doing it. Being a graphic designer, a software engineer, and the drummer for the band 9B2 leads to DWKL creating some seriously cool, computer-generated visualisers. 

DWKL’s main focus is on textual elements, generative design, and interactive media. The appeal of his work is the lack of static movement – as though it is a living, breathing creation. It almost seems like something out of a science-fiction movie. The best way to really appreciate his art is to go see it in person at one of his gigs!

Seoul Cult

(@seoul_cult)

You ever go to a grungy underground venue and see a wall lined with indie zines and other little unique finds? That’s exactly how I discovered Seoul Cult’s eccentric line of work. You’re sure to stick out from the crowd if you wear their designs around town, and you might even score a few disapproving glances in your direction. But that’s precisely what makes their work so appealing.

Seoul Cult explores mystical and underground themes in both design and writing. Erratic linework, dark yet quirky imagery, and satirical twists on religious texts serve as the framework of Seoul Cult’s stylistic identity. You’ll be the sickest guy in the room if you own their stuff.

Hyemi Oh

(@ohamking)

Who needs hallucinogens when you can just admire Hyemi Oh’s work instead? Trippy art is her forte, a perfect visual pairing for the psychedelic rock band Wah Wah Wah. Oh’s designs appear on most of their gig posters and album covers, making her an essential part of the band’s character. 

Oh’s use of saturated colours, phosphene elements, and ink-drawn linework combine to make mind-bending illustrations. Amusing character designs, hand-drawn text, she just makes art that’s fun to look at. In addition to illustrating, Oh has experience being a tattoo artist and also explores video editing. 

Matsalworld

(@matsalworld)

It’s a rabbit’s world, and we are all just living in it. Matsalworld transports us into a parallel universe where this 3D pink bunny is the main character. Each three-dimensional illustration gives us a glimpse of this character’s crazy, far-from-boring life. The focus on detailed background elements is the key to telling his story. 

Matsalworld’s stylistic 3D sculpts are fun, silly, and seem to come to life, especially when animated. There are so many little details, it’s almost like you’re playing an ‘I Spy’ game. The rabbit’s distinctive face is a signature part of Matsalworld’s style. You may have even seen it in the illustration work for his band, Hamster Powder Club, where he plays guitar.

Mungju

(@mmungjju)

Round, cute, pastel shapes with a chewable texture evocative of a Polly Pocket doll from our childhood. The 3D art of Mungju is playful and puts you in a great mood. I mean, how could anyone feel gloomy looking at glimmeringly adorable illustrations of flowers and rainbows and a literal ‘rock’ star playing guitar? 

Mungju has made promotional work, like gig posters, and has even created cover art for the single Gotta Get Back by P1Harmony ft. Pink Sweat$. They are also known for creating design work for the beachy Busan band Yajasu. Mungju’s style is fun and sweet and has the perfect summery vibe.