ddbb find brightness underground

Written by Jamie Finn (@jamiefinn2209)

Since their relatively recent formation in 2022, Busan duo ddbb have already become a notable name on Korea’s indie scene. With the release of their new EP bright, songwriter Juri and bandmate Kyungho complete a two-part exploration of darkness and light. In an exclusive English-language interview, Juri talks about discovering poetry, battling stage fright, and why Kathleen Hanna inspired one of their softest songs yet.

When Juri switches off the lights in her apartment at night, the creativity begins to flow. "You realise the streetlights and moonlight outside are brighter than you'd expect," she says. "It made me think there's a precious brightness you can only truly appreciate once it's dark." It's this observation - simple, almost mundane - that gave birth to ddbb, the Busan duo who've spent the past year mapping the territory between darkness and light, whimsy and melancholy, the sharp and the inexplicably soft.

The duo's formation has a serendipitous feeling to it. "We were introduced to Kyungho by chance," she explains, laughing slightly. "It was quite a sudden introduction, so you could say we met by pure chance. Interestingly, Kyungho's horoscope apparently mentioned he'd start a band at age 24..." She lets that hang in the air before adding: "ddbb was formed precisely when Kyungho turned 24."

Originally a three-piece with guitarist Sangheon, the band found its current lineup through this chance meeting. When asked to describe what that music sounds like, Juri highlights the contradictions at the heart of their project. "I'd describe it as cute yet slightly sharp, seemingly whimsical yet tinged with a melancholy feeling!" It's an accurate summary - ddbb exist in the spaces between moods and tones, never quite settling on.

bright arrives as the second half of a diptych, the sunlit companion to last year's dark EP. “bright had its title decided and work commenced last year," Juri says. "It began as a concept akin to a sequel to last year's dark, starting with writing songs themed around brightness." As a result, the EP has an upbeat, pop gloss to it that gives the release a feeling of confidence and exuberance. However, Juri is quick to clarify: "While I didn't simply aim to depict brightness, there is definitely a poppier sound because 'bright’ was the core theme."

The album coalesced around a variety of ideas rather than specific musical references. "We developed the album's tracks around keywords that came to mind regarding brightness," she explains, "starting from things like dreams, new beginnings, everyday life, confidence, and tranquillity."

"We didn't have as clear references during the actual songwriting process as one might think," Juri admits. "Rather, it seems we drew more technical references from songs during the mixing and mastering stages." 

Instead, ddbb absorbed literary influences, taking their inspiration from a less musical source. "When writing the songs, we focused more on texts than music, and more on the energies within us, like a stream of consciousness." She pauses, considering how to explain this. "I read a poetry collection for the first time, and I think I was greatly influenced by its unique rhythm and the hidden stories and meanings within. I was immersed in the poetry of Kim Yeondeok and Kim Seono."

This interest in poetry reframes the listener’s perception of bright, showing that ddbb are a band chasing something ephemeral, trying to translate the cadences of poetry into pop music. Juri's hopes for the album reflect this literary ambition: "Ideally, like reading a short story or watching a film, I hope listeners sense the distinct characters and narratives within each track. But ultimately, I just want it to be an album people reach for often. An album that feels natural to pick up during any moment - whether you're feeling good, confused, or down."

Juri’s hope for the album oscillates between artistic ambition and the simple desire to make something that might accompany someone through their day. It's the same tension that runs through her reflections on what these two EPs represent. "I think that following dark, bright was the process of introducing ourselves," she says. "While introducing ourselves, we reflected on who we are and worked hard to ponder how we could move more and progress further. Now that the introduction and the internal contemplation are done, I think we might just play around a bit for our next album.”

For all their growing reputation as a live act, Juri confesses that performing remains terrifying. Her pre-show ritual is chaotic: "For me, preparing for a gig is usually done once I have these things: Ice. Cheongha. Occasionally, theanine..." She trails off before adding, "Truthfully, I still get far too nervous. I feel I'm still a long way off deserving praise for live performances. I need to do better!"

It's hard to square this admission with the band's recent showcase tour, which saw them playing to packed rooms in Seoul and Busan. “We’ve played at many great festivals this year, but the best live shows are undoubtedly our solo concerts where we can be completely with our fans," she says, her voice warming. "I recently wrapped up the bright release showcase in Seoul and Busan, and seeing the smiling faces of fans in the audience while performing reminded me once again that it's the most joyful thing."

When asked about dream venues, Juri doesn't hesitate. "I'd absolutely love to perform in a club in the UK. Actually, even if it wasn't for a gig, I'd love to travel there. I listened to British indie music really intensely during my teens." A laugh: "Of course, I have no idea how the reaction would be if I went."

But ddbb's story is inseparable from Busan's, a city whose indie scene operates on a completely different scale to Seoul's. "The number of bands in Busan is significantly smaller compared to Seoul," Juri observes. "But precisely because of that, each band stands out more, making it easier to discover groups with diverse personalities and for a close community to develop."

There's a sense of responsibility in how she talks about representing Busan. "When I first started making music, I really wanted to spread the word about how brilliant Busan's bands are," she says. "Personally, I'm delighted to see perceptions continuing to change." At the heart of that scene is one venue. "If you asked anyone in Busan about their favourite venue, they'd mention Ovantgarde. It's also the venue currently shouldering the heaviest responsibility in Busan; it's a precious space enabling many people to dream and carry on. Despite being underground, Ovantgarde is always filled with a warm atmosphere."

One track on bright carries a name that might lead the listener to ask questions: scream like Hanna. "I thought someone might ask about this, and now we've finally met!" Juri says, delighted. "Hanna is Kathleen Hanna, best known for Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. I thought she was the coolest when I was young.” She acknowledges the disconnect: "Though the song is a bit too soft to really carry Kathleen's name."

But it's not about musical similarity. "The lyrics are more proactive, saying 'I'm going to change'. It was the first name that came to mind, so I used it. I, too, have many moments where I found courage thinking of her." Then comes the promise: "I also want to make punk music someday!"

It's this last point that sheds light on the ddbb’s future. Having spent dark and bright exploring a specific concept, shaping their sound through carefully considered songs, the band seem poised to play on. Could Juri's passing mention of punk be a throwaway comment? Or more of a glimpse of what happens after the bright/dark is done? For now, though, they're content to exist in that precious space where darkness makes brightness visible, where you have to switch off the lights to really see what's outside.