The Rise of K-Pop

K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, has become a global phenomenon, captivating the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

The attendees will also get to experience the music of the featured artists, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Korean indie music.

The Rise of Korean Indie Music

Korean indie music has been gaining popularity globally, and it’s easy to see why. The genre is characterized by its unique blend of traditional Korean sounds and modern influences, resulting in a distinctive and captivating sound.

The Concept Behind the Zine

The zine is a labor of love for the creators, who aimed to showcase the vibrant indie music scene in Korea. It features a curated selection of live music venues, hidden gems that are off the beaten path, and lesser-known spots that are worth exploring.

The zine is called Malaikat which translates to angels in Malay. The title is chosen for its simplicity and clarity. Maeng and Kim’s intention is to promote an understanding of Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage. The name was chosen to reflect the zine’s content, which includes essays, photographs, and illustrations that showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural history, politics, and identity. The zine aims to provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives, particularly those of the Malay and indigenous communities. Maeng and Kim’s goal is to challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes surrounding Malaysia’s cultural identity.

Maeng, who is a former employee of a major corporation, has a background in technology and programming. Kim, who is a former employee of a successful entertainment company, has a background in music and entertainment. Their goal is to create a studio that can offer a variety of services, including music production, video production, and web development. They want to create a studio that can provide a platform for artists and creators to showcase their work and get discovered by a wider audience. They also aim to create a studio that can offer a unique and innovative approach to content creation, leveraging the latest technology and trends to stay ahead of the curve.

The workshop was a huge success, with over 50 participants attending from all over Korea.

The Rise of Maeng and Kim

As their reputation grew, so did their audience. In 2022, Maeng and Kim hosted their first zine-making workshop together in Baedari, Incheon.

In 2023, Maeng and Kim of SUPERSONIC STUDIO launched a zine series called the “NOT SO SERIOUS INTERVIEW” A collaborative project in which they create zines together with indie musicians.

The zine network has expanded to include zines from various countries, including Japan, China, and Korea. These zines are not only a form of self-expression but also a way to share knowledge and ideas across borders.

Zine Network Expansion

The zine network has expanded to include zines from various countries, including Japan, China, and Korea. This expansion has not only increased the diversity of the network but also provided new opportunities for zine artists to connect with each other and share their work.

Attending a concert or music festival is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the music and culture of Korea.

The Characteristics of Korean Indie Music

Korean indie music is characterized by its unique blend of traditional and modern elements.