From 952 applicants, 10 teams competed in the preliminary round stage.
Each team received high acclaim for their unique musical worlds and skills.
EBS's ‘Hello Rookie’, a project dedicated to discovering new musicians, has selected post-rock band ‘Nok-i-nok’ and folk duo ‘Sanmanhan Sison’ as the ‘May's Hello Rookie’ after a successful first preliminary round held at Hyundai Card UNDERSTAGE in Yongsan, Seoul. From 952 submissions, 10 teams were chosen and competed in a fierce live battle, hosted by singer-songwriter Car the Garden. Both teams received accolades for their unique musical styles, with ‘Nok-i-nok’ praised for its immersive and sensory sound, while ‘Sanmanhan Sison’ left a strong impression with its fresh energy and distinctive sensitivity. Judge Park Jeong-yong emphasized the importance of perseverance in music evolution and shared encouraging words with the participants.
The ‘Hello Rookie’ project is establishing itself as a platform that sets new standards in the Korean indie music scene. The impressive number of 952 submissions reflects the growing interest in emerging musicians. The selection of ‘Nok-i-nok’ and ‘Sanmanhan Sison’ not only highlights their individual talents but also encapsulates what they represent in the context of the music market.
Musically, ‘Nok-i-nok’ stands out with its distinct and sensory sounds typical of a post-rock band. They delivered depth in their performances, emphasizing emotional resonance and delivering an immersive experience that resonated deeply with the audience. In contrast, ‘Sanmanhan Sison’ effectively conveyed their unique narrative and sensitivity during their performance, stirring the emotions of many.
Such diversity in genres showcased by both teams exemplifies the potential for artistic growth within the indie music scene. The significant attention that ‘Hello Rookie’ is receiving serves as a case study on how emerging musicians can interact with and transform the existing music landscape.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: EBS
