hyukoh (Korean: 혁오) are a South Korean indie rock band from the Hongdae area of Seoul. The group forms in May 2014 and makes its first live performance in June 2014.

Line-up

The band consists of Oh Hyuk on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Im Dong-gun on bass guitar, Im Hyun-je on lead guitar, and Lee In-woo on drums. Oh Hyuk is the frontman and principal songwriter.

Early development

Before the band forms, Oh Hyuk lives in China from the age of five months and spends most of his teenage years in Beijing. He returns to South Korea in 2012 to study Fine Arts at Hongik University, then takes a leave of absence to focus on the band. Many of the songs on the first EP are completed by Oh while he is living in Beijing. He performs in Seoul as a solo artist under the name Hyukoh before assembling the full group, with the first release recorded with session musicians.

Releases and recognition

hyukoh release their debut extended play, 20, in 2014, followed by the mini-album 22. The band gains a wider profile in South Korea after appearing on the 2015 Infinite Challenge Summer Music Festival on the variety programme Infinite Challenge. They also sell out small venues in the underground scene and receive strong attention from critics and the public. Two months after 22 is released, the record enters the Billboard World Albums Chart top ten.

Labels and management

The band signs with DRDR AMC for management. In 2015, they become the first act to sign to HIGHGRND, the independent label founded by rapper and producer Tablo and financially backed by YG Entertainment.