Spotify hosts the 'Speakeasy Live' indie-rock concert in South Korea.

Beyond K-Pop: Spotify Puts a Spotlight on Korea’s Indie and Rock Scenes

When it comes to South Korean music, the term "K-Pop" dominates headlines and playlists across Western media. In fact, the global popularity of idols and dance-centric pop has become so overwhelming that many international outlets label any music from Korea as K-Pop. But the country’s music scene is far more diverse—and Spotify is now making a visible effort to showcase that diversity.

Earlier this week, Spotify hosted Speakeasy Live, a special concert in Seoul that spotlighted the rising indie-rock band Silica Gel. The event was intimate, with entry granted only through a fan lottery, giving a select group of superfans a chance to experience the band up close.

“We’re excited to keep supporting Korean music in all its forms — indie, hip-hop, rock and more — so artists can shine on both local and global stages,” said Gautam Talwar, Spotify APAC’s general manager, in a statement to The Korea Herald.

The numbers back up this shift. According to Spotify, K-rock streaming has surged by 155% over the past year. A significant factor in this growth is the rebranding of the platform’s flagship playlist, Indie Korea, which has now amassed nearly 510,000 saves. That’s half a million listeners showing interest in something beyond the glitz of idol groups.

Spotify’s support marks an important turning point. By amplifying voices in Korea’s indie, hip-hop, and rock scenes, the streaming giant is helping to dismantle the misconception that Korean music is synonymous with K-Pop alone.

For fans hungry for more authentic and varied sounds from South Korea, this might just be the start of a new musical movement—one where creativity thrives outside the idol system, and more underground acts get the international attention they deserve.