By Isabel Miller
In an industry dominated by trainee programs and company-mandated groups, the origins and intentions of South Korean indie-rock band The Rose present a refreshing authenticity. A raw, heartfelt tone set them on the path to recognition, and has led them to stand before their fans, Black Roses, on the KPOPWORLD Festival stage in San Antonio.
The Rose began from the streets of Seoul in 2015. Bassist Lee Taegyeom and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Park Dojoon met while busking in Hongdae, the centre of Seoul’s indie music scene. At the time, Dojoon was battling with the intense schedule that comes with being a DSP Media K-pop trainee, but his priorities were founded early; he rebelled and ultimately left the company to continue busking, regardless of the low probability of success. When he returned to Taegyeom, he also found drummer Lee Hajoon, the two having met later in the year while practising in the same studio. The trio united under the name Windfall before seeking a fourth member, which they found in Dojoon’s acquaintance and main vocalist Kim Woosung.
In 2016, the band was signed by J&Star Company despite having less than a year of experience as a collective. Their potential was spotted early, and in August 2017 that recognition came to fruition with their debut single “Sorry” – published under a new name, The Rose. The song was penned by Hajoon, integrating the group’s humble, self-made origins into their music from the beginning. Less than a month later, they were being lauded by Rolling Stone India, and in 2017 powerhouse music organisation Billboard named “Sorry” as one of the best Korean pop songs of the year. On YouTube, the music video had defied the typical fate befallen to rookie groups and garnered over 3 million views by the time of the ranking.
What followed was an array of first performances and mini albums that became something greater upon the group’s departure from J&Star Company. The Rose refused to let a lawsuit stain their ambitions, and in 2022 reinvented themselves under their own, self-made label Windfall, an ode to their busking days. New music, world tours featuring sold-out arena stops, appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza; The Rose are no longer rookies but established global artists with multitudes to give and a level of creative control that allows vulnerability, pride and gratitude to pour from their music.
The Rose’s story is one of underdogs who surpassed all expectations. They come to the KPOPWORLD Festival line-up as a representation of what happens when passion and ambition supersedes the restrictions that can arise from internal entertainment systems, forgoing the traditional trainee path in favour of staying true to their indie sound.
Throughout 2026, The Rose has already spurred laughter, joy and tears from audiences across Europe and North America on their ROSETOPIA World Tour, and will continue to do so in Asia and Australia this autumn before returning to the U.S. on October 30. Anyone who attended will know that they perform with their hearts truly laid bare, blending introspective tracks with anthemic favourites to bring their journey to life with live vocals and instrumental mastery. ROSETOPIA marks the celebratory but bittersweet end to a 10-year chapter, with the group going on hiatus to pursue individual ambitions – but the KPOPWORLD Festival offers one more chance to experience that emotional resonance in person.
If you’re not yet familiar with The Rose, these three songs will give you a taste of their rich storytelling and signature indie-rock sound.
“Back to Me” is The Rose’s biggest streaming hit for a reason. The energetic, alternative rock sound that drives the band’s most popular music has been harnessed to express a heart-wrenching narrative of regret, with an explosive, cathartic chorus that demands passion from the listener as the lyrics lament a broken relationship.
“She’s in the Rain” showcases the emotional maturity of The Rose. This deeply moving ballad depicts a raw image of mental health struggles and the resilience required to overcome them, offering recognition, comfort and the reminder that you are never truly alone.
“Red” is a fan-favourite, boosting energy with a vibrant track and a catchy hook. It contains a particularly modern interpretation of pop-rock, pitched up in tone and prompting an urge to dance; perfect for a high-energy, festival setting.
Amongst a line-up stanning such a variety of Southeast Asian music genres – from K-pop and P-Pop to hip-hop and R&B blends – at KPOPWORLD Festival The Rose intends to shine a spotlight on the authentic, indie-rock sound that grows from the depths of the underground scene in Seoul. Expect highs and lows, and delight in an emotional rollercoaster built from The Rose’s own experiences live in San Antonio.