Music / Idols

K-pop Indie Gem: Loveholic

Written by Nabeela On January 21, 2012

In May 2002, musicians Kang Hyun-min and Lee Jae-hak put their brains and guitars together to start the alternative pop and indie-rock group Loveholic. The duo quickly auditioned and recruited who would soon become their lead female vocalist Ji Sun. Since their formation, Loveholic has composed and produced four full length albums under their record label Fluxus Records. Loveholic has also contributed their expertise to the official soundtracks of many popular dramas and movies, including Boys Over Flowers, 200 Pounds of Beauty, Coffee Prince, My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, and Spring Waltz with the song ”One Love.”

Ji Sun herself was featured in many other songs by other artists, perhaps most notably in Epik High‘s “Paris.”

Loveholic’s music ranges from the fun and easy going to the serious, and lyrically emotional. Both Hyun-min and Jae-hak are exceptional guitarists with great musical genius, and Ji Sun’s voice is high but well toned and even powerful at times–her vocals compliment the smooth musical compositions of the much of Loveholic’s work. These elements have kept Loveholic going strong for several years despite the hurdles many artists indie music industry often encounter.

Check out some of my personal favorites from Loveholic!

In 2007, vocalist Ji Sun parted ways with Loveholic. Both the guitar duo and Ji Sun pursued different avenues of music from then on out, the reasons for the split was never really disclosed or discussed. Despite the bump in the road though, Hyun-min and Jae-hak decided to the keep the Loveholic project going by renaming it Loveholics.

Now the guitarists produce music that often features other vocalists, primarily from their label Fluxus, to contribute to their on-going musical ambition. Loveholics first single as a new group, titled “Butterfly,” featured several Fluxus vocalists working in collaboration with Hyun-min and Jae-hak.

Although Loveholic has faced some bumps along the way, the group has nonetheless been successful in producing original and thoughtful music and staying true to their beliefs as musicians. Their unique sound has earned them much respect in both the Korean and Japanese music industries as well as popularity for their fun and mellow music. Be sure to check them out!

(Fluxus, lastFM)

TAGS: K-pop Indie Gem, Loveholic

ggoma

Best band ever. I’m so sad they broke up. Jisun’s voice is killer. I have all their albums and her too. :)
Anima

I LOVE them! It’s a shame they are no more, but Jisun’s solo stuff is still really good. “A separation that couldn’t start” and “blue 923″ are my fav. songs by them but I still listen to most of their songs because it’s so nice and mellow.
Oh Ji’s Ho

I adore Loveholic and Ji Sun’s voice is one of my favorite – if not THE favorite – female vocalist that I have ever come across. The ethereal mixed with nostalgia sound of her voice gets me every time. I have the most difficult time finding her music though. :( Tips welcome!
Anonymous

I loved Loveholic ever since I first saw her on the international channel back in 2002. It sucks that the group broke up but I’m glad that at the very least we can still listen to their music. I haven’t heard any of Ji-Sun’s solo work….I should probably get on that tho.
Noona971

Thank you for this article about Loveholic which introduced me to korean music. Since 200 pounds beauty and its OST Loveholic held a special place in my heart, soft and powerful a pure gem and ji sun voice : amazing (my biais with gummy, BMK and baek ji young !!!! I was afraid when she left the band but her solo album and the last mini one are still wonderful.
Kind of sad they don’t have more time on air, even though as clazziquai they’re acknowleged real artists
Arasalts

thank you seoulbeats to remind me about this best band ever. the music video of ‘Butterfly’ is really touchy. Fluxus kids gathered all the way, however now few of them part away…