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Se So Neon
South Korean indie rock band From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Se So Neon (Korean: 새소년; MR: saesonyŏn; pronounced [sɛ.so.njʌn]; commonly stylized in all caps) is a South Korean indie rock band. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Hwang So-yoon.[1] Since its formation in 2016, the band has released the EPs Summer Plumage (2017) and Nonadaptation (2020).[2] In 2018, the band won the awards for Rookie of the Year and Best Rock Song at the Korean Music Awards.[3]
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History
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2016–2018: Formation, awards and Summer Plumage
Se So Neon was established in 2016 and began as a project band between Hwang So-yoon and Gangto. Their name translates to 'new kids' or 'new boys', and was chosen by Hwang after coming across an issue of the now-defunct children's magazine Sae So Nyeon in a bookstore.[4][5] Shortly after formation, the band recruited bassist Fancy Moon to become a trio.
In October 2017, the band released its first EP여름깃 (Summer Plumage) through BGBG Records. The EP went on to be nominated for Best Rock Album at the Korean Music Awards, while its lead single "The Wave" won an award for Best Rock Song. During the ceremony, Se So Neon also won the award for Rookie of the Year.[3]
In December 2018, Se So Neon announced Gangto and Fancy Moon had left the band to perform their military service.[6] They were replaced by Park Hyun-jin on bass and U-su on drums, who were recruited by Hwang through a self-tape audition.[4][7]
2019–2024: Nonadaptation and lineup changes
In 2020, Se So Neon were named Fender's Global Artist of the Year.[8] In 2021, the group were the only Korean act to be included in YouTube Music's global foundry program.[9][10]
In February 2020, Se So Neon released its second EP Nonadaptation under Magic Strawberry Sound. The EP received a nomination for Best Rock Album at the Korean Music Awards, along with a Best Rock Song nomination for its lead single "Go Back".
In February 2021, the band released the single "Jayu".[11] It was followed by more singles such as "Joke" and "Kidd".[12][13]
In August 2022, the band announced the departure of U-su, citing his wish to continue activities as a solo drummer.[1]
In 2023, Se So Neon's performance at Sungkyunkwan University was boycotted by students after social media comments by Hwang surfaced online.[14] Hwang had previously publicly responded to the Nth Room scandal in 2020 by sharing an op-ed which criticized South Korean society for downplaying sexual exploitation and due to the high number of members in the Telegram chats, called for all men to be treated as potential criminals.[15][16][17]
In 2024, Se So Neon performed at SXSW despite a boycott over the festival's sponsorship by the United States Department of Defense. Two days after the performance, the band released an apology expressing their regret, citing ignorance due the lack of Gaza-related coverage in South Korean media and extending condolences to civilians affected by Israel's invasion of Palestine.[18]
2025–present: Transition to solo project and debut album
In February 2025, the band announced the departure of bassist Park Hyun-jin, leaving Hwang So-yoon as the only remaining active member.[1]
On May 16, 2025, Se So Neon released their first single as a solo project featuring a music video self-directed by Hwang.[19] The song, titled "Twit Winter", is co-produced by Hwang and Kenny Gilmore, and mixed by Nathan Boddy.[20] On May 19, the band announced a North American tour that would take place later in that year to promote an upcoming album.[21]
On June 19, the band released the second single "Remember!" and officially revealed their debut studio album Now, which is scheduled for release on August 15, 2025. The album will include 12 tracks, including the previously released singles "Jayu" and "Kidd", along with new songs such as "Secret Police", "Small Heart", and "3Revolution".[22]
On July 18, the third single "New Romantic" was released, alongside an English version of the song. Similarly, the band had previously included English versions for the singles "Twit Winter" and "Remember".[23] The same day, the band announced they would be performing at the Yebisu Brewery's Garden Hall in Tokyo to promote the album's release, as well as appearing as headliners at the 2025 Setouchi Triennale music festival.[23]
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Members
Current members
- Hwang So-yoon – lead vocals, guitar (2016–present)
Former members
- Park Hyun-jin – bass guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (2018–2025)
- U-su – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2018–2022)
- Gangto – drums, percussion (2016–2018)
- Fancy Moon – bass guitar (2016–2018)
Discography
Albums
Extended plays
Singles
Awards and accolades
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References
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