The last year has been nothing short of eventful for the South Korean indie band, The Rose. After the successful release of their first studio album, “HEAL,” in October 2022, and a triumphant world tour, the band has been on a journey of self-discovery, connecting with their fans, and gearing up for an even more exciting 2023.
Comprising four talented members – Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyeong – The Rose officially debuted in 2017 with their single “sorry.” However, the band’s history runs deeper, with members Dojoon and Jaehyeong having met while busking in the same area. Hajoon and Jaehyeong were under the same entertainment company and formed a band named Windfall, which also inspired The Rose’s self-made label. Later, they invited Woosung, a friend of Dojoon, to join the band, completing The Rose.
From the beginning, The Rose captured the attention of music lovers worldwide, with their debut single “sorry” reaching No. 14 on the Billboard World Digital Songs Sales chart and being named one of the “best K-pop songs of 2017.” Billboard also recognized The Rose as one of the top five “new K-pop artists to watch” in 2018.
Since their debut, The Rose has released an impressive discography, including one studio album, two EPs, one single album, and numerous chart-topping singles in both South Korea and the United States.
Their first studio album, “HEAL,” released on October 7, 2022, served as a means to reconnect with their fans after a prolonged period away from the spotlight. Woosung explained that “HEAL” was created with the intention of providing healing to their community through music, and it marked a significant turning point for the band.
The album’s 10 tracks, coupled with their world tour, allowed The Rose to deliver uplifting messages and emotional connections to their devoted fans, whom they affectionately refer to as Black Rose. “HEAL” surpassed previous records for the band, becoming their first entry into the Billboard Top Albums chart, peaking at No. 19. Additionally, it reached No. 17 on the Top Current Album Sales chart and climbed to No. 4 on the Heatseekers Album chart.
Now, The Rose is embarking on an exciting new era with their latest releases, “Back to Me” and “Alive,” both dropped on July 21. These singles mark the beginning of “DUAL,” the band’s second studio album, and showcase a fresh side of The Rose. Dojoon expressed that this era would bring out the “amusing part” of the band, an aspect influenced by their various festival performances worldwide, including upcoming sets at Lollapalooza in Chicago and Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas.
The singles aim to highlight how individuals can have a great time on their own, celebrating moments of joy and happiness through their music. Woosung described “Back to Me” as a song that evokes memories of significant moments in life, ones that people cherish and associate with the music they love.
Throughout their musical journey, The Rose’s songwriting process has evolved. While they once collaborated on every aspect of a song, they now find themselves writing lyrics and melodies individually, making the process more efficient. Nevertheless, the band still emphasizes the importance of presenting the truth in their music and conveying meaningful messages to their audience.
The Rose takes pride in their ability to bend genres and adapt with each track, and they remain committed to staying true to their sonic identity. Dojoon expressed their desire to create new sounds while preserving the essence that defines The Rose.
Through their music and experiences, The Rose has grown both as artists and as individuals. Each member acknowledges the profound impact that music has had on their lives, serving as a source of healing and self-expression. They aspire to pass this healing energy and connection to their fans, hoping to inspire and influence them positively.
Hajoon passionately stated that The Rose’s primary purpose in making music is to be there for their fans whenever they are needed, sharing the moments of human experience. Their music serves as a medium through which listeners can connect with their emotions and experiences on a personal level.
In conclusion, The Rose’s remarkable journey from their debut to their latest releases, “Back to Me” and “Alive,” showcases their growth, artistic identity, and unwavering connection with their fans. As they continue to explore new musical territories while staying true to themselves, The Rose looks forward to an even more exciting and meaningful future in the music industry.
