A new sign is up for Subriot, a new live music venue in central Seoul's Haebangchon neighborhood, Feb. 11. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
By Jon Dunbar
A new live music venue is set to open its doors this weekend with a stacked lineup featuring some of Korea's most outstanding indie musicians.
A little over a month after The Studio HBC closed down, the space is reopening under new management with an intriguing new name: Subriot.
"We took over the space with the goal of expanding the underground scene and creating a fun music-focused hub in Itaewon and Haebangchon," the new owner of Subriot, who is known by the name Jay, told The Korea Times. He also runs the nearby live music pub Pet Sounds and jazz bar Boogie Woogie, both in the Gyeongnidan area.
Subriot is in a basement space underneath a CU convenience store, and next door to Rabbithole Arcade. It has a maximum capacity of 80.
After purchasing the venue from Studio owner Ryan Goessl, Jay set to work on renovations.
"It will be a completely different space from The Studio," he said. "The interior will be entirely redesigned, and we want to create a gathering place for those who enjoy exploring a wider range of music."
The opening party runs over two days this weekend. Saturday features three high-caliber bands — Adios Audio, Seoul Electric Band and Galaxy Express. Sunday features Cadejo, Yangbans and Windy City. The inclusion of Yangbans is notable because its members had been managing The Studio HBC for most of 2024, possibly bringing some form of continuity to the new venue. Doors open at 5 p.m., and both shows start at 6 p.m. Tickets cost 30,000 won in advance or 35,000 won at the door.
Stickers remain behind on the wall over the toilet from bands that have graced the stage, or at least washroom at The Studio HBC in central Seoul's Haebangchon. A new venue called Subriot has its official opening party here on Feb. 15 and 16. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Jay explained that the name Subriot is a combination of "subculture" — referring to unique, independent cultures not easily found in the mainstream — and "riot," meaning rebellion or uprising.
"It represents a community where people who appreciate valuable yet lesser-known subculture music come together to build a strong foundation. Our goal is to share these hidden musical gems with more people, ultimately expanding the audience for diverse music," Jay said. "We support and encourage the uprising — where the underground doesn’t remain underground but rises to something greater!"
Follow @subriot_hbc on Instagram for more information.
English (United States) ·