Se So Neon

Se So Neon (Korean: 새소년, 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]

Se So Neon
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	Indie rock psychedelic rock
Years active	2016-present
Labels	BGBG Records Magic Strawberry Sound
Members	Hwang So-yoon
Past members	Park Hyun-jin Fancy Moon Gangto U-su

History

Se So Neon was established in 2016 and began as a project band between Hwang So-yoon and Gangto. Their name, which literally translates to 'new kids' or 'new boys', was chosen by Hwang after coming across an issue of the now-defunct children's magazine Sae So Nyeon in a bookstore.^[4][5] The band became a trio when it recruited bassist Fancy Moon. In October 2017, the band released its first EP, titled 여름깃 (Summer Plumage).

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] In August 2022, the band announced the departure of U-su, citing his wish to continue activities as a solo drummer.

In February 2025, the band announced the departure of bassist Park Hyun-jin following the recording of an upcoming album.^[1]

Hwang currently resides in the United States.^[1]

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

Extended plays

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [7]
Summer Plumage (여름깃)	Released: 26 October 2017 Label: BGBG Records Formats: LP, CD, Digital download	57	—
Nonadaptation (비적응)	Released: 18 February 2020 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download	13

Singles

Title	Album details	Album
"Long Dream" (긴 꿈)	Released: 20 June 2017 Label: BGBG Records Formats: LP, CD, Digital download	Summer Plumage
"The Wave" (파도)	Released: 26 September 2017 Label: BGBG Records Formats: Digital download
"Go Back" (집에)	Released: 4 October 2019 Label: BGBG Records, Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download	Nonadaptation
"Cat (Digging Club Seoul Version)"	Released: 10 December 2019 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download	Non-album singles
"Nan Chun" (난춘)	Released: 10 May 2020 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download
"Jayu" (자유)	Released: 5 February 2021 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download
"Joke" (joke!)	Released: 23 November 2021 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download
"Kidd"	Released: 27 July 2023 Label: Magic Strawberry Sound Formats: Digital download

Awards and accolades

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref.
2016	Shinhan Card Rookie Project	—	Se So Neon	Silver	[8]
2018	Korean Music Awards	Rookie of the Year	Se So Neon	Won	[3]
		Best Rock Song	"The Wave" (파도)	Won
		Best Rock Album	Summer Plumage	Nominated	[9]
2020		Best Rock Song	"Go Back" (집에)	Nominated	[10]
2021		Best Rock Album	Nonadaptation	Nominated	[11]
		Best Rock Song	"Nan Chun" (난춘)	Nominated	[12]

Year-end lists

Publication	List	Work	Ref.
Pitchfork	The 35 Best Rock Albums of 2020	Nonadaptation	[13]
Paste	The 40 Best Rock Albums of 2020	Nonadaptation	[14]