Busker Busker

South Korean indie trio Busker Busker achieved nationwide prominence in 2011 through their appearance on the talent competition Superstar K3, ultimately placing second. Their melodic and relaxed folk-pop style attracted a broad listenership after the 2012 release of the hit single “Cherry Blossom Ending,” followed by two albums, before the group entered an indefinite hiatus in 2013.

Jang Beom-jun, serving as singer, songwriter, and guitarist, established the band in Cheonan, the city that houses Sangmyung University. His vision centered on building a multidisciplinary art collective drawn largely from college students who would stage performances throughout the area and organize modest street festivals. Over time a stable core emerged with bassist Kim Hyung-tae and drummer Brad Moore, an American then residing in South Korea. Although additional musicians participated initially, the lineup contracted to a trio for the Superstar K audition.

After an early elimination, Busker Busker received another opportunity when one of the original Top 10 acts withdrew. Capitalizing on the opening, the trio became one of the season’s standout contestants and reached the finale against Ulala Session, the eventual winners. Following a promotional tour tied to the show, they recorded their debut album. Fronted by the romantic single “Cherry Blossom Ending,” Busker Busker 1: Finish topped the Gaon Album Chart, with every track also appearing on both the K-Pop Hot 100 and the Gaon Digital Chart. Three months afterward came the EP Busker Busker 1st Wrap-Up Album, featuring further material from those sessions, all composed by Jang. Once their agreement with CJ E&M Music concluded, the band moved to Chungchun Music and issued Busker Busker 2nd Album in September 2013. Though less dominant than the first release, it still reached number one on the Gaon chart and produced the hit single “Love, At First.” Within months the members announced a hiatus to pursue individual work; Jang has since issued a trio of popular solo albums.