Parkwon’s Shoegaze Sparkle: Youth, Freedom, and the New Wave of Korean Shoegazing

Shoegazing in Korea: A Genre Reborn

Did you know that shoegazing, a genre once overlooked in Korea, is now experiencing a vibrant renaissance? Traditionally defined by bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, shoegazing is known for its immersive soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and, yes, musicians gazing at their shoes on stage. In the past few years, Korean acts like Shin Hae Gyeong, Parannoul, TRPP, and BrokenTeeth have revived the genre with their own unique twists. Parkwon’s debut EP ‘01’ is the latest and perhaps most emotionally resonant addition to this new wave, drawing attention from both indie fans and mainstream listeners.

Parkwon: From Family Roots to Indie Stardom

Parkwon, whose real name is Park Si-eun, grew up surrounded by music. Her mother dreamed of being a musical actress and now runs a dance academy, while her siblings are also musically inclined. Parkwon’s journey began in church, singing and playing instruments, before she discovered her true calling as a singer-songwriter. Influenced by 80s and 90s Korean ballads—think Kim Dong-ryul, Yoo Jae-ha, and Panic—she developed a deep appreciation for heartfelt lyrics and melodies. However, as she matured, her musical tastes evolved, leading her to the dreamy, layered world of shoegaze.

Finding Her Voice: From Ballads to Shoegaze

Parkwon’s early dreams were shaped by her love for ballads, but she soon realized she wanted to create music that was uniquely her own. After studying composition at Dong-A Broadcasting Arts University, she began writing songs that reflected her personal experiences and emotions. Her transition to shoegaze wasn’t immediate; she experimented with vintage ballads, R&B, and pop before discovering the atmospheric allure of shoegazing through YouTube and daily album dives. The genre’s emphasis on texture, mood, and emotional depth resonated with her, inspiring her to blend her powerful vocals with the genre’s signature sound.

The Making of ‘01’: Collaboration and Creative Process

Parkwon’s EP ‘01’ features five tracks, including the double title songs ‘Fireworks’ and ‘Moon’. Notably, she collaborated with Parannoul, a leading figure in Korea’s shoegaze scene, to infuse the album with fresh ideas and arrangements. The creative process was highly collaborative: sometimes Parkwon would write lyrics first, building melodies and tracks around them; other times, her producer would craft soundscapes for her to explore vocally. Unlike typical pop, where the voice dominates, shoegaze required Parkwon to blend her vocals as another instrument within the mix—a challenge she embraced by stripping back her usual technical flourishes and focusing on emotional authenticity.

Cultural Context: Shoegaze and Korean Youth

Shoegazing’s resurgence in Korea is more than just a musical trend—it’s a reflection of youth culture’s search for freedom and self-expression. While Western shoegaze often evokes nostalgia and melancholy, Korean artists like Parkwon reinterpret the genre through a lens of hope, introspection, and subtle rebellion. The dreamy, vintage-inspired soundscapes provide a safe space for listeners to process their emotions and find solace in music. Parkwon’s choice of the stage name ‘Parkwon’ (meaning ‘park’ in Korean) symbolizes her desire to create music that feels like a public space—open, comforting, and free for all.

EP Highlights: Tracks That Shine

The EP opens with ‘Yoonseul’, a track inspired by the glimmering reflections on a park lake. Originally conceived as a piano ballad, it evolved into a shoegaze anthem after collaborating with Parannoul. ‘Fireworks’, the lead single, captures the fleeting beauty and explosive energy of youth, with layers of noise and rhythm mimicking the spectacle of fireworks. ‘Moon’ stands out for its poetic lyrics and spontaneous composition, while ‘Close Your Eyes’ offers a message of renewal and hope, ending with the line: ‘Tonight I die here, tomorrow I am born again’. The final track, ‘01’, serves as an epilogue, recorded in a single take to preserve its raw, diary-like intimacy.

Fan Reactions and Community Buzz

Parkwon’s fresh take on shoegazing has sparked lively discussions across Korean music blogs and communities. Fans praise her ability to blend emotional vocals with dreamy instrumentals, noting that her music feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Comments on YouTube and Naver highlight the way her voice becomes an instrument, seamlessly merging with the swirling guitars and ambient textures. Some longtime shoegaze fans were initially skeptical, but many have come to appreciate her unique approach, seeing it as a bridge between classic shoegaze and modern Korean indie.

Shoegazing as Freedom: Parkwon’s Artistic Philosophy

For Parkwon, shoegazing is more than a genre—it’s a philosophy of freedom. She describes the act of losing oneself in music as a form of liberation, where even the simple act of looking down at one’s shoes becomes a gateway to inner peace. Unlike the high-energy chaos of festivals, shoegaze offers a quieter, more introspective kind of freedom. Parkwon’s journey has been about letting go of technical perfection and embracing vulnerability, both in her music and her life.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Parkwon and Korean Shoegaze

With the release of ‘01’, Parkwon has established herself as a leading voice in Korea’s new shoegaze movement. She expresses a desire to remain genre-fluid, exploring whatever sounds resonate with her at the moment. As shoegazing continues to gain traction among young Korean listeners, Parkwon’s blend of vintage influences, emotional storytelling, and innovative collaborations is likely to inspire a new generation of indie musicians. If you’re curious about the future of Korean music, keep your eyes—and ears—on Parkwon.

Fun Fact: The Canvas Sneaker Choice

When asked what shoes she’d wear for a shoegaze performance, Parkwon chose classic canvas sneakers, saying they make her feel most comfortable and free. It’s a fitting metaphor for her approach to music: grounded, authentic, and ready to walk her own path.