Photo/Video Credits: Windfall Entertainment

Introduction to The Rose

The Rose is a South Korean indie-rock and alternative pop band known for blending emotional depth with rich musicality. The group consists of four talented members: Kim Woosung (leader, vocals, guitar), Park Dojoon (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Lee Hajoon (drums, sub-vocals), and Lee Taegyeom (bass, sub-vocals). Starting their journey as street performers (buskers) in Hongdae, Seoul, they developed an intimate and sincere music style that contrasts with typical idol group pop sounds.

Named to symbolize “music that coexists with the beauty of flowers and the sharpness of thorns,” The Rose debuted in 2017 with the single “Sorry,” which was critically praised and made them an early standout in K-pop with a fresh rock-infused sound. They have since evolved into one of Korea’s most notable indie-rock groups, even establishing their own label, Windfall, in 2022 to maintain artistic freedom and integrity.

The Members

  • Kim Woosung: Vocalist, guitarist, and leader known for his raspy, controlled vocals and musical dexterity.
  • Park Dojoon: Vocals, guitar, keyboard; one of the founding members who helped recruit Woosung to form the complete band.
  • Lee Hajoon: Drummer and sub-vocalist; among the original trio who performed as “Windfall” before Woosung joined.
  • Lee Taegyeom (Jaehyeong): Bassist and sub-vocalist; helps anchor the band’s sound with deep rhythmic elements.

About “Trauma” Music Video and Song

“Trauma” continues The Rose’s tradition of intimate storytelling through music and visuals. The video is marked by raw, emotionally charged scenes that visually underline the song’s thematic exploration of emotional pain, vulnerability, and recovery. While specific behind-the-scenes details on the exact creative inspiration for “Trauma” are limited in current sources, the band is known for their meticulous creative process, sometimes spending weeks debating a single lyric to ensure authenticity.

The music video’s aesthetics and performance elements have drawn fan comparisons to other strong visual works in K-pop for its impactful imagery, including some viewers noting a “mud dancing” scene—interpreted by fans as symbolism for purity and resilience in the face of hardship. The video resonates with the fans’ interpretations of “rose covered in mud,” symbolizing souls stained by hardship yet still blooming beautifully.

Fans deeply appreciate The Rose’s commitment to authenticity in music and visuals. Many have expressed admiration for their artistry being “music for the art and not the charts,” highlighting that the band does not conform to typical K-pop promotional gloss but embraces natural beauty and emotional honesty—members sometimes appear with natural skin blemishes instead of heavy makeup, fostering a relatable and down-to-earth image.

The band’s history of fighting for creative control, including filing a lawsuit to terminate a contract over mismanagement, and establishing their own label to retain artistic freedom, further endears them to fans as genuine musicians rather than manufactured idols. Their devoted fanbase, known as Black Rose, praises their live performances, emotional transparency, and deep connection through lyrics.

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