The competition is heating up for the ‘TOP 10’ super rookies vying for a spot on the stage of the 2026 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival! This year, the excitement is even higher as the opportunity to perform on the Pentaport stage has been expanded to all TOP10 teams, a significant increase from the previous TOP6.
According to Incheon City on the 16th, the Incheon Penta Super Rookie TOP30 finals were held today at the Global Campus Performance Hall in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon.
The first stage was graced by Asian Spice House. They reinterpret traditional Asian music with a band sound. Their song ‘Echoes’ blended vocalist Rafina’s unique tone with dreamy instrumentation, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a foreign travel destination. Rafina, the vocalist, shared, “It’s unbelievable to have made it this far with such amazing teams. As we’re in the TOP30, I hope for a great outcome.”
Taking the second stage, Ginajik showcased powerful shouting and explosive electronic sounds with their track ‘Bad Room.’ The fast beats, raw rhythms, and explosive climax completely captivated the audience.
Beirut Taxi, who previously performed on the Pentaport Third Stage in 2024, delivered powerful psychedelic rock sounds with their song ‘KIWI.’ ‘KIWI’ captures the image of people living suppressed in their repetitive daily lives. They expressed, “It feels liberating to have poured everything we prepared onto the stage. We’re looking forward to a good result.”
Ureukgwa Punggakjaengideul, who reconfigure traditional Korean music into a modern band sound, revealed their unique musical color on stage with ‘5.’ Contrasting elements like traditional rhythms (jangdan) and post-rock, taepyeongso (Korean traditional wind instrument) and saxophone, blended naturally to create their distinctive sound.
The five-member alternative band Nyteh (나이테) performed their song ‘Finn.’ Inspired by a character from the British drama ‘Peaky Blinders,’ the song explores the emotions of youth who pretend to be strong but have an immature inner self, conveyed through raw sounds and a sensual progression. Vocalist Kim Woojin shared, “I can’t believe we’ve made it this far. I was nervous, but I thoroughly enjoyed the stage.”
The band Sanbo, formed by friends who attended high school and university together, added indie sensibilities to their rock and metal-based sound. With their song ‘Gosang,’ they sensually expressed the complex emotions of youth through refreshing instrumentation and Yoon Ahbin’s captivating vocals.
Peach Truck Hijackers are a four-member post-punk/garage band formed by friends who met at design school. On stage, they unleashed explosive energy with their song ‘Fuck You,’ featuring raw guitar and powerful drum sounds.
Judge Kim Doheon commented, “This year, many teams with impressive award histories and experience have participated, making the competition fiercer than ever. We focused on evaluating how much energy and vitality they showed on stage.”
Meanwhile, the 21st Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, hosted by Incheon City and co-organized by Incheon Tourism Organization and Gyeonggi Ilbo, will take place from July 31st to August 2nd at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park.
