I don’t remember how I discovered the British-invasion-inspired band HOA, but I was confused when I came across one of the group’s 2024 singles, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow (I Love You).” The music sounded uncannily like the Beatles and the band even looked like them.
In the video, HOA are huddled together in a cramped living room, pink and green floral curtains behind them. The drummer sits behind a simple snare drum and high hat, the lead guitarist playing what appears to be a red Gretsch sitting on the couch, the rhythm guitarist on acoustic, and the bassist playing what looks like a Höfner violin bass.
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But one distinctive factor: they are Korean. Were they lipsynching? They sounded so Beatles-like, with those early-’60s melodic harmonies and tight musicianship. It turns out, no, they were not lipsynching at all.
Kim Kyumock (keyboard & second guitar), Jeong Jongbeom (drums), Kim Hwi (lead guitar), and Lim Jinhwa (bass & vocals) formed HOA — which in Korean roughly means, “a me who can be liked” — something we can all relate to — in 2015, and since then have released a mix of original songs such as “Push Man,” “I Don’t Know Why,” and, most recently, “Don’t Be A Loser.” They also release damn good Beatles cover songs, from “If I Fell” to “Hey Jude,” as well as covers of other Brit Pop bands.
“The sound of that era, as I hear it now…is incredibly fascinating,” says Kyumock. “It feels wonderfully vintage yet undeniably sophisticated — a captivating blend of classic and trendy elements.”
HOA’s Beatles covers have modest viewership on YouTube, but their original songs have tens of thousands of views.
“Many people have said this is music they can enjoy with their grandfather and father,” says Jinhwa. “Imagining multiple generations dancing and singing together in one place through our music makes me incredibly happy.”
The band had its first overseas performance at Jakarta’s Lalala Festival last year and plans on touring more in 2025, along with releasing more singles before doing a full-length album.
“If Paul or Ringo were to come across our videos, I’d be delighted,” says Kyumock. “It would be wonderful to remind them they are still revered and influential musicians among younger generations here in East Asia.”
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