Hollow Jan formed in Seoul in 2003. They build heavy dynamics on top of the lyrical sound of post-rock and put screamed vocals at the centre. Their progressive song structures cross genre lines, and the result is music rarely heard in Korea.

After a self-titled demo in 2004, the band were selected as one of the “hidden masters” of Ssamzie Sound Festival and released the EP Hyacinthus Orientalis of Purple the following year. Their debut album Rough Draft in Progress, released in December 2006, won Best Rock Album at the 5th Korean Music Awards in 2008, where the band were also nominated for Album of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Best Rock Song.

Their second album Day Off (2014) was nominated for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Song. The same year they played the SXSW showcase in Austin, and they have appeared regularly at major Korean festivals including Jisan Valley Rock Festival and Pentaport Rock Festival. Confusion (2023), their first EP in nine years, was nominated for Best Metal & Hardcore Album at the 2024 Korean Music Awards. The UK hardcore and screamo label Dog Knights Productions reissued the first and second albums in 2022 and 2025, building the band an audience in Europe.

2026 was the year the band’s reach widened. In August they returned to Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, then set off straight away on their first European tour, the Eastern Shadow Tour 2026, across four French cities. At Motocultor Festival they shared the bill with Judas Priest, Within Temptation, Arch Enemy and Emperor. Back in Korea they have continued with Zandari Festa, Block Party and Festival The Sub.

The current line-up is Im Hwantaek (vocals), Lee Kwangjae, Kim Kyungchan and Ahn Seonghoon (guitars), Jung Wooyong (bass) and Choi Hyunjin (drums). Ahn Seonghoon joined the French tour as a touring guitarist and became a full member afterwards, giving the band its three-guitar line-up.

Hollow Jan are preparing their third album for release in 2027 and a second European tour for May–June 2027. Every year they also play benefit shows, donating the proceeds to Save the Children.