In the music video for her 2018 single "Woman," BoA, the "Queen of K-pop," enters the scene walking upside down. Poised and commanding, BoA's posture conveys a majestic confidence — she's dauntless and defying gravity.
"No comparing, I shine just as I am/ I'm beautiful enough/To be a woman," she sings in the opening verse. "In a stylish and modern picture/ I'm enjoying this adventure/ A true woman.
It's a galvanizing anthem of self-love, encouraging women to own their identities and practice sorority to encourage change. BoA's message resonates deeply, especially considering the ways the K-pop industry often places rigid standards and limitations on its female artists.
BoA is just one of a handful of K-pop soloists who are taking the rains of their artistry and motivating others to do the same. These artists are shattering the glass ceiling, establishing music labels, and consistently breaking records to create new paradigms in K-pop.
In celebration of Women's History Month, get to know 15 inspiring K-pop soloists who are revolutionizing the K-pop landscape.
BoA
Contemporary K-pop cannot be considered without BoA's cultural influence. Entering the industry at only 13 years old, the artist born Kwon Bo-ah debuted in September 2000 under the wing of SM Entertainment with the album ID; Peace B.
She forged ahead in Japan's music market, breaking barriers — especially if we consider the fragile diplomatic relationship between both countries — and making history as the first Korean artist to reign at No.1 in the Oricon Charts.
She also became one of the first Korean artists to venture into the American market, releasing her debut English single, "Eat You Up," in 2008 and starring in the film Make Your Move. By the time of her seventh Korean album, Only One, BoA was wielding creative control over her oeuvre and was creating her own compositions.
Her performance was also unique. The choreography of "Only One" is a staple piece in her repertoire, as it includes a section where she dances with a partner, and some of the magnetic performers in K-pop — SHINee's Taemin, Eunhyuk from Super Junior, Hwang Minhyun, TVXQ's Yunho, Ten from NCT and WayV, to name a few — have shared the stage with her.
It's a combative spirit, an overflowing versatility, superb dancing skills and a honeyed voice that makes BoA a complete artist. In perfect alignment with Women's History Month, BoA will deliver her next project March 26.
IU
If you want to understand IU's impact in the Korean music industry, check the South Korean charts. Chances are, when IU has a project, she will be immovable at the top with not just one song, but several.
The world first met IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) at age 15 with her debut mini-album, Lost and Found, and its titular song, "Lost Child," a striking ballad built on yearning. IU's popularity only increased, as did praise for her unique vocal technique and artistic range. So, when she dropped her prismatic third studio album in 2013, Modern Times, it was clear that IU had grown into an unstoppable force. At the same time, she flourished as an actress, embodying complex characters that displayed her histrionic capability.
IU welcomed her 30s with a revamped mindset, understanding that it's best to enjoy life unrestrained. Her latest EP, The Winning (released on Feb. 20), symbolizes this passage. To the delight of her international fans, she recently embarked on her first world tour, which will wrap up in the U.S. with six-sold out concerts.
Taeyeon
Timeless and graceful are just a couple of words that could describe Kim Taeyeon, once the best-selling female K-pop soloist and the leader of the history-making act, Girls' Generation. Her powerful, yet heartwarming voice naturally adapts to any composition while always maintaining its character.
In 2007, Taeyeon debuted as a member of Girls' Generation, a girl group who were key players in the diffusion of the Hallyu Wave (the cultural torrent that globalized the South Korean entertainment industry). Her star began to burn even brighter with the release of her first EP, I, in 2015. Subsequent releases, such as her studio debut album My Voice, her fourth Korean EP What Do I Call You, and her third studio album INVU, cemented her status as one of the greatest singers in the K-pop sphere.
At the end of 2023, Taeyeon released her fifth mini-album, To.X, its title track conveying sentiments of breaking away from a waning and toxic relationship.
Younha
Younha's career has been a process of rapid movements. Once ignored by South Korean agencies who deemed her not "pretty enough," she subverted expectations by achieving mainstream recognition in both South Korea and Japan. Her weapons? Her piano, an unwavering determination and her songwriting mastery.
Raised by artist parents, Younha's love for music was present from an early age. After several rejections, she tried her luck in Japan, a decision that brought her an impressive outcome; she was even called the "Oricon Comet" for cracking the top spots of the Japanese chart. Back in her home country, she also broke into the Top 10 on local music charts with songs like "Unacceptable" and a re-imagined version of "Umbrella," featuring Tablo from Epik High.
Though not everything has been smooth-sailing for Younha, as she had to face a legal battle with her former label. Still, the storm passed. In 2022, Younha released the viral hit "Event Horizon," a touching composition that dominated the Circle Digital Chart, South Korea’s most notable music ranking.
Lee Hyori
Lee Hyori debuted in 1998 as the leader of the Fink.L, a first-gen girl group. But by 2003, Lee Hyori's name was everywhere in South Korea. That summer, she debuted as a soloist with Stylish…, led by the R&B-infused track "10 minutes." The record, along with her sensual and magnetic stage presence, propelled her popularity and trailblazer status.
Lee Hyori is the architect of her discography. She employed her own compositions and lyrics prominently in her last two productions: 2015's Monochrome and 2017's Black. Both releases were more developed and riskier musically, flirting with different genres without losing cohesion.
Following the success of Stylish…, Hyori also began branching out into acting, TV hosting and guest appearances in variety shows.
Uhm Junghwa
Uhm Junghwa has created a long-standing queendom of brilliance. Over three decades, she has developed a chameleonic identity that easily navigates and dominates different genres and forms.
Her first steps in the music industry could be considered lukewarm to some extent, but she experienced a boost with the release of her second studio album, Uhm Jung Hwa 2. Uhm Junghwa early shared her sensual image in the music video for lead single, "Sad Expectation," and has continued expanding throughout the years. Other singles, such as "Rose of Betrayal," a dance-heavy number that calls out a treacherous lover, and the mega-hit "Invitation," reinforced this artistic direction.
By 2010, her impact in the Korean entertainment industry was undeniable, as she built a prosperous acting career and as a soloist. While thyroid cancer prompted her to put suspensive dots on her music ventures, she made a triumphant comeback in 2017 with her tenth full-length album, The Cloud Dream Of The Nine.
CL
Born Lee Chaerin, "The Baddest Female" CL first rose to prominence during K-pop's second generation as the leader and main rapper of the celebrated quartet 2NE1. Rounded out by Dara, Minzy and Park Bom, 2NE1 shifted the perception about women in K-pop with bold and empowering tunes.
While still promoting with her group, CL also stepped into the solo spotlight in 2013. Her spirited single, "The Baddest Female," confidently declared, "I'm a queen bee, I'm the heroine."
She later released "Hello Bitches" and "Lifted," the latter being her debut single in the United States. But in 2017, 2NE1 disbanded and CL remained under YG Entertainment until 2019. In a power move, CL founded her own entertainment company called Very Cherry in 2020, aiming to reclaim her solo career that stalled due to mismanagements from both her American and Korean representatives. To much expectation, CL finally dropped her first studio album, Alpha, in 2021.
Sunmi
Sunmi's creative lexicon is synonymous with daydreaming, immersing listeners to her eclectic soundworld developed over two decades. Her first steps were taken as part of Wonder Girls, the first Korean act to break into Billboard's Hot 100, before reaching an eventual hiatus in 2010 to focus on her education.
Sunmi continued honing her skills stealthily until 2013, when she debuted solo with the digital single "24 Hours." The song, later included in the haunting 2014 EP Full Moon, illustrated Sunmi's evolution into a more mature and captivating artist.
She would also return to Wonder Girls in 2015 for their final chapter and celebrated full-length album Reboot, and the digital singles "Why So Lonely'' and "Draw Me." When the group dissolved in 2017, Sunmi signed with MAKEUS Entertainment and soon dropped "Gashina," an eccentric and vivacious record.
Always the innovator, Sunmi shapeshifted again with a template called "Sunmi-pop." She works with throwback inspirations, taking sonic textures mostly from the '80s, and combining them with modern pop to bring vivid compositions. Take, for example, the scintillating instrumental or "Siren," or "ppporappippam" and all its synth-pop thrill. With Sunmi, we never know what to expect, and yet, once a new release unveils, we can't help but conclude, "it is very her."
Jung Eunji
Jung Eunji is one of the most gifted vocalists in the K-pop industry with a wide-ranging tessitura. A member of Apink, one of the few active second generation girl groups, Eunji went solo in 2016. Her debut EP, Dream, is a tender and melancholic production that contrasts with Apink's glimmering beats.
She refined this particular style on mini-albums The Space and Hyehwa, which were filled with a subtle hopefulness. Her most recent solo offering, Log, was a remake album released in November 2022.
Eunji has been focused on other aspects of her artistry beyond music. She earned a special place in people's hearts with her stellar performance in the television drama "Reply 1997," where she played an avid K-pop fan named Sung Shiwon. The role would mark a before and an after in Eunji's career, as she received critical acclaim and bagged several awards.
Ailee
With the goal of making music her profession, Denver-born Ailee moved South Korea in 2010. Her rich, warm vocal stylings were noticed almost immediately, landing her a record deal with YMC Entertainment, where she began preparing her debut as soloist with the single "Heaven." Just as she bewitched her recruiters, Ailee's talent percolated through the ears of listeners who eagerly embraced her music. Because listening to her sing is feeling the heart invaded with a myriad of emotions simultaneously.
Over the years, she has lent her voice to soundtracks of famous South Korean dramas and collaborated with an impressive roster of artists. Her discography currently stands at six EPs and four studio albums (including 2022's Amy, recorded entirely in English), most productions received awards that highlighted her vocal abilities.
Heize
"I hope I won't be like a diva," singer/songwriter Heize said in an interview, referring to her never losing touch with reality and always being humble. It's fitting, as she exudes an irresistible genuineness while inhabiting a duality of voice. When she raps, her tone hardens without losing its glacé, and her singing is mellifluous.
Heize was a semifinalist on the second season of famous reality rap show "Unpretty Rapstar" and earned popularity for her unique artistry. Treating "her songs as a diary," Heize's lyrics often detail love stories with distinct endings. She also has contributed to soundtracks of popular South Korean dramas, including "You Are Cold" from the Netflix-helmed series "It's Ok Not To Be Ok" and "Round and Round" from "Goblin: The Lonely and Great God." Heize is currently signed under P Nation, a music label founded by K-pop legend Psy.
Yerin Baek
Known for her evocative voice and raw lyricism, Yerin Baek entered the spotlight in 2007 by participating in the reality show "Amazing Contest Star King," which led her to sign with the industry juggernaut JYP Entertainment. There, she trained for seven years prior to her debut as one-half of the K-pop duo 15& alongside Jimin Park.
In 2015, Yerin Baek released her first mini album EP, Frank, succeeded by a string of digital singles, collaborations with other Korean artists, and soundtrack features, including the ballad "Here I Am Again" from the popular Korean drama, "Crash Landing On You." Shortly after revealing Our Love Is Great, her second EP, in March 2019, Yerin Baek left JYP Entertainment and established her label Blue Vinyl, which also houses Baek's rock band The Volunteers.
There are few women in K-pop at the helm of their own company, which allows Yerin Baek more agency over her craft. Without her image controlled or suppressed, she has an extensive artistic freedom rare for female musicians.
Lee Hi
Lee Hi has embraced the limelight since her teenage years, enticing listeners with her soulful vocals. At 16, she placed second on the televised competition, "K-pop Star 1," and shortly after, she joined the ranks of YG Entertainment (home to BLACKPINK). Her debut was a jazz-infused single, "1, 2, 3, 4."
Lee Hi's work comes at a steady but selective pace, with productions typically arriving in two or three years intervals. Her debut album, First Love, arrived in 2013, and her second studio album, Seoulite, followed three years later under YG's subsidiary HIGHGRND.
The sophomore effort was led by "Breathe," a poignant ballad written and composed by SHINee's Jonghyun. The track reached the No.1 on the South Korean charts, and Lee Hi would perform it at the 32nd Golden Disk Awards as a tribute for Jonghyun, who passed away in November 2017.
In 2019, Lee Hi released her first EP, 24°C, the last project of her career backed by YG Entertainment, before moving to the R&B label AOMG that same year.
Chung Ha
An alum of the extinct reality competition "Produce 101" and former member of the popular yet temporary girl group I.O.I, Chung Ha has enchanted the K-pop world with her beautiful stage presence since day one.
Following I.O.I's disbandment at the beginning of 2017, she took a leap of faith by choosing to be a soloist instead of joining another group — and debuted with her first mini-album, Hands on Me. But ChungHa's watershed moment arrived with "Roller Coaster," the lead single from her second EP Offset, where she sings about an electrifying love.
Her first full-length album, Querencia, was diverse, even releasing a duet with Puerto Rican singer Guaynaa called "Demente," completely sung in Spanish. In 2022, she released her second LP, Bare and Rare, before parting ways with her then-agency MNH Entertainment.
What followed was a quiet period where she pondered about her next move. In a guest appearance at MBC's "Point of Omniscient Interfere," ChungHa confessed she considered studying abroad and staying away from industry due to burnout. But following the advice of Korean American rapper Jay Park, she ended up signing with his label More Vision. After almost two years, she released the single album EENIE MEENIE in March 2024, its title track featuring ATEEZ's Hongjoong.
BIBI
The youngest member of this list at 25, BIBI is a rising star in Korean music known for her nonchalant poise and carefree musicality. Emerging outside the borders of K-pop's training system, her songwriting skills caught the attention of the Korean hip-hop legend Yoon Mirae, who recruited her to be part of Tiger JK's label Feel Ghood Music.
BIBI's catalog — two extended plays and one full-length — is peppered with existential tales of love and afflictions, and she doesn't shy away from speaking her mind. It's a formula that has resonated with local and global listeners, who fall for the charm of her authenticity. At the tail end of 2023, BIBI joined forces with Becky G to release the provocative, multilingual collaboration, "Amigos," and most recently, her single "Bam Yang Gang" swept the South Korean Charts.
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