With the recent controversies coming to light in Korea, I wanted to take the time to highlight some of the powerful ladies that have been speaking out for all women lately. I think that we need a little girl power right now, and the following ladies have been changing the narrative in a patriarchal Korea with their releases.

“No” - CLC

Considered the new feminist anthem in Korea, CLC’s “No” is a powerful song refuting the beauty standards placed on women. Openly refusing to conform to what is considered beautiful, the girls sing of expressing their own unique personalities above these expectations and other traditional adjectives used to describe women such as “pure,” “cute,” or “sexy.” No other song quite hypes up the unique personalities of each woman like this song.

“Bad Girl Good Girl” - miss A

Ahead of their time, miss A’s debut track was an early expression of female empowerment that showed the strong side women have to offer. Unapologetically confident in their self expression, the girls sing of the ridiculous accusations that some men give to women who choose to dress a certain way. Still at the pinnacle of female empowerment, “Bad Girl Good Girl” will certainly make you feel powerful in who you are.

“Roll Deep” - HyunA

Who better to list in the aid of female empowerment than the queen of it herself? HyunA has always been unapologetic about her own feminine expression, and no song showcases that better than “Roll Deep.” With a bold statement of “you are you, I am me” and “you can’t touch me, don’t touch me,” HyunA emphasizes that she isn’t to be judged or objectified.

“Dalla Dalla” - ITZY

A new group on the scene, ITZY is setting the standard on individuality by refusing to be put into a box. “Dalla Dalla” sings of being yourself and not caring what others think about it. The song screams self-confidence and the importance of uniqueness and is a bold expression of both concepts.

“Butterfly” - LOONA

LOONA’s empowerment comes in a bit of a different form from the others. “Butterfly” is a song about spreading your wings and flying high, rather than focusing on personality or fighting beauty standards. “Butterfly” is also considered to be a cultural revelation due to the music video, which features women from all around the world in a positive light. It’s hard not to feel genuinely moved by the beautiful piece, which, despite being softer than the previously mentioned tracks, is just as empowering.