The Female Artists Pioneering Neo K-Pop

Neo K-Pop is a budding genre established by SUMIN, a South Korean singer who has produced for artists like Red Velvet and BTS. Sumin’s sound fuses elements of K-Pop with hip-hop, electronic, and bass and this innovation can be witnessed in many other Korean solo artists, many of who are also women. Chances are, you’ve already heard songs that encompass this combination of different sonic textures, but if you’re looking to further explore this new music craze, check out the female artists below who are embracing this eclectic sound and taking the Korean music industry to new heights.

SUMIN

SUMIN has been bridging the gap between K-Pop and indie music for a while now and her work encompasses her multiple artistic talents, from sound designing to art directing to singing. From collaborating with Korean artists who span genres and penning unique songs for herself, she has created a new distinct sound that has been recognized enough to get her featured on Apple Music. Her latest release is a mini-album entitled XX that further paints a portrait of her futuristic and experimental musical tastes. Her unprecedented and singular approach to music has earned her respect in many regards, so give Neo K-Pop a chance by starting with SUMIN.

MISO

Everyone knows DEAN is the king of Korean R&B, but for a while now he has been promoting work from his label you.will.knovv. MISO is a talented female composer and musician signed to Dean’s label. Four years after her first solo single “Take Me,” she finally released a follow up single called “Alone” which definitely earns her a spot on the list. Though she has the same crooning, soulful sound as other R&B singers, she also uses the innovative qualities of storytelling, strong hip-hop beats, and ballad-like singing to create a dreamy listening experience that is hard to come by. 

Lim Kim

Lim Kim broke boundaries and demonstrated pride in her Korean heritage with her “Generasian” project in late 2019. A standout from this EP is the hip-hop fused electronic song “Yellow” which is accompanied by a music video that encompasses both modern and classic Korean culture. Leaving no genre untouched, her music dips in different sounds while still centering on her own stories and experiences. Not limiting herself to the world of K-Pop, she doesn’t mind getting raw and delivering an empowering message while trying out sounds of rock, hip-hop, and pop.

SURAN

Though pretty well recognized in the Korean R&B scene, SURAN is an artist whose work  doesn’t shy away from trying new things. Signed to hip-hop label MILLION MARKET, she has ventured outside of just traditional R&B and hip-hop sounds. With successful OSTs like “Into the Abyss” and collaborations with huge artists like SUGA, SURAN has proven that she’s capable of both mainstream and underground success. Her single “Surfin” is a perfect example of her ability to make music that can’t be limited to one homogenous sound while also holding the same addictive power as well known K-Pop music. 

sogumm

sogumm is signed to Jay Park’s AOMG label, and though she is more underrated than some of the bigger names on the label, her sound is definitely a fusion of genres that one wouldn’t find in more mainstream songs. She also happens to be a member of the alternative band Balming Tiger, proving she has no limits when it comes to crafting songs from more popular and more lowkey genres. A lowkey and creative force, her discography is a tasteful yet interesting rollercoaster ride that will leave you wanting more for sure. 

As music becomes less confined by genre, Neo K-Pop is definitely a sign of the future. With every sound under the sun, these female artists have passionately evoked their own unique experiences into the music they make and shown promise for what’s to come from both solo artists and groups in the future.