Boost Your Confidence This Women’s Day with These Girl Bosses
Being bold and showing off sex appeal and confidence is simply part of the music industry in the west while in South Korea, female artists are expected to be sexy but in a soft, innocent, and bubbly way. Celebrating female strength, being badass, and showing the world that no one can tell them who to be, these artists are breaking down some of the typical Asian female stereotypes by being loud about who they are.
Everyone has their ups and downs in life, but the ladies of this non-exhaustive list are not afraid to stay true to themselves on and off stage. So if you need some empowerment for this upcoming International Women’s Day, blast some of these bops to boost your self-esteem, and realize that you are also a wonder woman, the girlboss of your life. Be fierce, be powerful, and most importantly, no matter what people say, just be yourself!
HyunA - “Lip & Hip”
HyunA has been recognized as a confident performer even as a member of the girl group 4Minute and has been showing off her desire to be free and powerful ever since “Bubble Pop.” In her 2017 “Lip & Hip” comeback, she embraced her intimacy and clearly let people know that she is not taking any judgment for who she is, proving that women are also allowed to be sexy and fierce without being called names. The song might be around four years old, but it is still just as powerful and confidence boosting as ever. Her latest releases “I’m Not Cool” and “GOOD GIRL” are also a great fit for a power-woman playlist.
CL - “HELLO B*TCHES”
2NE1 was known to be one of the boldest girl groups up until their 2016 disbandment and CL booked herself a place on the baddest K-Pop artist list with her solo debut single “The Baddest Female.” In “HELLO B*TCHES,” she proves that she is not afraid to be straight forward and show the world who’s the boss. Her 2019 return “Name of Love” is also full of bops that spread awareness of self-confidence and putting your happiness as a priority.
Jessi - “Who Dat B”
The self-made rapper is truly unapologetic and open about her hardships and the negativity she receives. But she keeps her goals, accomplishments, and most importantly, staying true to herself in the focus. All of Jessi’s releases could make this list, so searching an All-Jessi-playlist might not be a bad idea when you are in need of some straightforward badass anthems. “Who Dat B” is one of those songs that will give you the courage to stop caring about what people think about you and a nice little push to stay strong.
MAMAMOO - “HIP”
MAMAMOO and the four members Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa are definitely known for being a fierce group of girls. Their song “HIP” is somewhat of a diss to the media and society for placing uncomfortable expectations and pressure on female idols. In the corresponding music video, the members show that women can be whoever they want to be—be it a president, director, or a rockstar—without being questioned or pigeonholed for it.
Sunmi - “LALALAY”
Sunmi’s 2019 comeback is still iconic in the way she confidently told the world that she is not bothered by what people are calling her. Although negative comments get to all of us, in “LALALAY'' she points out the hypocrisy in other’s hatred by showing in the music video that those who were pointing at her end up just copying her. She refuses to go the way society tells her, showing everyone that she has the power to choose her own way.
Chungha - “Dream of You”
Chungha has shown a strong stage presence ever since her Produce 101 appearance, but through her solo debut she was able to show her true colors and different sides as an artist. “Dream of You”, Chungha’s house-pop collaboration with Moroccan-Dutch producer R3hab, is a song filled with bold and seductive lyrics without any remorse, and deserves to be on every badass playlist. In this song, she represents a confident woman who is not afraid to own her sexuality and talk about her desires.
As female artists are finally getting more and more empowered, this list could go on forever. We should also mention AleXa with her unique and bold concept in “Do Or Die,” which is about fighting for your dreams, ITZY’s “WANNABE” that encourages listeners to embrace who they are, and CLC’s “No” that literally says no to those who want to tell them what would make them more beautiful.
Happy International Women’s Day! Don’t forget to be bold and be you!