Seven K-Pop Queens Over 30
In K-Pop, we’re mostly told about the newest groups and solo artists who are just beginning their careers. However, we must not forget the women who are still killing it in the industry. For these artists, age is just a number and is not an indicator for the end of a music career—or anything else for that matter. With so many women in the K-Pop industry, the queens who've put in years of dedication to their craft continue to shine, many who paved the way and inspired the current generation of female artists. Check out these seven K-Pop Queens that deserve endless support!
Jessi
Jessica Ho, stage named Jessi, launched her solo debut at 17-years-old by performing her title track “Get Up” in 2005. In her entire career, she has participated in multiple groups like Uptown, Lucky J, Unnies, and of course Refund Sisters—showcasing both her rapping and singing skills. She’s also participated in programs like Unpretty Rapstar and Sister’s Slam Dunk, where we learned more about her rap style and personal life. After signing with PSY’s agency, P NATION, Jessi has released songs like “Who Dat B, “NUNU NANA,” and “What Type of X,” where she continues to display her bad-ass confidence and energy.
Uhm Junghwa
At the age of 24, Uhm Junghwa released her first album, Sorrowful Secret, with its lead single “Pupil” in 1993. Since then, she’s displayed her visual beauty and chic aura in every performance she gives. With popular hits like “Poison,” “Rose of Betrayal,” and “Invitation,” she’s left a legacy of music that’s led her to be known as an inspiration and influence for female artists today. Currently under APOP Entertainment, she’s released a collection of songs like “Ending Credit” and “Watch Me Move.” In October 2020, she participated in a project group called Refund Sisters, featuring other talented K-Pop artists Lee Hyori, Jessi, and Hwasa of MAMAMOO. Their song “Don’t Touch Me” received an abundance of support online, with over 11 million views on YouTube for their music video. Uhm Junghwa later released a song featuring DPR LIVE and Refund Sisters member Hwasa called “Hop In,” which radiates hot girl energy and embraces her sensual side.
BoA
BoA, the Queen of SM Entertainment, debuted at just 13-years-old with her debut album and single, ID; Peace B, in 2000. BoA is one of the most well-known women in the industry with her discography ranging with Korean, Japanese, and English tracks. In the two decades of her career, there’s no doubt or question about her radiant and charming appeal that’s captured the attention of fans both young and old. She’s released powerful songs like “Only One,” “Amazing Kiss,” and “Eat You Up.” In her track “Woman,” she performs upside down at the beginning of her performance, shocking and exciting fans with such a unique and memorable move. She returned for her tenth album, Better, in 2020, bringing back a classic ‘90s vibe to her title track. She even briefly appeared at the end of aespa’s “Black Mamba” music video.
Brown Eyed Girls
The four women of Brown Eyed Girls—Gain, Narsha, Miryo, and JeA—debuted as a group in 2006 with their single “Come Closer.” As a group, they’ve released memorable singles that amplify their independent women concepts like “Abracadabra,” “Sixth Sense,” and “Kill Bill.” Beyond the activities as a group, each member has released a solo track to showcase their own unique styles and charms. With Narsha’s “Bbi Ri Bba Bba,” Miryo’s “Dirty,” Gain’s “Irreversible,” and JeA’s “While You’re Sleeping,” each member has displayed a variety of genres outside their group activities. In 2019, fans were surprised to hear of Brown Eyed Girls’ comeback, “Wonder Woman,” under APOP Entertainment. Their music video featured various drag queens where fans gave B.E.G endless support for breaking the conservative standards in K-Pop. In March 2021, they even celebrated their fifteenth anniversary as a group with a special message on Twitter. Though they don't promote often, it's a blessing to have them in the industry at all.
Park Bom
Park Bom made her debut as a member of YG Entertainment’s girl group 2NE1 in 2006 with their hit single, “Fire.” As the main vocalist of the group, she stood out with her one-of-a-kind vocals that left you in awe of her raw talent. Her earlier solo tracks “Don’t Cry” and “You and I” were both emotional tracks that gave her success outside of group activities. She even lent her voice to tracks with BIGBANG’s T.O.P and G-DRAGON like “Oh Yeah.” After 2NE1’s unfortunate disbandment in 2017, Park Bom continued to pursue her solo career and signed with D-Nation Entertainment. In 2019, she released a variety of tracks like “Spring” and “4:44,” as well as participated in QUEENDOM, where she released her song “Wanna Go Back.” Just days ago, Park Bom returned after two years with “Do Re Mi Fa Sol,” and is continuing to thrive as a solo artist.
Yubin
Under JYP Entertainment, Yubin made her debut in the girl group Wonder Girls in 2007 as the main rapper. She participated in Wonder Girls for over ten years despite lineup changes as time went on. Yubin also participated as a contestant on Unpretty Rapstar season two in 2015, where fans got to see her rap experience outside of Wonder Girls. In 2017, Wonder Girls released their final song "Draw Me," as they were to disband later that year, where Yubin remained at JYPE for solo activities. She released three songs—"Dosiyeoja," "Thank You Soooo Much," and "Silent Movie"—before departing from JYPE to create her own agency, rrr Entertainment, in 2020. She has since released "Yaya (Me Time)" and "Perfume,” making them the first two songs she’s released at her own agency. Yubin is making big moves in the industry as a CEO and artist.
Taeyeon
SM Entertainment's very own Taeyeon made her debut in the top girl group of second-generation artists, Girls' Generation, in 2007 with the song "Into the New World." Besides being the leader and main vocalist for her group, she is also associated with group projects like Girls' Generation-TTS, SM The Ballad, and Girls' Generation-Oh! GG. She made her solo debut in 2015 with the album and title track "I." Though there have not been activities with Girls' Generation since their track "Holiday" in 2017, Taeyeon has continued her solo career. Her most recent release, "What Do I Call You," came out at the end of 2020, where she continues to showcase her own powerful vocals. Currently, she is a fixed cast member on the variety show Amazing Saturday, since 2020. Hopefully we'll see more of Taeyeon in 2021 both in television and music.
Overall, these women have left a legacy and continue to inspire the female K-Pop artists in the industry. Thanks to them, we have a collection of tracks that are unforgettable.