When searching for more artists to listen to online, fans tend to look for artists with a niche genre of interest—dark aesthetic, bubblegum pop, girl crush, etc. With so many groups and solo artists to listen to in K-Pop, there are various genres and styles for fans to discover. In this instance, we’re focusing on the ladies in the Korean music industry with showstopping dark concepts and their own unique sounds that can be uncommon. If you’re looking for edgier female artists with dark concepts, take a look at a few of these amazing ladies! 

AleXa

From ZB Label, we have American singer, dancer, songwriter AleXa whose concept embodies a dystopic and apocalyptic future with A.I. Even though it’s an unconventional concept, she’s successfully created her own unique style within this aesthetic. Previously, she had competed on multiple programs like Rising Legends season 1 and 2, Legendary: Making of a K-Pop Star and Produce 48. With everything she had learned from these programs, AleXa made her solo debut on October 21, 2019 with the catchy and futuristic track, “Bomb.” Her most recent release “REVOLUTION” will take you into the post-apocalyptic world that AleXa has shown her fans, A.I. Troopers. She recently performed for The Joy Ruckus Club’s virtual concert event, K-Pop Superfest, on June 19, 2021. She will be having her comeback with the track “Xtra” on July 1.  

Dreamcatcher

Under Dreamcatcher Company is the seven-member rock-inspired girl group Dreamcatcher. Previously known as MINX, the girls re-debuted in 2017 as Dreamcatcher by changing their style and adding two additional members to the lineup. Their debut track “Chase Me” has an impressive music video with complex choreography and a refreshing rock sound that’s one-of-a-kind. From there, they’ve released a number of extraordinary tracks like “PIRI,” “GOOD NIGHT,” and “Deja Vu.” Their last comeback was with the track “Odd Eye'' from their sixth mini-album, Dystopia : Road to Utopia. If you’re planning on becoming part of their fandom, InSomnia, you’ll notice that their official lightstick is a unique scepter with red wrapped around the orb. Though be warned, as it appears to be sold-out.  

FANXYRED 

TOV Entertainment’s four-member girl group, FANXYRED, is made up of Chinese members that were previously known as Acrush. One thing that’s interesting about this group’s style is how the members present themselves in tomboy outfits and short hairstyles with male names as their stage name. They had their Korean debut on August 28, 2019 with their album, Activate. Even though the group has only released two Korean tracks “Holla” and “T.O.P,” hopefully there’ll be more Korean promotions in the future.  

Rolling Quartz 

Let’s not forget the talented five-member female indie-rock band from Rolling Star Entertainment, Rolling Quartz. If you’re looking for a group to help you reconnect to your rock phase, look no further than checking out this incredibly talented all-female band. Their chic aura and astounding performances will make you a fan almost immediately. These girls even have rock-inspired outfits that make them look like bad-ass rockers. The band made their debut on December 29, 2020 with their powerful track “Blaze.” They’ve got a few other tracks that are worth listening to like “Rock and Roll Paradise,” “Delight,” and “Holler.” Aside from their discography, their YouTube channel contains various covers of Western songs and BTS’s “Dynamite” with a rock twist. On April 3, 2021, Rolling Quartz had their first online solo concert for fans to watch their jaw-dropping talents. Let’s hope to hear more music from them in the future!  

PinkFantasy 

A fascinating group that’s come to gain popularity is Mydoll Entertainment’s eight-member girl group, PinkFantasy. With a variety of lineup changes since their debut, the current members are SeeA, Yechan, Harin, Arang, Momoka, Miku, and Daewang—a masked member that has yet to reveal her identity. The Korean and Japanese mixed group has a gothic-inspired style to fit with their pop-rock discography. The group made their official debut on October 24, 2018 with their single “Iriwa.” Since their debut, they’ve released a diverse mix of tracks like “Lemon Candy,” “FANTASY,” and “Shadow Play.” Their most recent release “Poison” has a sound that’s reminiscent of screamo music, with the sound of growls featured in the post-chorus and intimidating choreography. With a mysterious member that LUVITs are anxiously waiting to reveal themselves, PinkFantasy will leave you in awe and curious of what else they can bring with their style.  

HA:TFELT

Amoeba Culture’s singer, songwriter, and composer HA:TFELT is a solo artist that previously went by Yeeun, formerly from Wonder Girls. Her stage name comes from the amalgamation of the words “hot” and “heartfelt.” Her solo career began on July 31, 2014 with her debut solo mini-album Me? featuring the title track “Ain’t Nobody” when she was still signed under JYP Entertainment. Aside from her solo career, she has appeared in a few films and dramas, as well as competed on the program Food Truck Battle. Her discography contains emotionally powerful tracks such as “La Luna,” “Happy Now,” and “Life Sucks,” an English track from her studio album 1719 that references a scandal that occurred between her and her father. It’s a raw and honest track that takes listeners into her world through her various emotions.  

3YE 

GH Entertainment’s three-member girl group 3YE, pronounced as “third eye,” were originally part of the company’s now disbanded girl group Apple.B. The pop group made their debut on May 21, 2019 with their first digital single “DMT (Do Ma Thang).” Their eclectic sound and notable charisma is what attracts fans alike. Since their debut, they’ve got other tracks like “OOMM,” “YESSIR,” and their addicting release, “STALKER.” Fans on their YouTube page have left a variety of comments noticing how underrated the group’s talents are, so if you’re interested, check out these confident ladies!  

PIXY 

Last but not least are the new fourth-generation ladies from ALLART and Happy Tribe Entertainment, PIXY! The six-member girl group made their debut in February 2021 with their single “Wings”—a track that leaves a dark and mysterious vibe, featuring thrilling choreography. Beginning their career just this year, PIXY made their first comeback with their first mini-album, Fairy Forest: Bravery, featuring their title track “Let Me Know.” The dance track contains complex choreography with stunning visuals in a dark fantasy world. These girls have created their own story that WINXYs are sure to look forward to till their next comeback!