Artist Highlight: So!YoON! Creates a Sonic World Like No Other
So!YoON! defies musical boundaries, fusing rock, R&B, and psychedelia into an electrifying soundscape that demands to be explored. Born Hwang Soyoon in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, she made a name for herself both as the leader of SE SO NEON and a bold solo musician, constantly pushing boundaries and bending genres.
Career with SE SO NEON
So!YoON! started SE SO NEON in 2016 when she was just 18, teaming up with bassist Park Hyunjin and drummer U-su. The band quickly became a staple of Korea’s indie rock scene, mixing blues, psychedelic rock, and synth rock into their sound. Their debut EP, Summer Plumage (2017), earned great recognition at the Korean Music Awards, winning “Rookie of the Year” and “Best Rock Song”.
Known for their amazing performances, SE SO NEON has taken their music around the world, playing in cities like Tokyo, New York, and Amsterdam. Usu parted ways with SE SO NEON in August 2022 to focus on his career as a solo drummer. As of February 2025, So!YoON! is still leading SE SO NEON, while Park Hyunjin has branched out into new musical projects as a bassist. Even with their different paths, they’ve stayed close and continue to support each other.
Solo Career
In 2019, So!YoON! released her debut solo album, So!YoON!, under Magic Strawberry Sound. It was a perfect mix of her rock roots with a fresh blend of R&B and pop, showing off her versatility. The album received a lot of love for its unique sound and heartfelt storytelling.
Then, in 2023, her second album, Episode 1: Love, came out, pushing her bold approach even further and solidifying her place as an artist to watch. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists like RM of BTS and Park Jiyoon. Tracks like "Smoke Sprite" mix sensual themes with psychedelic rock, gaining praise for their fresh production and compelling lyrics. The song's unique sound really caught people's attention, which highlights So!YoON!'s knack for pushing creative limits.
Artistic Style
So!YoON! is known for her unique voice and captivating stage presence, always pushing musical boundaries. Her music explores themes of love, identity, and self-reflection, using vivid imagery and experimental sounds. She’s also passionate about vinyl, focusing on authenticity in her production.
So!YoON! continues to break boundaries with her unique sound and fearless approach to music. Whether with SE SO NEON or as a solo artist, she keeps pushing the envelope and captivating audiences. As her career grows, she’s shaping the future of music in a way that’s all her own.
Check Out These Tracks
“Til’ The Sun Comes Up”
“Holiday”
“Bad”
“Smoke Sprite”
“Wings”
Edited by Lacey Diluvio