Throwback Thursday: Women In K-Pop (Soloists Edition) Part 2

Picking back up with our “Women In K-Pop” theme, I think it’s time we talk about some soloists who have changed our lives. In part one, we talked about groups and how their monumental songs have been engraved in the minds of many. Today, we're going to take it back and talk about some female soloists in K-Pop who showed true girl power.

Chungha - “Bicycle”

On February 15, 2021, iconic vocalist, dancer, and overall performer Chungha dropped her album Querencia. This album is jam-packed and features many of Chungha’s well-known songs like “Stay Tonight” and “Bicycle.” Being the second song on the album, “Bicycle” is an upbeat, bass-induced dance track that sets the tone for the entire album. The moment the music starts, you can’t help but jump up and dance. The strums of the electric guitar and the hard-hitting drums create this rock/metal sound, and the electro beat adds a house music aspect to it. Watching women do darker or more aggressive concepts is always great, and Chungha did it perfectly.

Sunmi - “24 Hours”

On February 17, 2014, former Wonder Girls member and soloist Sunmi dropped her EP, Full Moon. This EP features two tracks that are staples in Sunmi's music: " Full Moon (feat. Lena)” and “24 Hours.” “24 Hours” is a groovy, sensual pop track. The song starts with the ticking of a clock, and once you hear that, you know what time it is: it’s time to stand up and feel like the baddie you are. We all know of Sunmi as the quirky queen she is, but before we got there, Sunmi was slaying in the dark concept category. “24 Hours” is a great debut song, and this song showed us the beginning of the Sunmi that we know and love today.

Lee Hyori - “10 Minutes”

On August 13, 2003, we got one of the most iconic debut songs to hit K-Pop. On that day, Lee Hyori dropped her banger “10 Minutes.” With the recent rise of this song again, it was only right to talk about it. This track is the definition of the early 2000s. Between the groovy synth beat, the early 2000s attire, and the striking dance moves, this song is a certified banger and so much fun to listen to. While listening to the song, you can’t help but sway your hips and dance along. Sticking to that 2000s hip-hop sound, the beat of the song matches the overall laid-back/party concept of the track. “10 Minutes” is fantastic and is the prime example of the early 2000s. It’s a fun track that I recommend for everyone to listen to.