One of the biggest months for K-pop in 2018 so far, April isn’t going out quietly and still has a lot of new music to come.
The last few days have seen women come out strong, with some of the most prominent Korean soloists dropping new music. Between former and current girl group members furthering their sonic identities and the likes of hip-hop veteran and balladeer Yoonmirae dropping a feminist anthem, these releases all revel in these performers’ distinct styles and individuality.
Yoonmirae, “Kawi Bawi Bo”
Though she’s picked up a reputation over the past few years for being one of Korea’s most soulful balladeers, Yoonmirae’s roots have always been in hip-hop and she’s reminding the world of that in this dynamic female anthem that switches off between forceful raps and singsong chants. Named after the Korean equivalent of rock-paper-scissors, the items are used within the song to represent solidarity, harmony and peace.
Hyolyn, “Dally” feat. Gray
Since SISTAR’s breakup last year, Hyolyn’s put herself out there with a variety of songs, and her latest is a rhythmic dance track that revels in her airy tone. The hip-hop-tinted single flounces conventions of Korea’s music industry with a music video that exudes sexual confidence as the singer and her dancers strut and twerk as they move in time with the pulsating beat.
Luna, “Night Reminiscin’” feat. Yang Da Il
Luna’s latest is a heartfelt sentimental piano-driven duet that balances her soaring and sweet voice with the mellow vocals of Yang Da Il. Though it’s not like her dance tracks of a few years ago, the reflective tune is a welcome return of Luna as a soloist and shows off the f(x) member’s magnificent vocals through its tonal fluctuations as it weaves in and out of the gentle melody.
The Mamamoo member brought her signature quirkiness to the music video for this groovy song about a woman who has had enough with being taken advantage of by her lover. Released last week, it was her first solo single ever.
Ha:felt, “Pluhmm”
As a soloist, former Wonder Girls member Yeeun has pursued a variety of different sounds over the years, and with her latest the singer tones things back a bit with a chill, minimalist sound on “Pluhmm.” Sleek and sensual, the song makes the most of the singer’s breathy voice as she sings over its electronic quirks and bossa nova instrumentals.Hyo, “Sober” feat. Ummet OzcanReleased last week,Hyoyeon’s first release as DJ Hyo is a brightly melodic EDM track that she performed in both English and Korean. One of her most successful solos to date, the song plays up the Girls’ Generation member’s nasally tone and balances it with ambient synths, Auto-Tuned bridges and snapping beats. The song’s accompanying music video is both introspective and empowering with its show of female friendships.