K-pop comeback from five solo female singers to help ‘diversify’ cookie-cutter music industry
Popstars Yoon Mi-rae, former Sistar member Hyorin, Jo Hyun-ah, Wheein of Mamamoo, and Ha:tfelt are all on the comeback trail, with new singles coming out this month
Although there aren’t many solo female singers in the K-pop industry, five famous faces have returned to the scene recently.
The comeback has raised the hope that the artists may “diversify” the K-pop world crowded with “manufactured bands” with almost identical dance routines and songs, and set a new path for Korean music.
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Yoon Mi-rae unveiled her new single track Kawi Bawi Bo (rock, paper, scissors) last Friday and former Sistar member Hyorin launched her musical comeback yesterday with her new track Dally. Besides these two, Jo Hyun-ah of Urban Zakapa, Wheein of Mamamoo, and Ha:tfelt (Ye-eun of now defunct girl group Wonder Girls) have returned with new singles this month.
Kawi Bawi Bo
Yoon
Yoon’s single from her new EP D-41 is a self-assured song about the power of women in society. It is a follow-up to her previous single No Gravity released in February.
Both tracks will be part of the artist’s upcoming hip-hop album Gemini2. Yoon, who is considered one of the leading female rappers and vocalists in South Korea, has had a number of hit songs, including As Time Goes By, Memories and Touch Love.
Hyorin
Hyorin, a member of now disbanded girl group Sistar, returns with Dally and an accompanying music video which includes powerful dance moves.
After Sistar broke up in May last year, Hyorin clearly took the time to search for hew new identity.
After You
Jo Hyun-ah released the single After You, a ballad with her soulful voice at the forefront, last Wednesday. The song deals with the feelings of sorrow after a break-up.
Her new album also includes a track called Love Letter, a duet with Kwak Jin-eon, a singer-songwriter who gained popularity after winning audition programme Super Star K6.
Easy
Wheein
Wheein released her first solo album titled Easy last Tuesday. The title track tells the story of a woman who wants to end a relationship because she is not being respected by her lover.
Wheein belongs to four-member girl group Mamamoo and is known for her powerful vocals.
Ha:tfelt
The singer formerly known as Ye-eun from Wonder Girls returned with her new album, Deine, last Wednesday.
The lyrics of the lead track Pluhmm are about the early stages of falling in love and all that it entails.
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Ha:tfelt has managed to maintain a balance as a singer-songwriter and K-pop artist, bringing a more introspective aspect to her music.
