K-Pop, Korean Pop music, is a genre that is so unique it is relevantly new to many people. Since high school, K-Pop has ruled over a quarter of my life. Apart from reblogging posts of my favorite artists on Tumblr or binge-watching their music videos on YouTube, K-Pop skyrocket into popularity as each artist makes their attempt to break into the American music industry. However, some people might say that most K-Pop artists might be too girly for them. Some artists might be either too cute or too sexy to represent girl power.
Well, there are many female artists who do express cuteness and sexiness with confidence and, maybe, empowering.
If you're looking for K-Pop artists or want to start listening to the genre, then this list will help you get started!
*This article is written through a perceptive of someone who does not live in South Korea (Ironically from an Asian woman who has never lived in South Korea). Some videos might have different contexts of Western feminism vs. South Korean feminism. However, keep in mind that feminism is fighting for equal rights for both genders. If there is anything that might be misleading, please let me know in the comments.
Here are the 10 K-Pop female artists that represent feminism.
1. 2NE1Aside from their label mates Big Bang and Psy, 2ne1 rules the world with music, fashion, and self-confidence. 2ne1 is known for their fierce styles and messages on self-empowerment. The group isn't afraid to strut their moves to their iconic dance tracks to dance along to. Even though they haven't made any recent music besides https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phGur4M9icstheir surprise performance the MAMA awards, 2ne1's music is able to captivate their audience and showcasing their confidence through music.
Recommendations: I Am The Best, Can't Nobody, and Crush2. Yoon Mi Rae/Tasha Reid
Korea's Queen Of Hip-Hop and R&B, Yoon Mi Rae, represents self-love and self-confidence through her music. Born in Texas to an African-American man and Korean woman, Yoon Mi Rae finds a way to tell her stories through her music. Her music and strong messages reaches out to not only Korean audience but also international audience on an emotional level. Her songs always chart number one in every Korean music chart. Many Korean artists have looked up to her and even went as far as calling her as their inspiration to becoming an artist. Yoon Mi Rae is considered to be one of the most respected artists in Korea and, hopefully, around the world.
Recommendations: *Black Happiness, Get It In, and Sweet Dreams (part of MFBTY)3. Girls' Generation
One of Korea's top artists Girls' Generation brings cuteness and confidence in their music. From reaching over 1 million views for "Gee" to winning their first YouTube music award in 2014, Girls' Generation shows no sign of slowing down. Whether they sing a cute song or fierce song, Girls' Generation proves that they can still marvelous no matter how "girly" they are.
Recommendations: Run Devil Run, Mr.Mr, and Catch Me If You Can4. Brown Eyed Girls
A group who doesn't shy away from conversations, Brown Eyed Girls brings strong messages through their music including female empowerment and sexual pleasure ("Fire in the Hole..."). They are the kind of group who takes on unique concepts with strong messages that may be taboo to address in places like South Korea. Brown Eyed Girls will one of the girls groups to remember when it comes to addressing a controversial topic or just being awesome.
Recommendations: Sixth Sense, Warm Hole, Abracadabra5. Lee Michelle
Like Yoon Mi Rae, Lee Michelle is a biracial artist who took K-Pop by storm with emotional vocals and messages that will turn you into an emotional wreck. Former contestant of "K-Pop Star", Korea's equivalent to "American Idol" in their glory days, Lee Michelle sings with passion and moves lyrics to people's hearts. When you click on Lee Michelle's videos, you will automatically be emotionally attached to her music.
Recommendations: I Can Sing, Without You, and No Tears For the Dead6. EXID
From singing about feeling about yourself to poking fun at censoring in a music video, EXID brings fun music and energy to the stage and Internet. The quintet performs catchy and edgy music with concepts featuring self-esteem and tackling on censorship. EXID is the kind of group who will be fun to dance to and feel empowered when listening to their songs.
Recommendations: I Feel Good, Every Night, and Ah Yeah7. Lee Hyori
After debuting and singing in one of Korea's well-known girl group, Fink.L, singer Lee Hyori hasn't stopped pushing boundaries in the K-Pop industry. Veteran singer showcases strong stage presence and style that cannot be ignored. Lee Hyori doesn't shy away from performing sexy songs. She is confident and shows how powerful Lee Hyori can be when she steps on stage.
Recommendations: Bad Girl, Miss Korea, and Going Crazy8. Miss A
Another quartet group! Not only do Miss A have awesome vocalists and dancers but the group displays captivating music videos. Even though they don't belt out high notes like the previous groups, Miss A still grabs audience's attention with powerful dance moves and visual. Miss A showcases female empowerment in their music whether it displays sexuality or declare independency.
Recommendations: Goodbye Baby, I Don't Need A Man, and Hush9. Mamamoo
Mamamoo is a quartet who releases excellent quality of music and strong vocals. The group debuted in 2014, but has already captivated the audience with their vocals and stage presence. Mamamoo continues to showcase their talents by covering a wide range of songs such as Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and more. Collaborating with many Korean artists such as K.Will, Primary, and Esna, Mamamoo proves that they are not a one trick pony.
Recommendations: Piano Man, Um Oh Ah Yeh, and Ahh Oop (ft. Esna)10. F(x)
The four-member girl group and Girls' Generation's labelmate brings unique music videos and music whenever they come back to the music scene. F(x) is known for performing and producing experimental music in K-Pop. They are also known for releasing acclaimed albums including 2013's Pink Tape, which Fuse picked as one the Best Albums of 2013. The girl group not only release incredible music, but they also challenge stereotypes of every girl needs to dress a certain way. Member Amber is considered to be many people's favorite because of her vibrant personality and unique style. Combining Amber's uniqueness and f(x)'s sound, the girl group stands out from many groups and has established themselves as artists.
Recommendations: Shadow, Red Light, and 4 Walls (I covered "4 Walls" for OPOW).Honorable Mentions: Sunny Hill, Ailee, Nine Muses, Younha, and Kara
