<< K‑Pop groups explained: a simple starter guide for beginners
This is an extension of the earlier introductory guide to K-Pop groups, which you can read about here. The same format will be used in this guide, which will introduce additional artists, focusing on female soloists. This is a work in progress, and more artists will be added over time. All artists are listed in alphabetical order.
Chuu
Company: BlockBerry Creative (2017-2022), ATRP (2023-present)
Debut: 2017 (as part of Loona), 2023 (as a soloist)
Fandom: Kkoti
Introduction:
Chuu is one of the most beloved figures in K‑Pop, widely known for her bright personality, expressive vocals, and the kind of warmth that makes people feel instantly connected to her. She originally debuted as a member of Loona in 2017, releasing her first solo song “Heart Attack”, which became instantly iconic (see Loona yyxy). After being at the center of a dispute with her agency, Chuu embarked on a solo career under a new company in 2023, expanding her range to unexpected genres. Known for being cute and upbeat, Chuu showed everyone that she can do much more, making music that leans on synth-pop and R&B, and can move from bright to gloomy to deeply emotional, while always feeling heartfelt and sincere. Chuu stands out thanks also to her flawless vocal abilities, as her voice is clean, full of character, and easily recognizable. Beyond her music, Chuu is also admired by many for her resilience, kindness, and the way she can bring joy and personality to every performance.
Songs to try:
- “Howl”
- “Strawberry Rush”
- “Canary”
Album to try:
Howl (2023)
Dig deeper:
If you want to explore more, listen to these songs
- “Hitchhiker”
- “Chocolate”
- “Only Cry in the Rain”
- “Kiss a Kitty”
- “XO, My Cyberlove”
Listen to Chuu if you like:
Bright and uplifting dance-pop with R&B elements and expressive vocals, and music with a naturally warm and joyful presence.
See also:
ARTMS, Loona, Loona 1/3, Loona yyxy, Loossemble, Odd Eye Circle, Yves
IU
Company: EDAM Entertainment (subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment)
Debut: 2008
Fandom: Uaena
Introduction:
IU is one of the most universally respected artists in K‑Pop, not just by fans, but by idols, producers, and industry veterans. After making her debut in 2008 at the age of 15, she built her reputation thanks to a rare combination of artistry, longevity, and authenticity. IU’s success comes in no small part thanks to her voice, which is warm, expressive, and technically refined, and perfectly combines with her flawless vocal abilities. She uses her impressive prowess to control the emotional nuance of every song, making all her tracks feel deep and intimate. Meanwhile, her music always has a clear emotional narrative, and over the years her sound has consistently evolved from playful to profound, while remaining unmistakably recognizable. Her songs, which are mostly based on R&B and soul, often deviate from the typical K-Pop style, but are always emotionally deep, comforting, and timeless. With numerous chart-topping hits and countless albums sold, now she’s undoubtably the greatest female soloist in Korea.
Songs to try:
- “Good Day”
- “Palette”
- “Love Poem”
Album to try:
Lilac (2021)
Dig deeper:
If you want to explore more, listen to these songs
- “Lost Child”
- “Bbibbi”
- “Eight”
- “My Sea”
- “Love Wins All”
Listen to IU if you like:
Warm vocals, emotional storytelling that feels both comforting and timeless, and songs that can switch from playful to heartbreaking.
Yves
Company: BlockBerry Creative (2017-2023), Paix Per Mil (2024-present)
Debut: 2017 (as part of Loona), 2024 (as a soloist)
Fandom: Engdu
Introduction:
Yves originally debuted as a member of Loona in 2017 with her solo song “New” (see Loona yyxy), and after the group was forced to split up, she emerged as one of the most artistically distinctive singers in modern K-Pop. After embarking on a solo career in 2024, Yves showed all her impressive artistic vision through her music, exploring deep themes of introspection, self‑discovery, and authentic expression while breaking free from constraints. These themes are reflected in her music, which leans heavily on experimental sounds with elements of R&B, hyperpop, electronic, and alternative pop, while remaining elegant and full of symbolism. Her sound becomes even deeper thanks to her expressive vocals, as her tone always carries a lot of emotion, and she excels at conveying longing, vulnerability, and quiet confidence, making her music feel intimate and deeply personal. With each new release, Yves showed how she’s different from any other K-Pop artist, creating an image that’s uniquely hers.
Songs to try:
- “Loop”
- “Viola”
- “See You in Hell”
Album to try:
Loop (2024)
Dig deeper:
If you want to explore more, listen to these songs
- “Diorama”
- “Tik Tok”
- “Dim”
- “White Cat”
- “Soap”
Listen to Yves if you like:
Elegant and emotional pop with a lot of symbolism, experimental hyperpop, and themes of self‑expression and introspection.
See also:
ARTMS, Chuu, Loona, Loona 1/3, Loona yyxy, Loossemble, Odd Eye Circle