Korean Complements for Your Favorite Western Artists

A list of Korean artists for those afraid of escaping their comfort zone.

Written by Tiana Woodard

Photos courtesy of The Fader (L) and Onehunnit (R)

Sticking with what you know is only natural. So when confronted with the mysterious, foreign world of the Korean music industry, diving into this genre headfirst may prove daunting. To make exploring Korean music easier, here are seven complements to some of today’s most popular Western artists.

Ariana Grande ➡ Hyolyn

Ariana’s powerful belts and glamorous whistle tones have allowed her voice to stand apart from others in a genre constantly mocked for its similar-sounding releases. The same can be said about Hyolyn, solo artist and former leader of popular girl group SISTAR. Although commonly grouped into the pop category of their respective countries, both artists successfully incorporate R&B elements into their music. After running through all of “Sweetener” for the umpteenth time, we suggest tuning into some of “Korea’s Beyonce’s” recent solo work such as “내일할래 (To Do List)” and “달리 (Dally).”

Bryson Tiller ➡ DEAN

With his 2015 debut studio album T R A P S O U L,” Tiller has claimed the titular new genre as his own — well, almost. Across the Pacific, alternative R&B artist DEAN has contributed his own pieces to the growing genre. The SoundCloud success and the Korean trendsetter, despite numerous cultural differences, share an uncommon talent for effortlessly intertwining R&B’s sensual tendencies with the heavy hi-hats of trap. Tiller and DEAN have exposed trap’s usefulness as a storytelling supplement. If you find yourself repeating Tiller’s 2015 trapsoul anthem “Don’t,” DEAN’s “bonnie & clyde” tackles the similar topics of the angst and chaos that come from a turbulent relationship.

Shawn Mendes ➡ Eric Nam

Out of the seven complements on the list, these two artists differ the most stylistically. Mendes has carried over his guitar skills into his flourishing career. Meanwhile, Nam’s used his international studies and business background to effortlessly navigate through different genres. His works, ranging from somber ballads to sensual collabs, are all delivered with a welcoming presence that only someone with such expertise can effortlessly execute. Although Nam’s music lacks the subtle rock and folk influences of his Canadian counterpart’s, it still incorporates the dance-provoking groove and irresistible charisma that keeps devoted fans craving more. The Korean-American star’s two songs “Ooh Ooh” and “LOVE SONG” best showcase Nam’s unwavering appeal across differing genres.

The 1975 ➡ DAY6

Since their 2012 debut EP “Facedown,” The 1975 has used the addicting, dance-provoking sounds of pop rock to explore the harsh realities of young adult life. In the Eastern Hemisphere, Korean boy band DAY6 has similarly used the country’s flourishing pop scene as a platform for their romantic, energetic alternative rock. With driving guitar solos and catchy keyboard riffs, DAY6’s releases already stand out from an industry heavily dependent on a highly synthesized, musical algorithm. Songs such as “Shoot Me” and “You Were Beautiful” capture the five-member group’s individuality as pop artists.

Lil Uzi Vert ➡ Sik-K

The varying labels used to describe Lil Uzi Vert’s musical style — emo rap, lo-fi, mumble rap, even rock — reflect his success in wedging an artistic divide between him and the other giants of the American rap industry. Sik-K’s rapping style is less frenzied than the Philadelphia rapper; the Korean rapper likes to take his sweet time to spit bars, in which he oftentimes draws out the syllables in his verses. However, the two artists relate in their frequent use of autotune and effortless ride of lo-fi beats.  Since Lil Uzi Vert is supposedly “done with music,” it might be time to give Sik-K’s four EPs and numerous singles a try.

St. Vincent ➡ CIFIKA

The American artist’s experimental style cannot be easily described, even by herself. But St. Vincent’s music encapsulates human emotion’s dynamics of uncontrollable mania and drowning desolation. Through her artistry, CIFKA strives to tell her own, organic thoughts. In a 2018 interview with Billboard, CIFKA said that she wants ultimate say over her visuals, music, lyrics, melodies — everything. Such autonomy has allowed her to fill Korea’s pop-heavy music industry with her own idiosyncratic, futuristic releases, which are marked by the tiniest hint of traditional Korean ballads and bouncy electronica. “OOH-AH-OOH” from CIFIKA’s 2016 debut EP “INTELLIGENTSIA” best displays her potential as a top Korean artist.

H.E.R ➡ Hoody

H.E.R doesn’t “focus on anything other than the art.” This approach to her craft has given her the ability to create a large amount of trendsetting R&B material, where her mellow, rich vocals contrast with her songs’ heart-rending subject matter. Korean hip-hop and R&B artist Hoody provides a similar contrast. With her serenading voice and constant exploration of  love and romance, Hoody’s music serves as a reprieve from the scathing veracity of the Korean hip-hop scene. If H.E.R’s long list of EPs satiate your musical appetite no longer, Hoody’s 2016 debut album On and On serves as a great introduction into the diverse world of Korean music.