Here are 5 First-Generation Female Singers from the K-pop Pantheon that you may not know about.
1. U;Nee
U;Nee made her debut in 2003 with her first studio album “U;Nee Code.” She was acclaimed for her live singing prowess and exceptional dance skills. However, with her second album ‘Passion & Pure’, she transitioned to a more R&B and mature style, which drew criticism from netizens. Facing challenges including personal struggles and mental health issues, U;Nee tragically commited suicide in 2007 at the age of 25, just before filming her comeback music video. Despite the adversities, U;Nee’s musical legacy remains impactful, though often underrated.
2. Mina
Before her official debut, Mina garnered significant attention for her striking visuals in photographs taken during the 2002 World Cup. With a background in dance and having performed as a backup dancer for renowned singers from a young age, she seamlessly transitioned into her solo career. Her debut album, ‘Rendezvous’, featured the hit track “Answer the Phone”. Over the subsequent years, she graced the music scene with three more albums. Currently, Mina is actively sharing content on her YouTube channel alongside her husband.
3. Shin Eunsung
Shin Eunsung made her debut in 2003 with the album ‘New Silver Star,’ featuring the title track ‘Go Away’. While the song and her visuals received appreciation, her live performances drew mixed reactions. Eunsung released her second album ‘Bye Bye’ in the subsequent year but chose to step back from the entertainment industry, partly due to the negative comments she received.
4. Jeong Hyebin
Hyebin initially graced the music scene as a member of the group LUV. Later, she reinvented herself as a solo artist, releasing the moderately successful track ‘2 AM’ which was notable for its girlcrush concept. However, after the promotion of her album concluded, Hyebin pivoted her focus to acting. As a result, that album remains her sole musical release to date.
5. IVY
While IVY may already be familiar to some, she deserves even greater recognition for her contributions to the music industry. Initially a ballad singer, her collaboration and training with JYP transformed her into a dynamic singer-dancer. She made her debut in 2005 with the album ‘My Sweet and Free Day’. However, her peak success came in 2007 with the hit ‘Sonata of Temptation’, which also sparked controversy over plagiarism allegations.
