10 K-Pop Songs That Celebrate Women's Strength & Authenticity | GRAMMY.com (2025)

Behind the glitz and glamour of the K-pop industry, its female idols walk a path fraught with heavy expectations and systemic barriers. Even after navigating the rigorous trainee system, K-pop's women are subjected to impossibly high standards and, often, little creative control.

Yet throughout K-pop's multiple generations, artists have used their music to give visibility to their experiences. Whether it's speaking truth to power about toxic societal stereotypes — as Lim Kim did on her EP Generasian — or calling for resistance and empowerment like HA:TFELT's "Iron Girl," these performers express messages of authenticity and determination. More than just singers of pop bops, these artists are fighting to tear down obstacles and persisting in the face of challenges.

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Below, explore songs that not only salute the talent and perseverance of women, but raise awareness about the hurdles they encounter.

Lee Hyori — "Miss Korea"

When Lee Hyori made her comeback in 2013, after nearly three years of hiatus caused by a plagiarism incident beyond her control, she took full creative ownership of her resurgence. Over a luscious, jazzy production — a departure from her signature synthesis of upbeat energy and sensuality — "Miss Korea" encourages women to reclaim their worth and wear a queen-like confidence as armor.

Lee Hyori sweetly takes a jab at materialism and over-the-top beauty ideals, and questions whether they bring genuine happiness. And to make her statement even clearer, Lee Hyori appears in the music video being judged in a pageant contest, later surrounded by fashion brands and plastic surgery items.

The song rebukes the culture of appearance, positing that what truly matters is whether you feel at peace with who you are. In the end, Lee Hyori says, everyone can be "Miss Korea."

Girls' Generation — "Into The New World"

Girls' Generation entered the K-pop industry in 2007 and eventually became a pivotal act in the Hallyu wave. Nearly a decade later, the group's debut single became an unexpected and monumental protest anthem.

Composed by legendary South Korean songwriter Kenzie, "Into the New World" gained momentum in 2016 when students at Ewha Womans University used the song during protests demanding the removal of the institution's dean. The movement uncovered an influence-peddling scandal and a web of corruption, revealing the extent of Choi's illicit control over the government. Together, these truths ultimately resulted in the ousting of Park Geun-hye.

Ever since, "Into the New World" has been a recurring soundtrack for demonstrations within South Korean society and beyond. The track has been heard during protests for the #MeToo movement, abortion rights advocacy, and, more recently, the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

"Into the New World" is an ode to hope and resilience, with each note conveying the promise that no matter the adversity, everything will be okay. "Don't wait for a special miracle/ Our rough path in front of us," the refrain encourages. "Might be an unknown future and challenge/ But we can't give up."

BoA — "Woman"

While BoA has never shied away from empowering tunes, her 2018 single "Woman" is her most roaring statement. The idol penned the song's lyrics — a difficult process because the topic of womanhood is sometimes considered "sensitive" in Korean culture. She tried to communicate her message with class and nuance, hoping to inspire reflection.

"I believe that society can only exist harmoniously if men and women are treated equally," she said during a press conference at the time of release. "I wanted to write a good song that helps women build up more self-confidence."

Each verse encourages women to own their authenticity without seeking validation. The sentiment is even more pressing through the lens of an artist with an informal "expiration date" in the industry. Despite being the target of hateful remarks in recent years, BoA has continued to assert her place as the icon she is.

The music video for "Woman" features one of the most iconic dance sequences in K-pop. Therein, BoA makes her entrance by walking upside down, creating a visually stunning moment that reinforces the song’s theme of self-assurance.

IU — "BBIBBI"

When IU celebrated her 10th debut anniversary in 2018, the idol unveiled a delicate yet scathing composition addressing her critics.

"BBIBBI" incisively dismisses any malicious words cast her way, while singing about the constant scrutiny of her actions and the rumors surrounding a supposed change in her personality. While IU makes it clear she remains the same, she offers a warning: "Hello stu-P-I-D/ If you cross that line, I'll get serious, beep…. Stop it, keep the distance."

This cautionary line reflects the toxicity that often characterizes Korean netizens and K-pop fans, who spare no mercy in their ruthless comments. Women artists, in particular, are subjected to severe backlash over the slightest missteps — a hostile environment that not only threatens their emotional well-being, but perpetuates prejudice and inequality within the industry.

LOONA — "Butterfly"

LOONA's existence was highly anticipated, from the 18-month rollout that brought the spotlight to each member of the girl group to the prismatic nature of their soundworld. So when "Butterfly," the lead single from their debut's reissue, dropped, it didn't just earn critical acclaim — it also struck a profound chord.

The 2019 single encourages self-discovery and embraces personal transformation, as well as chasing dreams with the freedom of the wind. That message is propelled in the music video — filmed in Hong Kong, France, Iceland, the United States, China and South Korea — where women from various ethnic backgrounds become the protagonists, and they bond with the group in dance scenes.

They are stunning images that exalt inclusivity and diversity, qualities that LOONA's music always managed to reflect, creating a space of acceptance.

MAMAMOO — "WANNA BE MYSELF"

Since their debut in June 2014, the striking voices of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa have made MAMAMOO a standard-bearer of empowerment. The group are bold in their messages of self-love and are unafraid to shatter norms while standing firm in the face of criticism.

MAMAMOO's discography pulsates with this spirit — classics like "Yes I Am" and "HIP" instantly come to mind — but "WANNA BE MYSELF" is particularly resonant. This song carries a pursuit of self-respect and is a reminder to stay true to one's values without bowing to outside perceptions. "I wanna be myself/ There is no set standard in the world," the quartet proclaims. "Don't compare/ Not different, you and I arе not different."

"WANNA BE MYSELF" tears down the facade that women — especially young idols — are often pressured to uphold, challenging the relentless demand to prove their value. The song also echoes the group's trainee days, when they were belittled by music executives for not conforming to beauty standards. Yet, this never deterred them from becoming one of the most influential girl groups in the realm of K-pop.

TWICE — "Girls Like Us"

In this song composed by Charli xcx, TWICE sings about holding fast to a dream even when self-doubt threatens to dim their light. Both dynamic and evocative, "Girls Like Us" also has a sweetness that emphasizes the importance of keeping your head held high.

TWICE's leader, Jihyo, wrote the lyrics when she was going through "a bit of a rough patch" and "questioning whether or not I was a good enough artist." It’s a song that feels almost cathartic, and open to multiple interpretations. It speaks to both the young girls enduring the grueling process of debuting as K-pop idols and to women who, throughout their artistic path, have felt their ambitions erode under the weight of burdens and doubt.

(G)I-DLE — "Super Lady"

(G)I-DLE have premised their catalog with confidence and liberation — values that main composer and leader Soyeon has embedded into the group's identity alongside Minnie, Yuqi, Miyeon, and Shuhua. Songs like "Nxde," "Queencard," or "LION" could easily be on this list, but their latest lead single, "Super Lady," takes center stage as a big celebration of strength and sisterhood.

The instrumental hits with a thunderous, pounding energy, and the song wastes no time delivering its most impactful lines: "I am a god, super lady / I NEVER DIE did you all see?" The line is a direct nod to the album they released after losing founding member Soojin, silencing doubts about whether (G)I-DLE would overcome the setback.

The music video heightens the experience with visuals that channel the grandeur of a marching spectacle. It's brash and in your face, but that's exactly the group's mission: to assert fearless independence.

Read more: How K-Pop's (G)I-DLE Are Learning To Love Themselves: "There's No Rules In This World"

CLC — "NO"

"NO" opens with an air of defiance: "Red lip? No/ Earrings? No/ High heels? No/ Handbag? No." At its core, the track is a feminist statement, defying the limits of categorization and pushing forward to smash the stereotypes imposed on women.

Written and composed by (G)I-DLE's Soyeon, with CLC member Yeeun also contributing rap lines, the song is built on ever-evolving synths that lend to a seesaw of intensity. The group brings that intensity to life, challenging why they should mold themselves to fit people's tastes and affirming they love themselves — no labels can constrain their personal depth.

Within the K-pop industry, girl groups are often confined to innocent concepts and compelled to present themselves in an "adorable" manner. "NO" calls for them to break free and express their essence in whichever way they feel most comfortable.

Chung Ha — "Chica"

Off her fourth mini album, Flourishing, Chung Ha's "Chica" is written as a letter to her younger, pre-debut self. In it, she motivates her youthful spirit to uncover her potential and shine while taking charge of her future despite the uncertainty. Chung Ha urges herself and all women to rise above their insecurities.

"It doesn’t matter/ How many times you fall/ As long as you try/ Woman now, woman now," the bridge states. The song is an awakening, with Chung Ha reminding through every lyric that true strength arises from faith and stepping boldly into the light.

In 2024, the K-pop industry continued to grow and absorb worldwide influences, spinning them into its one-of-a-kind culture. K-pop artists are more globalized and multifaceted than ever, securing opportunities that seemed inconceivable just a decade ago — BLACKPINK's ROSÉ scored a viral hit alongside Bruno Mars with "APT.," SEVENTEEN headlined Glastonbury in England, and TWICE teamed up with GRAMMY-winning rap star Megan Thee Stallion on "Strategy," just to name a few.

Of course, those kinds of accomplishments would've never been possible without the global explosion of K-pop that has occurred in the past several years. And while the genre had seen notable spurts of success prior to the 2020s — from PSY's "Gangnam Style" phenomenon in 2012 to BTS' chart-topping breakthrough in 2018 — it may not be where it is today without the year 2015.

At that point, "Gangnam Style" had helped the industry find new eyes and ears eager to consume its content. In turn, South Korea — confident of its cross-cultural powers — invested even more in global marketing strategies, like connecting with fans over social media.

"2015 was a very interesting year for K-pop," songwriter and producer Andreas Öberg, who has been working with K-pop names such as TWICE, NCT 127 and Red Velvet since 2012, tells GRAMMY.com via email. "At this point, the artists and labels weren't as focused on the U.S. market, and the song releases were not as heavily based on instrumental tracks to be toplined. Many of the songs were rather written from scratch, live in the room with instruments."

During that year, Öberg attended several songwriting camps in Seoul and worked with names like BoA, SHINee, f(x), VIXX, and Oh My Girl. "I think that the [2015] albums from EXO and SHINee will stand the test of time. [Their label] SM Entertainment was pushing the envelope with interesting releases, experimenting with many different sounds and styles but still with a lot of musicality," he adds.

Anchored by '70s and '80s sounds, brass-heavy synths, and moody hip-hop, the K-pop music of 2015 blessed us with countless classics: Wonder Girls' "I Feel You," Red Velvet's "Dumb Dumb Dumb," BTS' "I Need U," and many more. According to Öberg, the vibes of these songs lasted for some time, until the K-pop industry started changing: "The big wave of trap music coming from America started making its way, also the huge worldwide popularity of BTS made the labels aim more towards a Western audience and sound."

Add to that the expansion of social media in dictating musical trends, and K-pop is now arguably more streamlined, and less risk-taking. Though that has helped the genre boom, Öberg insists that the "unpredictable and experimental" music of 2015 is what made that year so special. But even if K-pop never returns to what it was then, it certainly wouldn't be the same without that remarkable era.

Ten years later, GRAMMY.com looks back at the boundless creativity of 2015, the defining K-pop releases and acts of that year, and how all of it still shapes the industry today.

Read More: 10 K-Pop Songs That Electrified 2024: From RIIZE's "Impossible" To KISS OF LIFE's "Igloo"

Leaders Reinvented Themselves

In 2015, the so-called "second generation" of K-pop (there is no precise consensus, but generally, it includes artists who debuted between 2003-2011) was still thriving — even though that meant the beginning of the end for some and a reinvention for others.

Legendary boy group BigBang was nearing a decade of existence, but hadn't released new music since 2012's Alive. As if to compensate, 2015 saw them release eight new singles, all of which hit the Top 3 of Billboard's World Digital Songs chart and South Korea's Circle charts (formerly Gaon), proving that they still had what it takes to be a top group. They incorporated trap beats and country guitars in the suggestive "Bae Bae"; revealed their deepest insecurities in the acoustic "Loser"; went all out in the jarring, unstoppable "Bang Bang Bang"; and plunged right into alt-punk rock in "Sober." These singles would later be compiled into 2016's LP, MADE, and overall represented a magnificent, trend-setting era for the band.

For lauded veterans Girls' Generation, 2015 was a time of reinvention. In late 2014, vocalist Jessica's dismissal from the group was met with controversy, as she stated in a press release that her label, SM Entertainment, told her to leave the group after she started her fashion brand, Blanc & Eclare. With Jessica gone, Girls' Generation reorganized themselves as an eight-piece and released their fifth LP, Lion Heart, in August 2015. Spawning singles "Party," "You Think" and the jazzy title track, the album traversed through peppy pop songs, retro inspirations and bass-heavy hip-hop, hinting that lineup changes may have led to newfound strengths.

The K-pop queens of retro, Wonder Girls, also experienced a rebirth in 2015. Since their 2007 debut, they were pioneers in expanding K-pop internationally, even supporting the Jonas Brothers on a U.S. leg of the trio's 2009 World Tour. After a three-year hiatus that many believed was the end, in June 2015 the group announced the return of member Sunmi (absent since 2010) and released the masterful studio album Reboot. Showcasing the quartet's songwriting and composing talents, the '80s-themed record is a non-skip listen that recreates the mystifying aura of that time. Despite reaching No. 2 on Billboard's World Albums chart and lead single "I Feel You" achieving an "all-kill" (topping all the main Korean charts at the same time), the members decided to part ways in January 2017 and follow solo careers.

Other luminaries that released incredible music in 2015 include IU (Chat-Shire), BoA (Kiss My Lips), 2PM (No.5), Sistar (Shake It), and Miss A (Colors, their final EP).

Fresh Faces Set Off With Unprecedented Success

While veteran acts proved they still had plenty to offer, the rising third generation of K-pop solidified its presence in 2015 with remarkable achievements — and some of the decade's finest music.

Boy group EXO had been a burgeoning name since their 2012 debut with Mama, but 2014 brought challenges when Chinese members Kris and Luhan terminated their contracts with SM Entertainment, citing health issues, differences in treatment, and unfair pay. Regardless, EXO released one of their best efforts yet with 2015's Exodus and its repackaged version, Love Me Right. Effortlessly sleek and absorbing, the album is a display of the group's brilliant voices and gigawatt charisma, mixing funk-pop bliss with swoon-worthy R&B moments.

Before they became a household name, BTS was also just beginning to spread their wings in 2015. Since their 2013 debut with single album 2 Cool 4 Skool, the septet put a heavy focus on rap and lyrics that reflected on South Korea's societal issues. With the release of 2015 EPs The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, BTS ventured beyond their hard-hitting roots, crafting what would become their signature style: meaningful lore, poetic and relatable lyrics about life's struggles, and a blend of soft, sweet vocals with searing rap bars. These two EPs, later compiled into the 2016 album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, remain quintessential to the group's identity, and the popularity of singles "I Need U" and "Run" spearheaded their exponential growth since then.

On the girl group front, 2014 debutantes Mamamoo found a sleeper hit in the chill R&B of "Um Oh Ah Yeh," the lead single off their third EP, Pink Funky, and solidified their place as vocal powerhouses.

Meanwhile, Red Velvet, another 2014 debut, had a career-defining year in 2015. With the addition of member Yeri that year, they released their first EP, Ice Cream Cake, and their first full-length album, The Red. These projects showcased the quintet's sonic duality — the playful "red" side and the sultry "velvet" side — with impressive skill, placing Red Velvet in an inimitable niche that would define them for the next nine years and counting.

Pure Concepts Became More Popular

One of 2015's most notable trends was the stark dichotomy between girl groups embracing sexy, self-empowering concepts and those adopting pure, innocent ideals in their music and visuals. Although both concepts existed since the beginnings of K-pop, 2015 saw a marked renaissance of the latter, becoming one of the year's trademarks.

A wave of youthful innocence swept through the industry, with a slew of girls dressed in white and singing with voices as crystalline as snowflakes. Groups like GFRIEND, Lovelyz (who debuted at the tail end of 2014), and Oh My Girl found immense popularity with concepts deemed bright, pure or whimsical — as if in response to the growing "sexy" concepts.

That didn't mean pure concepts were lacking in quality. Oh My Girl's enchanting "Closer" and GFRIEND's cotton candy pop "Me Gustas Tu" remain true classics, anchoring much of their future discography even as they have since explored different styles.

Of course, there were still a number of sexier outputs throughout the year. Groups like Brown Eyed Girls dropped dazzling albums like Basic and its provocative single, "Warm Hole"; EXID turned heads by challenging objectification with the trumpet-heavy "Ah Yeah"; 4Minute's Hyuna proudly declared herself "the female monster" on the group's hit single "Crazy."

But after the boom of cute concepts in 2015, the trend overtook the industry over the next few years. Nearly all girl groups debuting in 2016 or 2017, like I.O.I and Momoland, followed this general aesthetic — at least in their first releases. In the meantime, groups like BLACKPINK and (G)I-dle set forward with an iteration of the sexy concept: the "girl crush," where they present fierce and cool styles, often serving as inspiration for other women.

Deep House Took The Spotlight

As Andreas Öberg mentioned, SM Entertainment was at the forefront of innovative music in 2015. Two of its most experimental acts, SHINee and f(x), played central roles in introducing a sonic trend that still runs strong today.

First came SHINee's fourth LP, Odd, and its sparkling single "View." Although K-pop had experimented with house music before — particularly electro, like in 2NE1's 2011 hit "I Am The Best" — "View" is widely considered as the genre's first foray into deep house.

Following this, f(x) took charge with their October studio album, 4 Walls, and its eponymous lead single. While "View" mixed deep house with more bright and carefree vibes, "4 Walls" was moodier and almost cryptic — an initiation ritual to f(x)'s new era as a quartet (member Sulli had left just two months prior).

Both Odd and 4 Walls depicted more mature, sophisticated versions of SHINee and f(x), attesting to their growth and commitment to pushing K-pop's boundaries further. Since then, deep house has become a staple in K-pop discographies, spawning hits from EXO's "Artificial Love" in 2016 to Jeon Somi's "Fast Forward" in 2023.

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New Game-Changers Entered The Scene

As groups like EXO and BTS soared to new heights, the rookies of 2015 were trailblazing their paths, each showcasing distinct potential that would shape the future of K-pop.

SEVENTEEN, who in 2024 completed a sold-out stadium tour in the U.S., debuted under Pledis Entertainment as a 13-member, self-producing boy group. With their passion for performance and youthful ambition, they brought a refreshing vibrancy to K-pop with their debut EP, 17 Carat. Throughout the years, the group honed their talents and synchronicity, becoming one of the industry's most revered, accomplished acts.

Another standout debut of 2015 was Starship Entertainment's Monsta X, who quickly carved a niche out of rough EDM and rap with their Trespass EP. Mostly self-produced, the group garnered a steady fan base with their powerful performances, embarked on global tours, and ventured into prolific solo careers. Like SEVENTEEN, Monsta X are still active, with new music anticipated in 2025 as all members complete their military conscriptions.

JYP Entertainment's TWICE was one of the most anticipated debuts of that year. Formed through the survival show "Sixteen," the nine-member group set themselves apart by avoiding the extremes of sexy or pure concepts and instead embracing a bubbly, cheerful sound that became their signature for years. TWICE went on to dominate charts worldwide, embark on massive stadium tours, and, most recently, collaborate with rapper Megan Thee Stallion on 2024's "Strategy." Other notable debuts included Day6, GFRIEND, and iKON, who each brought unique colors to the scene, along with R&B singer Dean and solo ventures by Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and BTS's RM.

2015 was a year that will go down in K-pop history as one of its most prolific and audacious, With many of its main players still dictating trends and inspiring younger generations, K-pop's fruitful 2015 marks a legacy that's still making an impact 10 years on — and will likely continue for years to come.

The winds of November might be crisp and cold, but they bring along a collection of sizzling new music. From bold debuts to heartfelt returns, new eras to final chapters, there's no shortage of options to warm you up this month.

On the first Friday of the month, goth band The Cure makes their return after 16 years, and R&B sensation Jacquees releases the suggestive Baby Making. In the following weeks, British trio FLO will release their anticipated debut, Access All Areas, and BTS's Jin will finally drop Happy, his first solo album.

And there's more: nu metal trailblazers Linkin Park will enter a new era with From Zero, Dolly Parton enlisted her family to create the expansive Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables, and 2020 Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka will drop Small Changes.

Lastly, the third and final posthumous album by rapper Juice WRLD will also be out this month, and Irish megastars U2 are going to celebrate the 20th anniversary of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb with a shadow album titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb.

To guide you through this eventful month, GRAMMY.com compiled a list with the 14 must-hear releases of November 2024. Check them out below.

CHASE ATLANTIC — 'Lost In Heaven' (Nov. 1)

Australian trio CHASE ATLANTIC continue to reach for the stars. Following performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the main stage at Reading & Leeds in 2023, the band is set to release their fourth studio album, Lost In Heaven, on Nov. 1st.

Led by singles "Die For Me," "Doubt It," and "Ricochet," the band continues to expand their atmospheric, genre-blurring sound. A press release notes that they are poised to break boundaries once again, "diving deeper into their distinct world of hypnotic melodies, sonic experimentation, and epic live shows." The 2023 single "Mamacita" also features on the tracklist.

To promote the new record, they launched an ongoing tour across North America, with rapper 24KGOLDN as a special guest. The tour began on Oct. 16 in Dallas, and will wrap on Nov. 19 in Los Angeles. In December, they will continue with six additional shows in Australia and New Zealand.

The Cure — 'Songs Of A Lost World' (Nov. 1)

In September, English goth band The Cure released "Alone," their first new song in 16 years. Along with it came also the announcement of their fourteenth LP, Songs Of A Lost World, set for release on Nov. 1.

Frontman Robert Smith shared in a press release that "Alone" was the track that "unlocked" the new album. "As soon as we had that piece of music recorded I knew it was the opening song, and I felt the whole album come into focus," he noted. The album, in progress since 2019, includes tracks "Alone" and "A Fragile Thing," which were performed live during the band's Shows Of A Lost World tour in 2022 and 2023.

The 8-track ensemble follows 2008's 4:13 Dream, and was entirely written and composed by Smith — a feat he hadn't repeated since 1985's The Head On The Door. Smith also co-produced the record with the help of Paul Corkett.

Masked Wolf — 'The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci' (Nov. 8)

After his 2019 song "Astronaut in the Ocean" became a sleeper hit in 2021 thanks to TikTok, the life of Australian rapper Masked Wolf (Harry Michael) changed dramatically. He quit his day job to focus on music full-time and swiftly released Astronomical, his first mixtape.

Three years later, Michael swapped the space suit for a superhero persona. "I feel it, my desire, yeah, I'm reaching in my soul /They tryna take me out, yeah, they wanna break my bones /It's like I've been bit, but I still keep control /I will never give up, I never give up," he raps in "Spiderman in Space," a single off his upcoming debut LP, The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci.

Set to drop on Nov. 8, the album showcases Michael's versatility and immutable determination, traits also evident on singles "Give Me My Heart Back" with Lecrae, "Sweeter," "Tell Me Why" with Kota the Friend, and "Hell or High Water."

Ab-Soul — 'Soul Burger' (Nov. 8)

After 2022's lauded Herbert, Los Angeles rapper Ab-Soul is gearing up to release the mixtape Soul Burger on Nov. 8. The project is a tribute to the artist's childhood friend, Doe Burger, who passed away in December 2021.

In a recent interview with Sirius XM's "Effective Immediately", the Top Dawg Entertainment star shared that he's "been trying to channel" Burger's spirit in this release. "My best way of doing that is through music. And hence the title, it's the fusion of me and him. We were literally Huey and Riley from The Boondocks, to where this album is not me — it's Soul Burger. It's like a new artist… So I recommend everybody listen to it in terms of that."

The mixtape includes singles "Squeeze 1st 2" and "All That" featuring JasonMartin (formerly known as Problem) and Thirsty P. In June, Ab-Soul reunited with his Black Hippy bandmates Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q at Lamar's Pop Out Concert in California.

FLO — 'Access All Areas' (Nov. 15)

British R&B trio FLO have announced their much-awaited debut LP, Access All Areas, set to release on Nov. 15. Executive produced by MNEK, the album follows the success of singles "Walk Like This," "Caught Up," and "Check."

"Access All Areas is a labor of love," the group, composed of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer, said in a press statement. "To us it represents our growth and dedication to making girl group history, to making a project we are truly proud to call our debut album." The album is described as a "manifesto" for FLO, approaching themes of love, sisterhood, and navigating life as young Black women.

Starting Nov. 11, the trio will kick off their AAA: Intimate Acoustic Shows tour in record stores across the U.K., with stops in Nottingham, Kingston, London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

BoyWithUke — 'Burnout' (Nov. 15)

"I was feeling tired just because it's been go, go, go since I started," said TikTok sensation BoyWithUke in a statement about his upcoming album, Burnout. "I think I had some real identity issues with who I am. Like am I this extroverted character or am I Charley Yang? But now I think I've found a really good balance of work and personal life."

Charley Yang, who rose to fame after going viral in 2021 with ukulele hits like "[Toxic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvaosumc4hU)" and a signature LED mask — removed only last year— began exploring a more open and experimental side to his music once he revealed his face. "For the longest time I had made songs to impress this person I was in love with as well as music executives, and once that was gone things felt weird," he added. "I felt a little bit lost, but in a larger and more positive way, I felt free with freedom to make mistakes and basically whatever I wanted — I think that's what *Burnout* is."

Burnout will be Yang's final record under the BoyWithUke moniker, but it already points to new musical directions. Lead singles "Ghost" and "Can You Feel It?" build on his previous work, while "Gaslight" takes a daring plunge into alt-rock and electronic beats, showcasing Yang's rawest performances yet.

Jin — 'Happy' (Nov. 15)

The first BTS member to complete his military enlistment, Jin was also the only one who hadn't released a solo LP —until now. The wait is over as he announced the release of his debut album, Happy, set for release on Nov. 15.

According to a press release, Happy is a six-track collection that chronicles Jin's journey to find true happiness. Through the album, he shares "honest thoughts and feelings on what happiness means to him," and aims to give listeners "a sense of strength and comfort in their day-to-day lives."

The album comes two years after Jin's co-written collaboration with Coldplay, "The Astronaut." To build anticipation, he has also released the complete version of his 2021 viral hit, "Super Tuna," along with the rockabilly-inspired lead single, "I'll Be There."

Dolly Parton & Family — 'Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables' (Nov. 15)

Dolly Parton continues to amaze. After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and releasing her first rock album, Rockstar, last year, the country queen returns on Nov. 15 with a project that explores her deepest roots: her family.

Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables is a prodigious visual and musical project featuring both branches of Dolly's family, the Partons and the Owens. Spanning nearly 40 tracks, the album was produced by her cousin, Richie Owens, and showcases performances by various family members, including some who have passed away and others from the current generation.

In a statement, Smoky Mountain is described as "a passage through the lineage and ethos of a family that has deeply influenced one of the world's most beloved artists," tracing their journey from their U.K. origins in the 1600s to their present-day home in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. A companion four-part docuseries is set to premiere in 2025.

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Dwight Yoakam — 'Brighter Days' (Nov. 15)

It's been nearly a decade since country superstar Dwight Yoakam released a new album, with his last being 2016's Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars. That will change on Nov. 15, when Yoakam drops Brighter Days.

To announce his return, Yoakam dropped hit single "I Don't Know How to Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom)" featuring Post Malone, a track he wrote specifically for this collaboration. Brighter Days has been self-produced over the past three years, with Yoakam co-writing most of the tracks and including covers of classics such as "Keep On The Sunny Side" by the Carter Family, "Bound Away" by Cake, and "Time Between" by The Byrds.

In a statement, the album is described as "at once timeless and timely," filled with "a modern appreciation for country music's history with the trailblazing rock and roll spirit of California." Yoakam is currently on a U.S. tour.

Linkin Park — 'From Zero' (Nov. 15)

Linkin Park is returning from hiatus with full force. On Nov. 15, the nu-metal legends will release their eighth LP, From Zero, introducing a new era for the band following the announcement of new vocalist Emily Armstrong (of Dead Sara) and drummer Colin Brittain.

"Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we're currently undertaking," said co-vocalist Mike Shinoda in a statement. From Zero marks the band's first album without frontman Chester Bennington, who passed away in 2017, and former drummer Rob Bourdon. "Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future — embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans," added Shinoda.

The album's lead single, "The Emptiness Machine," was followed by "Heavy Is The Crown," which became the main theme for Riot Games' 2024 League of Legends World Championship, and the recent release "Over Each Other." Ahead of the album, Linkin Park played a series of arena shows in September, with stops in Los Angeles, Seoul, and London. The tour is set to conclude on November 16 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Michael Kiwanuka — 'Small Changes' (Nov. 22)

"Whilst making this album I was really thinking about my motives for making music and making records," shared London-born singer Michael Kiwanuka on Instagram, when announcing his upcoming album, Small Changes. "I never started writing music/songs for anything other than a way to connect to myself and others, but what am I trying to say now?"

As the album neared completion, Kiwanuka realized that expressing the "small changes" he was experiencing, both in his voice or and his music, was reason enough. "And living for me is just that, remaining as true as possible despite all the changes around us," he added.

Small Changes follows Kiwanuka's 2020 Mercury Prize-winning album, Kiwanuka. Co-produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the LP's first single, "Floating Parade," dropped in July, followed by "Lowdown (Part I)" and "Lowdown (Part II)." Kiwanuka recently completed a North American tour with Brittany Howard and will play six intimate shows in the U.K. after the album's release.

Father John Misty — 'Mahashmashana' (Nov. 22)

November also marks the return of singer/songwriter Josh Tillman with his sixth album under the stage name Father John Misty. According to a press release, the album's title, Mahashmashana, derives from the Sanskrit word Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान), meaning "great cremation ground, all things put going thither."

Produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson, with longtime collaborator Jonathan Wilson serving as executive producer, the album features eight tracks spanning over 50 minutes. Half of the album has already been previewed through singles "I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All," "She Cleans Up," "Screamland," featuring Low's Alan Sparhawk, and "Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose."

After supporting Kacey Musgraves on her Deeper Well Tour during September and October, Tillman announced he will headline a North American tour beginning February 2025, followed by a European leg in May.

Juice WRLD — 'The Party Never Ends' (Nov. 22)

After years of teasing, Juice WRLD's third and final posthumous album, The Party Never Ends, is set to be released via Grade A and Interscope Records on Nov. 22. This will be his first full-length project since 2021's Fighting Demons, which included collaborations with Polo G, Justin Bieber, BTS, and more.

Lil Bibby, founder of Grade A, shared on Instagram that "we want this album to feel like a celebration/party. No more mourning, I want everyone that Juice loved while he was here to help celebrate, especially his fans whom he loved."

The Party Never Ends follows the release of December 2023's single "Lace It" featuring Eminem, produced by Benny Blanco, which addresses the dangers of addiction. In September 2024, Juice WRLD's legacy was further expanded with the EPs The Pre-Party and The Pre-Party (Extended), each featuring two tracks, including the single "Lightyears" with Young Thug.

U2 — 'How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb' (Nov. 22)

In November 2004, Irish band U2 topped the charts with their iconic album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The album and its singles earned eight GRAMMYs between 2005 and 2006 and was described by vocalist Bono as their "first rock album" ever.

As the 20th anniversary approaches, U2 will commemorate the milestone with a remaster and re-release of the original album, along with a new project titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb — a 10-track "shadow album" that includes new and unreleased songs from the band's archives.

"The sessions for How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb were such a creative period for the band, we were exploring so many song ideas in the studio," bassist The Edge said in a press statement. "For this anniversary edition, I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. What you're getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room… this is the pure U2 drop."

Among the tracks, fans might recognize "Luckiest Man In The World" as the leaked demo "Mercy," now officially released. Five other songs have been remastered, including "Don't Wanna See You Smile" and "All Because of You 2." The remaining four tracks are entirely new, never-before-heard recordings, including the single "Country Mile."

At 37 years old, the heavily tattooed, free-speaking Jay Park doesn’t exactly fit the cookie-cutter K-pop idol mold.

Sixteen years into his career — which included a stint as the fan-voted leader of hip-hop group 2PM in the 2000s, an infamous departure, and equally incredible comeback in the 2010s — Jay Park is one of the few K-pop artists who have managed to stay relevant in an increasingly saturated industry.

Now, Park is back to dispel any doubts about his longevity with The One You Wanted. Out Oct. 8, the 20-track, collab-rich R&B album is his first in five years and the result of an even longer period of creativity.

"In Korea when people hear a song, they say, 'Oh, this sounds like Jay Park.' It’s like my music has become a genre by itself," he tells GRAMMY.com.

Much like his persona, Jay Park's road to K-pop stardom has been unorthodox. Born Park Jaebom to Korean immigrant parents, Park was raised in Seattle and never felt like he fully fit into the multiple cultures he was brought up around.

He never aimed to become an artist; it was initially just a way for him to express himself. "Hip hop and R&B just became where I found my identity," he adds, citing a deep admiration for artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, and Drake.

Once he began breakdancing, rapping, and battling his friends, his mother pushed him to try out at a locally advertised talent audition. "At that time, it was just me, and mom and my brother, having money problems. We couldn’t pay the electric and water bill," he told CNN, explaining why he went for it at all. He got through, after auditioning with a rap he wrote himself (and recalled word-for-word over video call). Unbeknownst to him, the audition was for K-pop juggernaut JYP entertainment.

For a while, it seemed like Park had made it — he debuted in 2008 as the leader and main rapper of heartthrob hip-hop group 2PM. The seven-member 2PM are credited with originating a particularly masculine image in K-pop, a break from the softer "flower boy" image that other boy groups held at the time. They released two mini-albums in 2009 and were preparing for a full-length release. Things were looking good.

Exactly a year after his debut, however, Park’s star trajectory came to a screeching standstill. Moving to Korea from the US as a 17-year-old had been difficult on Park, who wasn’t fluent in the language or expectations of him as an idol. Eagle-eyed netizens spotted comments from his old Myspace posts disparaging Korea and its idol system, and in 2009, before the group released their first LP, Jay Park left 2PM.

His departure split K-pop fandoms down the middle, with large swathes defending his perspective while others decided he no longer deserved to represent Korea in a cultural space. Online searches for Jay Park exploded in the next few months, his name even topping the 2010 Oscars to take the No.1 on Twitter’s trending list in March.

Park shies away from talking about that time in his life, simply repeating over the years that he had made mistakes. "I was very ignorant and not very open-minded," he says. "I was also young, you know? It was hard, but I'm glad I went through all those periods now because it taught me a lot."

Moving back to the US, Park decided to take some time for himself. A family friend gave him a job at his tire shop, which, though a far cry from his idol days, helped him recoup after igniting endless conversations about the expectations placed on idols.

While Park was laying low, the tide had turned in Korea; the majority of K-pop fans now felt that he was too harshly judged. Fans organized silent protests and boycotted products endorsed by 2PM members. Some reportedly paid for a plane to drag a banner with the words, "J, what time is it now?" across the Seattle skies, in a reference to his band name 2PM.

Others found his church address, and started sending him gifts — including a laptop, which he used to start a YouTube channel. Park chuckles at the full circle fan moment in our interview.

His first cover in 2010 — a take on B.o.B and Bruno Mars’ "Nothing on You" recorded in his bathroom — went viral, garnering more than 2 million hits on YouTube in 24 hours. The song got so popular that B.o.B re-released the song in Korea with Park’s vocals instead of Mars’. Korean news agency Yonhap reported the song sold 5 million copies in Korea.

The cover gave Park’s music career a new lease on life, and his return to Korea in 2010 was greeted by thousands of cheering fans at Incheon airport.

It is rare in K-pop that an artist makes a comeback after leaving a company as major as JYP Entertainment. "I faced a lot of backlash," Park said in a 2023 AFP interview, adding he was once "kind of blacklisted from the industry."

Park pressed on, releasing his first EP as a soloist in 2010, which included a rearranged Korean version of "Nothin’ On You." As a solo artist, Park could now move on from his pop image towards an edgier hip-hop sound. The transition came with "a lot of trial and error," Park recalls.

"I look back on my lyrics from 2010 to about 2013, I cringe so hard sometimes," he says with a laugh. "I wasn’t great at translating my English thoughts to Korean, so some lyrics have become memes now." He also felt taken advantage of as a newcomer. "I didn't know anything about how the industry worked, and I was young and naive and didn’t have any proper representation," he says. "So many times, people came to me claiming to work at wherever or represent whoever, and I would just believe them."

Still, Park's music was taking off again. Take A Deeper Look, Park’s rap-heavy first solo Korean mini-album, debuted at No. 3 in the Billboard World Album Charts in 2011. Park established his own record label, AOMG, in 2013 and a second, H1ghr Music, in 2017.

"The reason why I made my own labels is because I wish I had someone to share these experiences or lend a helping hand or guide me to ... what I need to do with this type of fame or when stuff goes wrong," he told USA Today.

The labels house mainly hip-hop artists like pH1, Sik-K, Loco, Ugly Duck, Hoody, and former GOT7 member Yugyeom. Together, the two companies have been widely credited for leading the hip-hop presence in an otherwise pop-dominated K-pop industry.

In the meanwhile, Park’s increasingly adult-themed releases like the trap inspired, sensual "Mommaev and the more mellow, groove-centered "All I Wanna Do" racked up hundreds of millions of views, further propelling him to the forefront of K-pop’s hip-hop and R&B scene.

His rapport was only getting better internationally as well. In 2017, Park became the first Asian American to sign with Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation.

In 2018, Park's first English-language EP under Roc Nation, Ask About Me, showcased his ability to move fluidly between genres, from the trap-inspired party anthem "Soju" featuring 2Chainz to the tropical house, R&B, and trap blend "Yacht."

In 2021, Park officially stepped down from both AOMG and H1ghr Music, and established a third label called MORE VISION, representing Korean artists like Chungha and Honey J. The process took longer than expected, he says, which is why The One You Wanted is his first full-length album in five years. (Park released an introspective and uncharacteristically vulnerable The Road Less Traveled in 2019 and a mini-album titled Jay Park: Season 2 earlier this year.)

It seems as if Park has taken the whole of his experience and channeled it into The One You Wanted. Park describes the 20-track album as "easy listening" and return to his R&B roots with features from Ty Dolla Sign, Chungha, IU and Hwasa. For Park, it’s a solidification of his self-styled genre.

Although far less reflective than his last full album, The One You Wanted still showcases his progression. "Some songs are from six years ago and others I wrote just this year," he says. "You can definitely sense how the sound is different, and my voice is different."

Park hinted at retiring in 2022, but seems in no hurry to do so now. "I’ve been wanting to retire since 2012," he laughs. "When I went solo, I had to hustle a lot to survive in this cutthroat industry. To try to find out what people are into without selling myself short, it was very strenuous."

"But right now, I feel like I’m still needed in the industry."

He is not talking just about his own music or his first world tour in six years — his label MORE VISION is also planning to debut two new K-pop groups by 2026.

For Park, it’s an opportunity to hand down wisdom from everything he’s learned since that fateful JYP audition. "Getting all that attention, getting criticized all the time or getting compliments all the time, it's not normal," he says. "I just gotta make sure while [the trainees] still think I'm cool, I can get them in the right mindset and the right balance of life."

The jury’s still out on the trainees’ opinions, but based on The One You Wanted, Jay Park is set to remain cool for a long time.

"Back then, I thought of myself as Iron Man," K-pop star Baekhyun shares over a video call from Seoul. The 32-year-old singer, known for his roles in chart-topping groups EXO, EXO-CBX, and SuperM, is reflecting on his 2019 solo debut, City Lights.

"I really like Iron Man. I know I'm not that super but, since this is an interview, I will say Iron Man," he adds, half-jokingly, a slender finger thoughtfully placed under his chin. "I remember when [Tony Stark] first started out [in the 2008 movie], he was in a cave with very limited resources, but he built an armor out of them. It was not perfect, but he started anyway. And from then on, he improved. I think that is quite similar to how I have also improved myself over time."

Baekhyun's latest "upgrade" is his fourth EP and first release in over three years, Hello, World, out September 6. The much-anticipated effort comes at a pivotal moment, too: Baekhyun returned from South Korea's two-year obligatory military service in 2023, and soon established INB100, a new label to support his solo career on his own terms.

Wearing a black T-shirt and a Kusneuf designer cap, with a dainty silver cross chain adorning his neck, the best word to define Baekhyun right now is "comfortable." Judging by his youthful face, most might not suspect he's a veteran artist, much less a businessman. During the interview he sits as close as possible to the laptop screen, staring curiously, smiling generously.

"For listeners to love my songs, I need to love them too. The first impression is really important," he shares about choosing the six tracks that tell the story of Hello, World. "It starts with "Good Morning," which is about a happy and comfortable daily life with a loved one, and then it progresses into a breakup, and meeting that person again."

Inspired by movies, such as Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express and Peter Weir's The Truman Show, Baekhyun invites the listener into his own cinematic universe, where you can get "anything you want" and "everything you need."

"These days, with [YouTube] Shorts and [Instagram] Reels, for people to listen to a 3-minute song and not get bored, the first 10 seconds have to be really good," he says. "Pineapple Slice," Hello, World's confident, beat-driven single, is proof. "When I first listened to the song, it mesmerized me," he says. But getting to the equivalent of Iron Man's Mark LXXXV suit — Tony Stark's latest, most powerful one — didn't happen overnight.

Born in Bucheon, a satellite city near Seoul, Baekhyun wanted to be a singer since he was 11 years old. "I didn't think I would be able to work sitting in an office, because I'm very lively by nature, and I cannot stay still in one spot," he shared with Elle Korea in 2015.

His colorful tenor voice was distinguishable since high school, where he was the lead vocalist of band 혼수상태 (honsusangtae, or "coma" in English). While preparing for his college entrance exams in 2011, he was cast by behemoth label SM Entertainment — and less than a year later, debuted as one of the main vocalists in boy group EXO. "I was nervous and anxious all the time," he says of his unusually short K-pop idol training period. "Rather than having fun and enjoying myself, I felt a lot of pressure to be really good."

To be part of EXO was akin to being in a superhero movie, he says. "I think we were similar to Marvel's The Avengers, because we each had our own superpower." EXO, whose name came from the exoplanets (planets outside the Solar System), debuted with an intricate storyline where each member was given an otherworldly ability to fight the evil "Red Force."

Baekhyun was granted the power to control light. But what started as silly lore became one of his most meaningful motifs. Through his voice, Baekhyun can bring light and darkness, intensity and softness, all at once. "It felt like another me back then, but now I think 'light' equals the artist Baekhyun," he says. "'Light' is very similar to 'life.' It can [mean to] shine on others, like a lamp, but also to be a positive energy or influence. Right now, I want to make people as happy as possible."

During their first years, EXO found massive success with epics like "MAMA" and sleek jams like "Growl" and "LOVE ME RIGHT." By 2016, they were leading names in the industry, and the announcement of the group's first sub-unit, EXO-CBX, formed by Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, was met with thorough excitement. As their debut single "Hey Mama!" showed, the trio went on to offer light-hearted songs with a witty glaze, contrasting with EXO's powerful style.

"We wanted people to laugh when they saw us," says Baekhyun. The special clip for "The One" comes to mind. He compares the group to the 2009 comedy 3 Idiots. "It's a comic film, so people watching it feel happy, right?" he asks. "Through EXO we showed our cool side, but with EXO-CBX I wanted people to feel closer to us. I'm a very loud and kind of busy person, but [Chen and Xiumin] are so calm that I felt relaxed and comfortable. Even when I made mistakes, they were protective of me, like parents."

2016 was also the year where Baekhyun noticeably improved his dance skills. His steps became infused with emotion, and he often added small tweaks and flairs to the choreographies, effortlessly standing out. In June of that year, EXO released one of their most quintessential singles, "Monster," and Baekhyun's dance solo during The EXOr'DIUM Tour further attested to his crowd-commanding abilities — first with his voice, now with his moves.

Baekhyun also experimented with acting around that time, starring in SBS's TV drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and in the South Korean production of musical Singin' in the Rain. Nicknamed "Genius Idol" for his multiple talents and warm personality, a solo career was the natural next step, and he spent a good portion of 2017 and 2018 rehearsing for it. Through chart-topping duets "Dream" with Miss A's Suzy, "Rain" with Sistar's Soyou, "Young" with rapper Loco, and more, the singular artistry of soloist Baekhyun started to shine.

In July 2019 came his first EP, City Lights, which sold over half a million copies, and eventually became South Korea's best-selling album by a soloist in the 2010s. "Rather than pressuring myself into thinking 'I must be successful,' my debut was a greeting to the world, saying 'Hey, this is what I want to do,'" he explains.

The slow burn R&B of "UN Village" showcased a new side to the beloved star. The single's sturdy self-assurance reflected on the remaining tracklist — five songs doused with drama and desire, made to be listened to after dark. "I was really surprised by how much love I received, and it helped me decide which direction to take [on my] future solo albums."

But before Baekhyun could even start thinking about the future, he was flung straight into his fourth debut: supergroup SuperM. The SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group project debuted in October 2019, and brought together Taemin from SHINee, Baekhyun and Kai from EXO, Taeyong and Mark from NCT, and Ten and Lucas, also from NCT and from Chinese band WayV, to form "The Avengers of K-pop" — as they were sometimes dubbed.

But for Baekhyun, SuperM went beyond that. "I don't think there's a [movie] genre that I can compare SuperM to. It would be as if superheroes from Marvel and DC Comics and others all came together in one movie."

Baekhyun was appointed the leader of the group, a position that taught him how to be responsible. "I learned how to be diligent, and to work really hard, all the time, at everything," he says. During their promotions in the U.S., he was impressed by the diversity of styles, sounds, and routines that each member brought to the group. "I felt the need to care for other members. Before, I relied on my EXO members a lot, and I felt quite protected."

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 cut short many of SuperM's activities, whose main focus was the international market. However, the K-pop industry endured, as prolific as ever, and in May 2020, Baekhyun released his sophomore EP, Delight.

Less moody than City Lights, the album was a welcome shot of serotonin during dark times, fronted by the juicy synths of "Candy." By July, Delight had surpassed 1 million sales, becoming the first album by a soloist in South Korea to do so since 2001. "It was unimaginable," he says. "I did not expect a million copies sold and all those chart records. But I was sad that I couldn't return that love by [performing live to] my fans because of the pandemic."

During an interview with GRAMMY.com at the time, Baekhyun shared that his main goal with Delight was to showcase versatility. "Fans would always say that they like both my sweet side and the more sensual, performative side, so I wanted to capture both and present them in a bigger package." Even though this was a thriving era for him, the pandemic constraints and his looming military enlistment left a bittersweet taste.

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Less than a year later, in March 2021, Baekhyun elevated his abilities with his third EP and military send-off, Bambi. The album, filled with impossible highs and lows and dexterous vocal inflections, was a boundary-pushing labor for the singer. "I wanted to show everything I had, all of my experience, all of my talent, I really wanted everything to be in this album," he says. "Especially since I had to enlist shortly afterwards. Even though there were a lot of difficult songs, I thought 'I will do this, and I will do this well.'"

Baekhyun enlisted in the military on his 29th birthday — May 6, 2021. It would take almost two years before he returned to his activities as an artist, but the break granted him a necessary period of self-reflection. "Whenever I had free time, I would monitor all my past activities through YouTube. I would make mental notes like, 'I look good when I do this' or 'I look awkward when I do this," he recalls. "I also thought a lot about what I like and what I do well, and tried to make them compatible. I think I understand who I am a little bit better."

Following his return in February 2023, Baekhyun was invited by Riot Games to voice League of Legends' character Ezreal in the game's virtual boy band, Heartsteel. He performed the single "Paranoia" live at the Worlds 2023 Finals. He also sang both the U.S. and the Korean National Anthems at the 2024 MLB World Tour in Seoul. While these events confirmed that he was still at the top of his game, the major plot development in his career was the creation of his own label, INB100.

"I always had a desire to do my own thing, but it's very, very hard to make that a reality," he says with a nervous smile. "The main reason I made it is because I really wanted to meet my fans more freely and frequently, and now I can [do that] whenever I want."

"Even as a leader of SuperM, I don't think I was oppressive," he adds. "I always thought about how to have everyone contribute and have synergy. At my company right now, I'm always thinking about how we can work together well. I try to listen to others more, and I always ask what they think. Even if it takes some time, it's important that we all work towards a common goal together."

Despite a decade of star-studded achievements and a new leading role in business, Baekhyun compares this moment in his life to the 2015 comedy-drama The Intern. In it, 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (played by Robert De Niro) decides to embrace a new chapter by becoming the unexpected intern of a bustling online store.

"When I watched that movie, I was very touched," he says. "Before, I was always trying to impress my fans, but now I want to be approachable and friendly. I want to be a good worker. I want to be a comforting, reliable person. I try to show many sides [performing], but I would like to show stability, in terms of emotion."

With the mindset of an apprentice and the wisdom of a sage, Baekhyun navigates the new currents ahead with grit, come the obstacles and supervillains that may. When asked what movie he would like his future to resemble, he stops and thinks for a few moments, finger under chin once again. "In a very, very distant future, I would love to be living like the Pixar movie Up."