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Lim Kim
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Key Information
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Lim Kim (born January 21, 1994), birth name Kim Ye-rim (Korean: 김예림), is a South Korean singer and a member of the band Togeworl with Do Dae-yoon. She competed in the Superstar K3 singing competition as a member of Togeworl, placing third. In 2013, Kim debuted as a solo singer, and is known for the song "All Right." She left Mystic Entertainment after her contract ended in 2016.[1]
Biography
[edit]Kim was born in South Korea. For high school, she decided to go overseas, and attended Leonia High School in New Jersey.[2][unreliable source?] While attending high school in 2011, she heard about the New York City auditions for the South Korean singing competition Superstar K3. She asked a fellow Korean student Do Dae-yoon, who was known as a great guitarist at the school, to audition together, even though she did not know him well.[3][unreliable source?] He agreed, and they formed the band Togeworl. Togeworl managed to pass the audition, and flew to Seoul to compete. The duo were successful, and were picked to be mentored by singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin.[4][unreliable source?] Eventually they finished third in the competition, after Ulala Session and Busker Busker.[5][unreliable source?]
After the competition, Kim and Do remained in South Korea, where they continued to receive musical training, and signed a contract with Mystic89.[4][5] Togeworl released their first song in February 2012 for the soundtrack for the TVN variety show The Romantic. Kim began attending high school in Bundang District, Seoul in March 2012.[2]
In March 2012, Kim made an appearance in the drama Flower Band,[6][unreliable source?] and released two songs for the soundtrack, "Two Months" and "Love U Like U," which was a duet with L from the boyband Infinite.
Though Togeworl planned to debut in 2013, member Do Dae-yoon had to return to the United States, due to issues with high school.[7][unreliable source?] Because of this, it was decided Kim should debut as a solo artist before reuniting as a duo.[4]
In June 2013, Kim released the extended play A Voice, led by the song "All Right." The song was successful, reaching number two on Gaon's singles chart.[8] Then, she released a second extended play in September, Her Voice, and a full-length album in November called Goodbye 20.
In April 2015, she released her third extended play, Simple Mind. The track "Awoo" was the only K-pop song included on Spin's 101 Best Songs of 2015, coming in at No. 51. In the article, Andrew Unterberger praised the song, saying "no [American] pop song this year breathed like this Korean emoji of a pop song" and calling it "a kinetic environment bursting with creativity, synthesis, and an intrinsic passion".[9] Billboard's 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2015 ranked the song at No. 8, claiming that Kim outdid herself and praising the song's "mix of woozy synths, trance-like chants, and trappy snares [...] pulled off with a sense of sophistication that's hard to make believable."[10]
On May 30, 2016, Mystic Entertainment posted an official statement announcing Kim's departure from the label after her contract has ended.[11][12][unreliable source?]
After an over-three-year hiatus, Lim Kim released "Sal-ki", her first published song as a rapper, on May 24, 2019.[13][unreliable source?] Her new EP Generasian was released independently on October 15, 2019. Generasian won the award for Best Dance & Electronic Album and "Sal-ki" won Best Dance & Electronic Song at the 2020 Korean Music Awards.[14]
On December 9, 2021, Kim signed a contract with New Entry.[15]
Artistry
[edit]Kim is known for her empowering lyrics, which demonstrate her interpretation of what it means to be a modern-day woman and attempt to tear down the Orientalist stereotypes of the West.[16]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [17] | |||
| Goodbye 20 |
Track list
|
13 |
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [17] | |||
| A Voice |
Track list
|
15 |
|
| Her Voice |
Track list
|
16 |
|
| Simple Mind |
Track list
|
16 |
|
| Generasian |
|
— |
Single albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| KOR [17] | ||
| Naver Music Showcase (김예림의 가로수길 카페에서 : 네이버뮤직 음악감상회) |
Track list
|
— |
| Beat House Live # 2 (비트하우스 라이브 No. 2 – 김예림) |
Track list
|
— |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [22] |
KOR Hot 100 [23] | ||||
| As lead artist | |||||
| "Colorring" (컬러링) | 2013 | 16 | 7 |
|
A Voice |
| "All Right" | 2 | 3 |
| ||
| "Rain" | 5 | 7 |
|
Her Voice | |
| "Voice" feat. Swings |
7 | 14 |
| ||
| "I'm Asking You" (부탁할게요) | 85 | — |
|
The Suspicious Housekeeper OST | |
| "Goodbye 20" | 12 | 18 |
|
Goodbye 20 | |
| "Happy Me" (행복한 나를) | 4 | 3 |
|
Reply 1994 OST | |
| "Awoo" | 2015 | 22 | — |
|
Simple Mind |
| "Love Game" (알면 다쳐) | 29 |
| |||
| "Who Are You?" (너, 누구니) | — | — | Hello Monster OST | ||
| "Stay Ever" feat. Verbal Jint |
— |
|
Non-album singles | ||
| "Sal-ki" | 2019 | — | — | ||
| "Yellow" | — | — | Generasian | ||
| "Mong" | — | — | |||
| "All Right Remix" | 2020 | — | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Mago" | 2021 | — | — | ||
| "Falling (Prod. by DPR Cream)" | — | — | |||
| "Falling" | — | — | Begin Again Open Mic OST | ||
| "The Moment" | —[A] | — | Reflection of You OST | ||
| "Veil" | 2022 | — | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Damn Cold" | 2023 | — | — | ||
| "Lion" | — | — | Webtoon Singer - Jeongnyeon OST | ||
| "Confess To You" | — | — | King the Land OST | ||
| "Already One Year" (벌써 일년) | — | — | A Time Called You OST | ||
| "ULT" (궁) | 2024 | —[B] | — | Non-album single | |
| Collaborations | |||||
| "Love U Like U" with L |
2012 | 27 | 48 |
|
Flower Band OST |
| "Soap" (비누) with Lee Seung-hwan |
2013 | 43 | — |
|
Fall to Fly |
| "Christmas Wishes" (크리스마스 소원) with Park Ji-yoon, Jang Jae-in, Puer Kim |
43 | — |
|
Mystic Holiday 2013 | |
| "Roommate" (룸메이트) with Eddy Kim |
2014 | 40 | — |
|
Roommate OST |
| "Winter of Haeundae" (겨울 해운대) with Zizo |
64 | — |
|
Non-album singles | |
| "Myung Soo House Ddok Bbok I" (명수네 떡볶이) with Park Myung Soo & UL |
2 |
| |||
| "His Habit" with Kim Hyun Joong |
— | — | Timing | ||
| "A Little Close" (해요 말고 해) with High4 |
29 |
|
Hi High | ||
| "Are You a Grown Up?" (어른 맞니) with Kei G Travus |
2015 | 90 |
|
Non-album singles | |
| "Coffee" (커피) with Yoo Jae-hwan |
5 |
| |||
| "Imagine" with Ha Dong-kyun |
2021 | — | — | Begin Again Open Mic OST | |
| "Say Something" with Ha Dong-kyun |
— | ||||
| "Love Me Crazy" with Jamie |
2023 | —[C] | SM Station Season 4 | ||
| "Romantico" with TETE |
— | Non-album singles | |||
| "First Night" (초야) with Kim Chang-wan |
2025 | —[D] | |||
| "—" denotes release did not chart. | |||||
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [22] |
KOR Hot 100 [23] | |||
| "Without Knowing It All" (잘 알지도 못하면서) | 2013 | 25 | 31 | A Voice |
| "Alice" (캐럴의 말장난) | 68 | — | ||
| "Say Love" (사랑한다 말해요) | 66 | 61 | Her Voice | |
| "Urban Green" | 81 | — | ||
| "Drunken Shrimp" | 87 | — | ||
| "Truth Never Matters" (언제 진실이 중요했던 적 있었니) | 88 | — | ||
| "What Should I Do To You" (널 어쩌면 좋을까) | 57 | 40 | Goodbye 20 | |
| "No More" | 2015 | 96 | Simple Mind | |
| "Wind" (바람아) feat. Beenzino |
63 | — | ||
| "—" denotes release did not chart. | ||||
Participation in albums
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Artist(s) | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [22] |
KOR Hot 100 [23] | ||||
| "Last Scene" (라스트 씬) | 2014 | — | — | philtre feat. Choiza & Lim Kim | Philtre : Scene #2 |
| "Someone I Know" (아는 남자) | — | Cho Hyung Woo feat. Lim Kim | Him | ||
| "My Ballad" | 60 | Swings feat. Lim Kim | Vintage Swings | ||
| "Pianissimo" | 16 | Toy feat. Lim Kim | Da Capo | ||
| "Gondry" (공드리) | 2015 | — | Primary & Oh Hyuk feat. Lim Kim | Lucky You! | |
| "Yellow (Only Onstage Ver.)" | 2020 | — | Lim Kim | Only Onstage: 10 | |
| "Waterfall" | 2022 | —[E] | Minho feat. Lim Kim | Chase | |
| "—" denotes release did not chart. | |||||
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Entertain Us | Herself |
| 2013 | Running Man | Herself |
| 2013 | Monstar | Choi Kyung (young) |
| 2012 | Flower Band | Ye-Rim (fictional character) |
| 2012 | Superstar K3 | Herself |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5th Melon Music Awards | Best Newcomer | Herself | Won |
| 15th Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best New Female Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | 28th Golden Disk Awards | Best Newcomer | Won | |
| 20th Korea Entertainment Arts Awards | Best Ballad Artist | Won | ||
| 16th Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best OST | "Happy Me" (Reply 1994) | Nominated | |
| 2020 | 17th Korean Music Awards | Best Dance & Electronic Album | Generasian | Won |
| Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Best Dance & Electronic Song | "Sal-ki" | Won | ||
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Artist of the Year | Herself | Nominated |
Notes
[edit]- ^ "The Moment" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 196 on the Circle Download Chart.[24]
- ^ "ULT" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 117 on the Circle Download Chart.[25]
- ^ "Love Me Crazy" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 138 on the Circle Download Chart.[26]
- ^ "First Night" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 73 on the Circle Download Chart.[27]
- ^ "Waterfall" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 103 on the Circle Download Chart.[28]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kim Ye Rim leaves MYSTIC Entertainment after her contract ends".
- ^ a b "Superstar K3 Two Months: What Are They Up To?". Soompi. April 14, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ "[Exclusive] A Special Letter From Lim Kim (Kim Yerim) Part 1". Soompi. September 3, 2013. Archived from the original on May 15, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ a b c "[Exclusive] A Special Letter From Lim Kim Part 2". Soompi. September 6, 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ a b "Superstar K3's Two Months to Remain in Korea until Signing with an Agency". Soompi. November 8, 2011. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ "Two Months Kim Ye Rim to Show Acting Skills in "Shut Up: Flower Boy Band"". Soompi. January 23, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ ""Two Months" Kim Ye Rim to Debut Without Do Dae Yoon". Soompi. April 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ "Gaon Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
- ^ "The 101 Best Songs of 2015 (see #51)". Spin. SpinMedia. November 30, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
- ^ Benjamin, Jeff; Oak, Jessica. "The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2015". Billboard. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
- ^ Castillo, Justin (May 30, 2016). "Korean singer Lim Kim separate ways with Mystic Entertainment". News Everyday. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
- ^ Hong, C. (May 29, 2016). "Lim Kim Parts Ways With Mystic Entertainment". Soompi. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
- ^ "Listen: Lim Kim Transforms into a Rapper for 1st Comeback in over 3 Years".
- ^ 수상결과 | 2020 한국대중음악상 시상식 [Award Results | 2020 Korean Music Awards]. 2020 한국대중음악상 시상식 (in Korean). Retrieved March 4, 2020.
- ^ Lee Hye-mi (December 9, 2021). 슈퍼스타K3' 투개월 김예림, 신생기획사 뉴엔트리와 전속계약.. 새 출발 예고[공식] ['Superstar K3' Two-month Kim Ye-rim, an exclusive contract with a new agency New Entry... New departure notice [Official]] (in Korean). TV report. Retrieved December 9, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ Herman, Tamar (November 17, 2019). "Lim Kim Is Ready to Take On the World With Empowering 'Generasian' After Leaving the K-Pop Box". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Gaon Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ 2013년 12월 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ 2013년 6월 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ 2013년 9월 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ 2015년 05월 Album Chart (Domestic) (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Gaon Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
Singles (As a lead artist):- ""Colloring" charting".
- ""All Right" charting".
- ""Rain" charting".
- ""Voice" charting".
- ""I'm Asking You" charting".
- ""Goodbye 20" charting".
- ""Happy Me" charting".
- ""Awoo" charting".
- ""Love Game" charting".
Singles (Collaborations): - ""Love U Like U" charting".
- ""Soap" charting".
- ""Christmas Wishes" charting".
- ""Roommate" charting".
- ""A Little Close" charting".
- ""Are You a Grown Up?" charting".
- ""Coffee" charting".
Other charted songs: - ""Without Knowing It All" charting".
- ""Alice" charting".
- ""Say Love" charting".
- ""Urban Green" charting".
- ""Drunken Shrimp" charting".
- ""Truth Never Matters" charting".
- ""What Should I Do To You" charting".
- ""No More" charting".
- ""Wind" charting".
- ^ a b c "Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ 2021년 43주차 Download Chart. Circle Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- ^ "Download Chart 2024 Weeks 06". Circle Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
- ^ "Download Chart 2023 Weeks 09". Circle Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "Download Chart 2025 Weeks 02". Circle Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ "2022 Week 50 Download Chart". Circle Music Chart (in Korean). Circle Chart. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lim Kim.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Lim Kim
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Lim Kim (born Kim Ye-rim on January 21, 1994) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and rapper renowned for her genre-defying music that blends electronic, hip-hop, folk, and Eastern influences to challenge K-pop conventions and promote empowerment for Asian women.[1][2] She first gained recognition in 2011 as part of the folk-pop duo Togeworl with Do Dae-yoon, placing third on the singing competition Superstar K3.[3][4]
Lim Kim transitioned to a solo career in 2013 under Mystic Entertainment, debuting with the EP A Voice, which featured the chart-topping single "All Right" and earned her Rookie of the Year awards at the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Gaon Chart K-pop Awards.[3][2] After achieving early success with albums like Simple Mind (2015) and Goodbye 20 (2013), she grew frustrated with the industry's rigid expectations—such as demands for artists to conform to specific body images and personas—and left her label in 2016 for a four-year hiatus to pursue independent artistry.[4][5] She returned in 2019 with the EP Generasian, crowdfunded to the tune of 90 million won and preceded by the single "Sal-ki," which won Best Dance & Electronic Album and Best Dance & Electronic Song (for "Sal-ki") at the 17th Korean Music Awards.[4][1]
Her music often incorporates bold visuals and satirical elements critiquing cultural stereotypes, as seen in songs like "Yo-Soul" and "Yellow," which gained renewed attention in 2023 through performances on the dance competition Street Woman Fighter 2.[3][2] In 2024, she released the single "Ult," a high-energy track symbolizing her "ultimate" artistic form, featuring choreography by the renowned 1Million Dance Studio and blending traditional melodies with electronic production.[2] Marking a new chapter, Lim Kim signed an exclusive deal with Universal Music Korea in August 2025, positioning her for broader global reach while maintaining her signature eclectic sound and advocacy for artistic freedom.[3]
Critically, Goodbye 20 was praised for its maturity and Kim's distinctive husky timbre, which shone in diverse genres like bold jazzy numbers ("Say Love," "Truth Never Matters") and bossa nova tracks ("Drunken Shrimp"), positioning it as a departure from standard K-pop formulas. Reviewers noted its organic sound and thematic introspection as signs of artistic evolution, though it did not spawn additional major hits beyond the lead single. Commercially, the album contributed to Kim's rising profile, leading to four rookie awards in 2013–2014 and solid digital sales, though exact figures remain undisclosed. No further studio albums have been released as of 2025, with Kim focusing on EPs and singles thereafter.[50][51][52]
Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Lim Kim was born Kim Ye-rim on January 21, 1994, in Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea.[6][7] She spent her early childhood in Seoul. Little is known about her family background, as details have not been publicly disclosed. Around 2010, during her high school years, Lim Kim relocated to the United States, specifically attending school in New Jersey, which marked a significant transition in her early personal life.[8]Schooling and early influences
During her teenage years, Lim Kim attended Leonia High School in New Jersey, where she immersed herself in a new cultural environment after relocating from South Korea.[9][10] In 2012, she returned to South Korea to complete her senior year of high school.[10] It was at Leonia High School that she met Do Daeyoon (also known as Denny Do), a fellow Korean student, sparking her initial foray into music collaboration.[11] The two formed the folk-pop duo Togeworl in 2011, blending acoustic elements with heartfelt lyrics that reflected their shared experiences as young immigrants.[12] This period marked the start of Lim Kim's early creative pursuits, including experimenting with songwriting and performing original material with Togeworl, which foreshadowed her future career in music.[10]Career
2011–2013: Formation of Togeworl and solo debut
In 2011, while attending high school in New Jersey, United States, Lim Kim (then known as Kim Ye-rim) formed the indie folk-pop duo Togeworl with fellow student and guitarist Do Dae-yoon at her invitation.[13] The pair, who shared an interest in music during their time abroad, quickly entered the spotlight by auditioning for the third season of the South Korean singing competition Superstar K3 in New York.[14][15] Togeworl advanced through the competition, showcasing Kim's distinctive airy vocals alongside Do's acoustic guitar arrangements, and ultimately secured third place in the finals held in late 2011.[16][13] This achievement marked their initial breakthrough, earning widespread recognition in South Korea and leading to a contract with Mystic Entertainment (then Mystic89) for Kim, though Do returned to his studies in the U.S.[14][17] The duo released a digital single, "Number 1," in May 2013 to commemorate their second anniversary, but activities remained limited as Kim transitioned toward solo pursuits.[15] In June 2013, Kim made her solo debut under the stage name Lim Kim with the extended play A Voice, released via Mystic Entertainment.[17][18] The EP's lead single, "All Right," became a breakout hit, topping domestic digital charts and earning her Rookie of the Year awards at the 2013 Melon Music Awards and the Golden Disc Awards.[18] Featuring tracks that highlighted her versatile vocal style blending pop and R&B elements, A Voice established Lim Kim as a promising solo artist.[17] Later that year, in September, she followed up with the EP Her Voice, which included the upbeat single "Say Love" and further demonstrated her growth through collaborations and self-penned lyrics.[17][19] Culminating the period, Lim Kim released her first full-length album, Goodbye 20, in November 2013, compiling select tracks from her prior EPs alongside new songs like the title track, a reflective piece on turning 20.[17][20] The album solidified her early solo identity, emphasizing personal storytelling and musical maturity.[20]2014–2018: Rising popularity and hiatus
Following her solo debut with the EP A Voice in 2013, Lim Kim continued to build her profile through diverse entertainment ventures that showcased her versatility beyond music. In 2013, she made her acting debut in a guest role as young Choi Kyung in episode 9 of the Mnet drama Monstar, marking her entry into television and contributing to her growing recognition in the industry.[21] That same year, she appeared as a guest on the popular SBS variety show Running Man in episode 159, participating in challenges alongside other artists, which helped expand her visibility to a broader audience.[22] These appearances, combined with her earlier work as part of Togeworl on Superstar K3, solidified her presence in South Korean entertainment during the mid-2010s. Lim Kim's rising popularity peaked with the release of her third EP, Simple Mind, on April 27, 2015, under Mystic Entertainment. The album featured seven tracks, including the lead single "Awoo," a playful electronic pop song co-written and composed by producer Primary, which highlighted her creative vocal style and whimsical themes of affection.[23] Critics praised "Awoo" for its addictive melody and innovative production, with the music video's cat-themed concept adding to its charm and reception as a standout in her discography.[24] The EP's overall sound, blending R&B and electronic elements, was noted for addressing love in a fresh, introspective manner, further establishing Lim Kim as an artist capable of artistic experimentation.[23] In May 2016, Lim Kim's contract with Mystic Entertainment expired, leading to her departure from the label after mutual discussions. She later reflected that creative differences played a key role, as she felt constrained by the agency's expectations and trends, stating, "I constantly thought that I don't fit in the previous works."[4] The amicable split allowed her to seek greater artistic freedom, though it marked the beginning of a significant career pause.[25] From 2016 to 2019, Lim Kim entered a hiatus, limiting her public activities to occasional contributions like OSTs while focusing on personal growth amid industry pressures. She described feeling stifled by K-pop's rigid ideals for female artists, including expectations around image and output, which prompted her to step back for reflection and recharge.[1] This period allowed her to contemplate her identity and creative direction, away from the demanding schedules and commercial constraints she had experienced.[4]2019–present: Independent era and recent works
Following her hiatus, Lim Kim returned to music as an independent artist with the release of her EP Generasian on October 15, 2019, under Universal Music Korea and her own label, Lim Company.[26] The project featured tracks like "Sal-Ki" and the double title songs "Yellow" and "Mong," blending experimental hip-hop, deconstructed club, and Korean folk elements to explore themes of identity and empowerment. The EP won Best Dance & Electronic Album, with "Sal-ki" winning Best Dance & Electronic Song at the 17th Korean Music Awards in 2020.[27][28] Through lyrics in songs such as "Yellow," Lim Kim challenged stereotypes of Asian women, critiquing Orientalism and the male gaze in Western perceptions of Asian culture.[29][1] In December 2021, Lim Kim signed an exclusive contract with New Entry Entertainment, enabling her to resume full-fledged activities and expand her creative output.[30][31] Under this label, she contributed to several original soundtracks (OSTs) and collaborations, including the duet "Romantico" with TETE in 2023 and "Jeongnyeoni" with ALi for a webtoon series in 2023.[32][33] Her songs "Yellow" and "Yo-Soul" gained renewed attention in 2023 through performances on Mnet's dance competition Street Woman Fighter 2, featuring choreography by 1Million Dance Studio.[3] She also provided vocals for the King the Land OST Part 2 with the track "Confess To You" in 2023, showcasing her versatile style in dramatic television contexts.[32] In February 2024, she released the single "Ult" (궁), a high-energy track blending traditional and electronic elements, with choreography by 1Million Dance Studio.[34] Lim Kim's independent era has emphasized creative partnerships, exemplified by her 2025 single "First Night" (초야), a collaboration with veteran musician Kim Chang-Wan released on January 7.[35][36] The song, blending folk and contemporary elements, highlights themes of warmth and affection, marking a significant intergenerational duo in Korean music.[37] In August 2025, she signed with Universal Music Korea, signaling a new phase focused on global reach while maintaining her artistic autonomy.[3][38] Throughout this period, Lim Kim has continued advocating for greater Asian representation in music, using her platform to highlight the diversity of K-pop and Asian artists beyond stereotypes.[39][40] Her work, including Generasian, promotes empowering narratives for Asian women, influencing discussions on cultural authenticity in the industry.[41][42]Artistry
Musical style and themes
Lim Kim's musical style is characterized by a fusion of K-pop with indie pop and folk rock elements, evolving to incorporate electronic, hip-hop, and dance influences in her later works. Her early solo debut album A Voice (2013) featured catchy, upbeat pop tracks with jazzy and bossa nova undertones, exemplified by the hit "All Right," which showcased her husky timbre in accessible, radio-friendly arrangements.[43][44] As she transitioned to independence after leaving Mystic Entertainment in 2016, her sound shifted toward alt-pop and experimental hip-hop, blending traditional Asian instrumentation with modern electronic beats, as heard in the single "SAL-KI" (2019).[39][45] This genre-blending approach allows her to defy conventional K-pop structures, prioritizing artistic versatility over commercial conformity.[4] Throughout her career, Lim Kim's themes center on empowerment, personal identity, and a pointed critique of Orientalist stereotypes, particularly in her independent era. Her debut phase emphasized youthful romance and self-expression in a lighter, more playful vein, reflecting the bubbly pop sensibilities of early 2010s K-pop.[39] By contrast, her 2019 EP Generasian, crowdfunded to maintain creative control, delves into introspective explorations of Asian womanhood, challenging male dominance and Western perceptions of docility through satirical lyrics and visuals.[1] Tracks like "Yellow" reclaim Asian identity by subverting exoticized tropes, urging listeners—especially young women—to embrace boldness and reject societal constraints.[4][46] This evolution from effervescent pop to genre-defying indie underscores Lim Kim's commitment to authenticity, using music as a platform for cultural and gender empowerment while addressing the marginalization of Asian voices in global pop.[39] Her work consistently aims to inspire resilience, transforming personal introspection into broader calls for identity reclamation.[1] This genre-blending continued in her 2024 single "Ult," which combines traditional Korean instrumentation with electronic beats and dynamic rhythms to symbolize her ultimate artistic expression.[2]Influences and vocal technique
Lim Kim's musical influences draw from a blend of Western and Korean traditions, shaped by her experiences abroad during her formative years. Having formed the duo Togeworl in New Jersey, United States, in 2011, she was exposed to diverse sounds that informed her appreciation for Western indie and alternative artists, including R&B icon Aaliyah, whose visuals and music have inspired her aesthetic and emotive delivery.[47] This Western exposure merged with Korean folk elements, evident in tracks like "Sal-Ki," where she incorporates traditional Asian instrument sounds to satirize cultural definitions, and "Mong," which infuses shamanistic folklore for a divine, avant-pop atmosphere.[4][48] Her vocal technique is characterized by a versatile range and an emotive, breathy delivery that adds ethereal depth to her performances. Often described as airy and husky, Kim's voice requires deliberate effort to achieve its signature dreamy quality, contrasting her natural speaking tone and enabling shifts from soft and thin to aggressive and thick.[39][43] Over four years of independent work post-2016, she cultivated innovative styles through collaborations, such as with producer No Identity, resulting in praised creativity on tracks like "Awoo," where her retro-modern vocals complement eclectic instrumentals.[4][49] In her songwriting, Kim emphasizes personal narratives that challenge K-pop's rigid norms, focusing on authenticity and empowerment, particularly after her 2016 hiatus from Mystic Entertainment. Her lyrics serve as bold "battle cries" addressing Asian female identity, Orientalism, and male dominance, as seen in the GENERASIAN project, where direct phrases like "Asian girls sing like me / They singin’ like a queen" reject stereotypes.[39][4] This approach, honed through self-production and crowdfunding, prioritizes emotional vividness over commercial conformity, empowering listeners while reflecting her independent evolution.[47]Discography
Studio albums
Lim Kim released her debut studio album, Goodbye 20, on November 18, 2013, through Mystic89, marking her transition from the duo Togeworl to a solo full-length project that compiled seven new tracks with selections from her prior EP Her Voice. The album explores themes of youth, farewell to one's twenties, and emotional maturity, blending acoustic pop, jazz, and bossa nova elements to highlight Kim's versatile vocal range without heavy electronic production. The lead single, "All Right," served as an upbeat anthem reflecting youthful optimism and self-assurance, achieving commercial success by topping multiple Korean music charts and earning widespread airplay on music programs.[3] The album's 14 tracks integrate new material with recontextualized earlier works, creating a cohesive narrative of personal growth. Key new songs include the title track "Goodbye 20," a reflective acoustic piece about leaving behind the constraints of young adulthood, and "What Should I Do to You" (널 어쩌면 좋을까), which delves into relational uncertainties with soulful delivery. "Number 1," a collaboration echoing her Togeworl roots, adds a playful duet dynamic, while "Colorring" (컬러링) and "Alice" (캐럴의 말장난) showcase whimsical, jazz-infused storytelling. The closer "Without Knowing It All" (모르는 척) addresses feigned ignorance in love, emphasizing emotional depth.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Goodbye 20" | 3:13 |
| 2 | "What Should I Do to You" (널 어쩌면 좋을까) | 3:30 |
| 3 | "Number 1" (feat. Togeworl) | 3:22 |
| 4 | "Colorring" (컬러링) | 2:53 |
| 5 | "Alice" (캐럴의 말장난) | 3:48 |
| 6 | "All Right" | 3:28 |
| 7 | "Without Knowing It All" (모르는 척) | 3:45 |
| 8 | "Voice" (feat. Swings) | 3:20 |
| 9 | "Stay with Me" | 3:15 |
| 10 | "Rain" | 4:02 |
| 11 | "Bloom" | 3:50 |
| 12 | "Tonight" | 3:40 |
| 13 | "Say Love" | 3:55 |
| 14 | "Truth Never Matters" | 4:10 |