My chosen songs for this week are “MINJOKYO(ENTRANCE)” and “YELLOW” by Lim Kim. These two songs are my favourite from Lim Kim’s album – GENERASIAN. Recently, I have been listening to this EP a lot.
Kim Ye-rim, popularly known as Lim Kim, is a South Korean singer and former member of the duo known as Togeworl. She became known through the talent show – Superstar K3. Lim Kim was signed to MYSTIC Entertainment, but after her contract expired in 2016, she left the company. In 2019, after taking a three-year hiatus, Lim Kim came back as a totally different artist. She first released the digital single “SAL-KI” and then went on to release the EP titled GENERASIAN. Lim Kim is currently not signed to any company, which means she is an independent artist.
I discovered Lim Kim through the song “Awoo” in 2016. She has a beautiful voice, so I was quite sad that she wasn’t releasing new music. Late last year, I decided to look her up, and that was when I got to hear her new EP. I remember being so confused and shocked because of how different she sounded.
Yess, Lim Kim has always had a unique sound, but this new Lim Kim is also a rapper. She now sounds very powerful and unapologetic as she uses her music to discuss female liberation. Plus, her lyrics debunks the stereotypical western views of East Asian women. I love that she is using her platform to talk about social issues.
Also, I genuinely appreciate the fusion of modern music with traditional instruments and dances. I am not Korean; hence I do not understand all the subliminal messages, but I could tell that Lim Kim was bent on making a statement. I am very proud of her for taking an unconventional approach with her comeback. Here is an interview that explains why she took a long break and the reason for her new music direction –
Check out the live stages for “YELLOW” and another good song on the album titled “YO-SOUL”
Listening to the EP – GENERASIAN was a full-blown experience for me. It is definitely not mainstream music, but personally, I enjoy diving into unconventional sounds every now and then. So if you are like me, go check out this EP –
My very own winter playlist created for you all to enjoy, and I also added short previews for each song.
#. 1415 – When It Snows
This song was recommended by a friend, and she got me to quickly watch the music video for it because Nam Joo Hyuk features as the main character for the video. It was my first time listening to 1415. After my first listen, I went on to check out their other releases. It is a very calm and soothing song, so I wanted to share it with you all. Hopefully, you enjoy it like I did.
#. 1415 – I Am Blue
Yes, another song from 1415. They are amazing, and I hope that they get the recognition that their music deserves. “I am Blue” is a more upbeat song compared to “When It Snows” and the instrumentals on this song is absolutely beautiful.
#. Zion. T, Lee Moon Sae – Snow
Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever listened to. I expect nothing less from Zion. T, he is an amazing artist. Also, the fact that he featured Lee Moon Sae, a well recognized older generation singer, made this song even more beautiful. If you have never listened to anything from Lee Moon Sae, I recommend the song “Whistle.”
#. Primary, OHHYUK, Lim Kim – Gondry
Ohhyuk’s voice in every song I have heard from him continuously takes me by surprise. When I first listened to “Gondry,” I was completely in awe. No matter how many times I listen to this song, I keep on asking myself how someone can be blessed with such an amazingly rich set of pipes. It is not really the notes but rather the emotion that his voice adds to each song. I honestly hope that you all come to appreciate his voice and music just like I do after listening to this song.
#. Yang Da Il, Hyolyn – And Then
Yang Da Il caught my attention with his soundtracks from Korean dramas like Hospital Ship and Bride Of The Water God. But I was still never compelled to check out his actual songs. I came to know of this particular song through Spotify radio, and I was so mad at myself for such a late discovery. Also, with a feature like Hyolyn, who has a really enchanting voice, this turned out to be such a tasteful and relaxing song.
#. Primary, OHHYUK – Island
This is such a laid back song for me. Whenever this song plays, I find myself just snapping my fingers and rocking my head from side to side. It is quite an odd dance if seen in person, but that is just me being me. So do let me know what sort of moves this song ignites from you.
#. John Park – Thought Of You
The only song I knew from John Park before this month was “My Best,” which features Huh Gak. I never dived further into the discography of both singers until this month. So this song is one of my recent findings. I absolutely enjoy every minute of listening to “Thought Of You.” It is such a feel-good song, and it lightens up my mood.
#. MISIA, HIDE (GReeeeN) – Ainokatachi
This happens to be one of the first Japanese songs I listened to that was not from an anime. Sometime last year, I decided that I would like to hear what Japan’s music scene had to offer. So with my search, I came across Mika Nakashima and then she led me to discover MISIA. I really love this song because of the hopeful and uplifting atmosphere that it exudes. I have since then discovered other Japanese songs that I enjoy once in a while.
#. Jia Jia – Happiness Coming
“Happiness Coming” was featured in the Taiwanese drama Rock ‘n’ Road. This is a very calm and steady song, it gives off the feeling of not wanting to give up and hoping for the best no matter what. When I first heard this song, I was in a bad place, so I really needed that message. I am so happy that I discovered Jia Jia through this song because she is an awesome singer and really great at conveying emotions.
#. John Park – Smile
Another John Park song that soothes my soul, it is so soft and cozy. The way he starts the song with such a low register is really captivating. It is the perfect winter song to play while warming up by the fireplace with a cup of warm french vanilla. I specifically stated french vanilla because I do not drink coffee, and I am also not the biggest fan of hot chocolate. Anyways “Smile” is a great cafe mood song. I hope you all enjoy it.
#. Eddy Kim – When Night Falls
“When Night Falls” is the first soundtrack for the Korean drama While You Were Sleeping. I hardly know anything about the singer Eddy Kim, but I acknowledge that he has a lovely voice. I really love the slight whispering/falsettotone that he uses during the chorus of the song. It felt like he was speaking directly to me, and I always enjoy that personal feeling in any song.
#. Akdong Musician(AKMU) – Way Back Home
I absolutely adore Akmu. They have their own unique style. I tend to appreciate such stand-out artists more. I have listened to all their albums, but Winter is my favourite season-themed album. So if you have not listened to this album already, do check it out, and I promise that you will not be disappointed. I decided to add the song “Way Back Home” to this playlist because it is one of my favourite songs from the album.
#. Bii – I Will Miss You
I already wrote about my love for Bii in a previous post, and if you have not read that, here is a link – Star Showcase: BII. “I Will Miss You” perfectly showcases why I love Bii. His songs are so soothing and very easy to remember. All his songs have very catchy melodies that stay stuck in your head for days. Plus, he has a beautiful voice to back that up, so I cannot help but love this artist.
#. Ra. D – Just Missing You
Now the drama for which this song is associated with is quite gloomy. When I first watched the drama Just Between Lovers, I was too focused on the story to notice any of the original soundtracks. I only came to realize the beauty of this song just recently. This is such a well-arranged piece of music, most especially the chorus. I could not help but sing along with the few English lyrics I could understand, and I plan to check out the artist because I AM REALLY IMPRESSED.
#. Akdong Musician(AKMU) – Live
Another great song from Akmu. “Live” is my number one song from the album Winter. I sincerely admire the brother and sister duo, Lee Chan-hyuk, for his songwriting skills and Lee Su-hyun for her vocal talents. Right from the time I saw them in the Korean audition program, Kpop Star, they have never produced a bad song. Like I said, their style is unique, so not everyone might get right into it, but that aside, they are amazing together.
#. Park Hyo Shin – Beautiful Tomorrow
If you do not know of the vocal prowess that is Park Hyo Shin, please waste no more time. I advise that you start with his song, “Wild Flower.” This guy is a vocal beast and never fails to wow his listeners. His music is really touching. He tends to release songs that reflect his life experiences, so that makes it more relatable. This particular song, “Beautiful Tomorrow” is a powerful and smooth ballad, and the entire song is accompanied only by a piano.
#. South Club – Hug Me
Right from his time as a member of the Korean pop group Winner to when he became the main singer for the Korean band South Club. Nam Taehyun has always been one of my top vocalists. He has such a soft and smooth voice. This song “Hug me” is really comforting, but you can still feel the hint of sadness in his voice. I am not certain about the kind of guitar that was used in this song, but South Club definitely has great talents among them.
#. Park Hyo Shin – Breath
Another great song from the master himself. His album I am A Dreamer has a great set of songs to enjoy. My favourites, according to preference, are “Wild Flower,” “Breath,” “Home,” and “Beautiful Tomorrow.” This is another solid ballad from Park Hyo Shin. The message of the song is amazing, so I hope you all enjoy this song, as well.
#. Paul Kim – Me After You
I seem to always find the good songs so late. I need to get my game together and seek out more treasures like this song. This is another beautiful and well-produced piece. Paul Kim’s delivery on this song is charming. “Me After You” is a great love song, and I absolutely enjoy listening to it.
#. Noel – How About You
If you are not aware already, Noel is actually a ballad group consisting of four equally amazing singers. Their voices are so alluring, and I always find myself playing their songs on repeat. They are quite older in the Korean music scene and have earned the well-deserved respect and recognition from other artists. “How About You” is a great release from them, so I hope you all enjoy listening to this song as well.
So there it is, this is the end of my list, but I am sure there many other songs that ooze coziness for this cold winter season. So feel free to leave me your song selections in the comments. To hear the full versions of any of these listed songs Here is a link to the YouTube playlist I created –YouTube Winter Playlist
