K-pop often conjures thoughts of acrobatic dance moves and bass-heavy hits performed by the many members of the boy bands and girl groups Korea has to offer, but the pool of talented indie singer-songwriters is just as rich and colorful as the sounds they create. Unlike many of the idol bands that perform songs written and produced by others, these singers take their music into their own hands and establish fan bases solely based on their songs. Through this series, the Korea JoongAng Daily will sit down with up-and-coming solo indie singers and learn the stories behind their lyrics, while also finding out more about their lives, loves and interests.

Singer-songwriter Youra's fierce feline-esque gaze is deceiving.


The young musician says she's compassionate and sensitive and attributes her motivation to continue on her new career path to the love she has for both music and the people she surrounds herself with.

Youra debuted in 2018 at the age of 25, considered relatively late for a rookie in the Korean music industry, but quickly made a name for herself as one of the hottest musicians on the indie scene. Her mystical singing style might make listeners miss the lyrics of her songs, but if you delve deep into her songs, a world filled with unique melodies and engaging topics unravels.

For Youra, music came unexpectedly. She never studied it, nor did she plan for things to turn out the way they did. She did briefly train to be a part of a girl group and uploaded the songs she made for free on Soundcloud, but back then becoming a musician was a decision she wasn't ready to commit to.

While she managed to establish a fan base through the tracks she uploaded on Soundcloud by the time she made her official debut with her digital single “My” in October 2018, it wasn't until she appeared on SBS’s music audition program “The Fan” in December that year that she began gaining recognition from a larger audience.

“That was when I began to feel more responsible for everything,” Youra said. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m on TV, and now I can’t go back. Everyone knows my face so I might as well do my best.’”

Since then, her unique voice has captured the attention of other artists who have sought to collaborate with her.

It began with producer Cosmic Boy for his 2019 hit “Can I love?,” followed by teenage rapper Aquinas’s track “Popcorn” (2019), Giriboy’s “Tokyo” (2019), Way Ched’s “Risk” (2019) and Kirin’s “Yay Yay Yay” (2019).

This year though, Youra is focusing on her own music.

Her EP “dot” came out in February, followed by the single “Happy” in May and she is currently putting the final touches on her upcoming single “Swim,” which will be released next month.

Her chic look and melancholic vibe may give the impression that she's somewhat unapproachable but that couldn't be further from the case.

“People say they have no idea what I’m thinking, but that’s because I have too many things on my mind and I can’t say all of them,” said Youra.

Kim You-ra is kind and caring, especially when it comes to her friends, family and the newest addition to her life, a multi-colored Scottish-fold kitten.

The following are edited excerpts of an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily in which 28-year-old Kim You-ra revealed the story behind singer Youra.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]