50 greatest albums of all time by Korean women

By Jamie Finn (@jamiefinn2209)

It’s International Women’s Day this week, and to celebrate, we’ve compiled our list of the best albums of all time by Korean women. This list celebrates the work of musicians who've shaped the country's sound from the 1970s to today.

These 50 albums represent groundbreaking work across all genres - from folk and rock to electronic and jazz. Some topped charts while others gained critical acclaim, but all capture important moments in Korean musical history.

From legendary pioneers to modern innovators, these women have consistently pushed boundaries with their unique voices.

2012 - Mukimukimanmansu (2012)

Even if this album were released today, it would seem ahead of its time. Such is the future freak folk on this underground cult classic. Every single moment on 2012 is dripping with ideas, making it as fascinating today as it was in 2012. The duo of Lee Minhwi and Jeong Eun-sil disbanded in 2013, but they left us with an experimental DIY masterpiece.

3 - Hyangni (2019)

Gun to my head, the most underrated act in Korea is Hyangni. They have plenty of fans but if there was any justice, the whole world would unite as one nation with Hyangni’s Hot Sauce as their national anthem. 3’s spacey funk is brilliantly weird and about as much fun as music is ever likely to be.

4 - Kirara (2021)

While the also excellent Sarah boasts several of Kirara’s biggest hits, we have gone for 4. There’s a ferociousness to this album that makes it unignorable. As Kirara described, “4 is an album about a kid expressing their frustration with the world.” With that said, it’s *still* a Kirara album, so there’s still plenty of dancefloor nastiness here. 

A Call From My Dream - Meaningful Stone (2020)

The debut album by Meaningful Stone makes for an interesting start to her career. On the one hand, it doesn’t represent the darker, heavier sound she has (mostly) pursued since it came out. On the other hand, the variety of sounds and styles here is something that has been ever present in her work. A Call From My Dream is, at its heart, an indie pop record. But it’s one that draws on enough sporadic influences to constantly feel fresh. Add some incredibly vibrant songwriting and it’s easy to see why she is on this list.

Far From The Madding City - OOHYO (2019)

The dreamy lo-fi synth pop of OOHYO is always a treat, but, for us, Far From The Madding City is when her charming style of introspection worked to its fullest effect. OOHYO captures a feeling of reflection and nostalgia through her soulful, introspective songs. There’re also plenty of hooks here, especially on hits like Brave and PIZZA.

ANTIHERO - Ahn Dayoung (2020)

We’re not ranking this list, but if we were, ANTIHERO might actually sit at the top, such is our love for it. It’s just an astonishingly brilliant from start to finish. From the sultry art rock of Folktale, the electronic pop of Usual Person, the squelchy R’N’B of Submergance, right on through to the orchestral lullaby of Panorama, this album never stops giving. Truly incredible stuff.

Before I Die - Park Hye Jin (2021)

This hypnotic electronic EP, released in 2021, announced Park Hye Jin's distinctive blend of house, influenced by techno, hip-hop, experimental, and more. The producer/DJ delivers minimalist beats paired with her deadpan delivery, creating an atmospheric soundscape. The project's raw emotional honesty and pulsing rhythms established her as an important voice in contemporary electronic music.

Jung Hoonhee Best - Jung Hoonhee (1995)

The only compilation to make the list is this collection of hits from legendary pop star Jung Hoonhee. This retrospective perfectly captures the incredible career Jung Hoonhee had and her captivating voice. Often called “Korean Diana Ross,” Jung Hoonhee’s music draws on the soul and rock and roll sounds of her era. Her powerful voice contrasts well with the cool, almost-Spaghetti Westerness of the music.

Big Baby Driver - Big Baby Driver (2010)

The self-titled debut album by singer-songwriter Big Baby Driver is as comfy a listen as you’re ever likely to find. The gently, blues-tinged sway and wry lyrics of Big Baby Driver set the tone in many ways for what the popular performer has done since. It’s a playful album that also gave the world BBD’s most popular song - Your Sun Is Stupid.

Borrowed Tongue - Minhwi Lee (2016)

This contemplative album explores cultural identity and language through Minhwi Lee’s singular songwriting approach. Her innovative compositions blend traditional instruments with contemporary electronic elements, creating a unique palette. Borrowed Tongue’s meditative tone communicates themes of displacement and belonging, with some nuanced production confirming Minhwi Lee as a thoughtful voice in Korea's avant-garde music community.

Cloud Cuckoo Land - Jungwoo (2023)

One of the more recent inclusions on our list is Jungwoo’s brilliant sophomore album, Cloud Cuckoo Land. This album is the perfect bellwether of Korea’s independent music scene, capturing the trends and sounds of contemporary Korean music and translating it into a damn near-perfect album. The darker, shoegazey sounds lend well with the singer’s pop sensibilities, as her aloof vocals give just the exact right amount for her music. Right now, there aren’t many doing it better.

Cultural Revolution - Pippi Band (1995)

It’s difficult to overstate the impact this album had on Korea’s alternative music scene. From opening the doors for women to make alternative music, to spreading the concept of “punk” to the mainstream, to creating music that didn’t take itself seriously, Cultural Revolution stands out as one of the more seminal albums of the last 30 years. It’s also really great. It’s unrelenting weirdness, goofy chic and forays into electronica make this a must listen.

Dead Gakkahs - Dead Gakkahs (2014)

Coming in at under 7 minutes, the sole album by hardcore punk royalty Dead Gakkahs is comfortably the shortest album on this list. It’s also the loudest. It’s not for the faint-hearted but the cathartic aggression of Dead Gakkahs sees the band stand out against many of their melody-focused peers. It’s just a shame we can’t watch them live any more.

Dipuc - Cacophony (2023)

Dipuc kind of represents the final evolution of Cacophony’s exploration of trauma and sadness that had shaped her music up to the writing of this album. On Dipuc, the art-pop singer goes further than only exploring trauma, she owns it. She devours it. It’s a luxurious and empowering listen from one of Korea’s most captivating voices.

Don't Push Me - Billy Carter (2020)

Bold, incisive, and with tunes for days - how Don’t Push Me didn’t make Billy Carter a marquee name is something we will never understand. While the band had always been political, this is the album when BC decided to be completely direct. They sharpened their approach, musically and lyrically, in order to drive home their ethos. Songs about abortion, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide are on this album but delivered with shocking wit. 

Dreamtalk - 3rd Line Butterfly (2012)

3rd Line Butterfly’s third album was a critical darling at the time of its release, winning Best Modern Rock Album at 2013’s Korean Music Awards. It’s not hard to see why this album was so well received; everything on Dreamtalk clicks. It’s a big-sounding rock album that draws on an impressive range of influences such as jazz, psychedelia, garage rock, electronica, and more.

Drifting To An Island For A Reason I Don'T Know - DOMA (2017)

Even outside of the context of Kim Doma’s tragically early passing, Drifting To An Island For A Reason I Don'T Know stands as a testament to her beautifully understated approach to songwriting and the immense potential she had. The kind of warm and delicate coffee shop folk has never sounded as touching as it does here, with DOMA’s lyrical observations about loneliness adding a layer of heart.

Echo - Aseul/Yukari (2012)

Aseul’s (or Yukari as she was known at the time) debut album is a dreamy nu-gaze masterpiece. The densely-textured, reverb-heavy production pairs perfectly with Aseul’s emotional songwriting style and whispy vocal delivery. With its beautiful synthpop layers, this is music made for walking around neon cities at night with headphones on.

Ego Function Error - Ego Function Error (2015)

The debut album from outsider punk band Ego Function Error is, in ways, the natural successor to what Pippi Band were doing 10 years earlier. Both bands draw on an uncompromisingly playful art style. The main difference, though, is that there’s something more menacing to what Ego Function Error are doing, as they introduce a riot grrrl stance to their freaky art-rockishness.

Episode1: Love - So!YoON! (2023)

We could have easily included the excellent debut album from Se So Neon’s frontperson, but it’s on 2023’s Episode1: Love that her solo music really feels distinct from her band work. It's a luxurious pop release that has as much depth and creativity as anything So!YoON! has every produced.

Eyebrow Moon - Lee Sora (2004)

Lee Sora is a singular presence in the history of Korean music. Her open-hearted heroism and unique style have made her an incredibly influential figure. Few singers can deliver such haunting melancholia as she can, with her voice managing to convey both vulnerability and strength equally. On the essential Eyebrow Moon, the balance of modern rock ballads, boundary-pushing production, and poetic lyricism work better than ever.

Fade Away Like A Dream - Luli Lee (2022)

It’s not exactly rock music’s most common story - the bass player of a famous band stepping into the limelight as a solo artist, but after the disbandment of Bye Bye Badman, that’s what Luli Lee did. And did it incredibly well. This is especially true on debut full-length album, Fade Away Like A Dream. From its Cure-esque opener Don’t Fade Away Baby, to the R’n’B inspired Flame, Fade Away Like A Dream is a pop rock album full of depth.

Gogangdong - Park So Eun (2020)

Named after a small corner of south west Seoul, Gogangdong is a whistfully nostalgic debut from one of Korean independent music’s most captivating voices. It feels like a coming of age album, as Park So Eun reflects on memories she’s made and how they have shaped her. Mixing indie, folk, synth pop, and even country, Park So Eun has crafted a moving tapestry of introspection.

Gongmudohaga - Lee Sang Eun (1995) 

I Hear You - Peggy Gou (2024)

It feels weird to say this, but did the best 90s dance album actually come out in 2024? It’s very possible. Peggy Gou has been reimagining that iconic sound throughout her career, but it was on her debut full-length, I Hear You, that the enigmatic performer found the space to realise the expansive potential of that style. Just try and not dance to tracks like Lobster Telephone, Back To One, and, of course, (It Goes Like) Nanana.

I'm the only one who can open the door and come out - Yoonsung (2021)

The eponymous door in Yoonsung’s 2021 album can not only be taken figuratively, but also literally. It’s an album about finding yourself, reclaiming who you are and taking ownership of your own journey, but it’s also an album about being outside. Yoonsung’s enchanting folk ballads don’t claim that journey will be easy, but they remind the listener that they have the strength.

I WAS, I AM, I WILL - Gonne Choi (2014)

The debut full-length album from much-loved singer-songwriter Gonne Choi is one full of conflict and contradiction. It was here that she made the move from singing only in English, to writing her poetic observations in both English and her native Korean. The tracklist is a mix of songs from her first couple of EPs as well as a bunch of new material. Even the themes of the songs sometimes centre around conflict, such as My Side, which is a conversational. Most poignantly, though, it is the mix of sounds which makes this an album of conflict, between the fuller sounds of the first half, and the calmer sounds of the second half. 

Jay Knife - Dajung (2021)

The astonishing fact about Dajung’s Jay Knife is that it was mostly written and recorded back in 2017 when Dajung was only 14 and living in China. She later expanded it into her debut full-length, named after her high school nickname. It’s an unbelievably mature album in which Dajung explores her struggles with mental health, identity, and spending her formative years away from home. 

Jieun - Oh Jieun (2009)

Oh Jieun gained the nickname “the queen of the indie scene,” when in 2007, she became an underground sensation by selling over 3000 copies of her self-released debut. But we’ve gone for her inspired follow-up to that. The deeply sincere sound of Oh Jieun’s voice and the versatile music (recorded by some of the Korean indie scene’s biggest names), make 2009’s Jieun a must-listen.

Keep Drinking - Drinking Boys and Girls Choir (2019)

This one was a really tough call, as both Drinking Boys and Girls Choir albums could have easily found their way on this list. While an argument can easily be made for Marriage License, but we’ve gone for their first album, Keep Drinking. There’s a rawness to this thrashy pop punk album that makes it a thrilling listen. Fast-paced, loud af, and above all, incredibly fun.

Let's take a step to a brighter place - Budung (2021)

As you may have noticed from this list, 2021 was a great year for music in South Korea, and one of the best releases of that year was Let's take a step to a brighter place by Budung. The album opens with the synthy chill of First Time before hitting its indie folk ballad stride. Since its release, the album has only grown in reputation for its beautiful reflections on growth and loss.

Love That Left Autumn - Patti Kim (1990)

Picking an album by Patti Kim is difficult. The ballad queen has dozens of albums to her name. But, of course, we have to include her on this list. We’ve chosen Love That Left Autumn from 1990. It is the album that gives the best representation of the iconic singer.

Nameless Things - Xeuda (2022)

Throughout Nameless Things, Xeuda creates a visceral emotional experience through subtle and delicate arrangements, allowing the listener to feel both the weight and liberation of confronting their own anxieties. The folk elements of this album make it feel very natural, even traditional. The whole thing is elevated by Xeuda’s incredible voice which translates her struggles beautifully.

Nonadaptation - Se So Neon (2020)

One of only two EPs we’ve included on the list, but we couldn’t NOT have it. It’s so good that Album of the Year gave it a perfect 100 score and called it a “masterpiece”. Nonadaptation’s secret sauce is its deceptive slickness, which lingers beneath the airy production. It also contains some of So!YoON!’s best guitar work, particularly on Dong and E.

Sobrightttttttt - sogumm (2019)

The debut solo effort from alternative R’n’B star and Balming Tiger member sogumm is exceptional. What makes Sobrightttttttt such an exhilarating listen is that it never settles into one thing. Ideas come thick and fast and before you’ve had a chance to absorb one, another is blowing your mind. The weird and wonderful world presented here by the singer set the tone for her weird and wonderful career.

Now - Kim Jung Mi (1973)

Widely regarded as one of the most influential works in Korean music history, Now features a captivating blend of folk, rock, and jazz elements, marking a departure from the traditional Korean pop music of the time. Kim Jung Mi, known for her powerful yet soulful voice, brings a unique, emotional depth to each track, making this a timeless classic.

Our Time Lies Within - Savina & Drones (2016)

Our Time Lies Within feels like two different albums twisted together. The first is made up of a series of unsettling ambient-inspired art-pop soundscapes. On tracks like Du:by, Falling, There are, and When I First Saw Your Eyes, we see Savina & Drones' interest in experimental electronica. The other half of the album demonstrates the band’s interest in more conventional jazz-pop song writing. These two wildly different approaches should make for a jarring listen, but somehow it works, with both styles complementing each other to surprising effect.

Romance - Kim Sawol (2018)

Another difficult call. We could have easily gone for 2016’s Suzanne, but the brighter and more dynamic sound of Romance means it gets picked here. On Romance, Kim Sawol builds on her much-loved brand of smokey folk-pop, drawing inspiration from the worlds of rock, indie, and pop. It’s on this album when Kim Sawol spread her creative wings and shows what a force she is.

Seeds - Airy (2018)

The second of two EPs that have made this list is Airy’s 2018 release, Seeds. This eclectic release highlighted Airy’s musicality and diverse range of influences, with soul, R’n’B, rock, electronica, folk, jazz, and prog all making appearances in this short but absorbing release.

Stay Gold - Neon Bunny (2016)

On her sophomore album, Neon Bunny left behind the cutesy simplicity of her enjoyable debut, trading it in for depth, atmosphere, and a kind of somber electronica that made her wildly popular. Complete with ethereal vocals, Stay Gold brings a blend of textured and sophisticated electropop with a delicate emotional core.

tellusboutyourself - Yerin Baek (2020)

We’re probably going to upset a few Yerin Baek fans with this one, but we’re picking her second album over her debut. There’s something tellusboutyourself that we can’t help but love. Everything here feels bigger, sparkier, more assured, and with more character. It’s a sad pop classic which gets extra points for Bubbles&Mushrooms, which predicted the UK garage revival several years before it happened.

The Barberettes - The Barberettes (2017)

The Barberettes is an album that both honours the group’s vintage musical influences and connects it to something very contemporary. Featuring collaborations with Marty Friedman of Megadeath and Stuart Zender of Jamiroquai, the album was a chance for the group to expand their sound while also creating something very them.

The First Flower Again - parkjiyoon (2009)

After taking an extended hiatus from music, parkjiyoon returned with her seventh album, and it represented a completely new, mature direction for the actress and musician. While The First Flower Again wasn’t as commercially successful as her earlier music, her sophisticated folk pop and coming-of-age lyrics were critically lauded. The First Flower Again is the sound of an artist growing and taking agency of their creative direction. 

The Parts I Dread - Pictoria Vark (2022)

The outstanding debut full-length from Pictoria Vark revolves around the struggles she faced when her parents decided to move her away from the childhood home she loved so much. It’s a well-observed exploration of anxiety and identity, and even suicide (and the irrational battles that stem from them.) Even the (relatively) lighter moments on this channel a kind of melancholic nostalgia which Vark manages to make feel both universal and deeply personal.

The Universe and I - Sowall (2014)

Sowall’s third solo album is a labyrinthian electronic free jazz album that is not for the unadventurous. As you might expect from something produced by Lee Sowall, the drums are the centerpiece, as she traverses jazz, drum’n’bass, rock, and more into her unwieldy rhythm. A complicated album by an absolute master. It gets extra points for having really gorgeous artwork.

There is a Wolf - Lang Lee (2021)

Another REALLY tough call, as Lang Lee has two (arguably three) albums that could very easily make this list. The context of an album’s release can often add to the power it has. Lang Lee’s There Is A Wolf coming out during the horrors of COVID and chaotic global politics makes this even more vital, especially tracks like the inspirational Generation of Tribulations. Lyrically evocative and musically adventurous, There is a Wolf is a vital album.

Unforeseen - eundohee (2021)

When My Loneliness Calls to You/Soony6 - Jang Pil-soon (1997/2002)

OK, we’re cheating here, but we just cannot choose between Jang Pil-soon’s fifth and sixth albums. When My Loneliness Calls to You is considered a watershed for the acclaimed singer-songwriter. It’s the album where she started to write music and became perceived as more than a singer, she was an artist. It is widely considered by critics to be one of the greatest folk-rock albums in Korean history. Soony6 builds on the work of its predecessor and is an even more creative album, exploring electronic styles. It’s a robust and adventurous album, and for that reason, we couldn’t not include it.

고운노래모음 - Yang Hee Eun (1971)

Yang Hee Eun’s debut album is a lesson in the other side of censorship. After being banned for subversive lyrics, Yang Hee Eun’s music grew incredibly vital to the democratisation movements of Korea in the 70s. Now more than 50 years old, Yan Hee Eun’s delicate and poetic resistance songs are more essential than ever before.

바라본다 - Han Young Ae (1988)

The second solo album by Sinchon Blues member Han Young Ae is where she really finds her colour. Her bluesy, gravely voice, which translates immense pathos, saw her often compared to Janis Joplin. Heartwrenching album highlight, 비애, was written by Yoon Jae-ha and was released one year after his death.