Cover Get to know South Korea’s latest emerging singer Gyubin (Photo: X / @official_gyubin）
Get to know South Korea’s latest emerging singer Gyubin (Photo: X / @official_gyubin）
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Gyubin, who performed in Hong Kong for the first time recently, is part of the next generation of K-pop singers who want more creative freedom in making their music
The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, which brought global delicacies to the city, concluded with a bang last weekend. Apart from the culinary treasures, entertainment and live music were a big part of the festival, and one of the standout stars was Gyubin, an emerging Korean singer.
Born in 2006, this Gen Z singer found fame on YouTube by posting covers of songs, such as IU’s Lilac and Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon. Her candid style attracted the attention of Liveworks, an artist management company which then promptly signed her. Earlier this year, she released her first single, Really Like You, followed by Satellite a few months later—both songs are a perfect blend of pop and folk music.
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Above “I Really Like You” by Gyubin
What motivated you to become a singer?
I dreamt of becoming a singer since I was very young, but I had no formal vocal training. I taught myself by listening to songs and watching performances by many different singers. When I decided to pursue singing as a career, I met my current agency who helped me learn from professional instructors in a more formal way.
Many agencies in South Korea focus on debuting artists in groups, but I always wanted to be a solo artist who has the creative freedom to make my own music. This agency supported my vision of becoming a solo artist from the beginning, which is why I chose to work with them. They have proven to be wonderful partners.
Who is your role model in the music industry?
Taylor Swift. She is an incredible singer, and her talent extends beyond singing and performing. She is a brilliant songwriter and a remarkable person who has always inspired me—from her storytelling ability to her captivating performances, especially when she plays guitar.
Her style has influenced me to incorporate more acoustic elements into my music. I’m also inspired by how she shares her life experiences and offers heartfelt advice, especially to her fans.
Above Korean singer Gyubin didn’t want to be part of a girl group (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
Above Gen Z singer Gyubin wants to have creative freedom over her career (Photo: Instagram @baggyubin73)
Korean singer Gyubin didn’t want to be part of a girl group (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
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What songs have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been into Jay Fung’s music! Apart from that, I’ve been listening to various styles of music from Korean indie bands. I enjoy R’n’B styles, and I also love Kelly Clarkson’s songs for their bright and energetic style. I try to listen to a variety of genres.
What other music genres would you like to explore in the future?
My upcoming album will feature various genres, not just up-tempo songs, but also some pop ballads and R’n’B. I’ll take part in the composition process too. In the future, I’d like to try hip-hop as well, including rapping.
Above If she hadn’t been a singer, Gyubin would have been an elementary school teacher (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
Above Gyubin is the future of Korean music (Picture: Instagram @baggyubin73)
If she hadn’t been a singer, Gyubin would have been an elementary school teacher (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
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If you hadn’t become a singer, what would your dream job be?
I once dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher. I had a teacher who made such an impact on me—someone I admired during my elementary school years. She inspired my love for teaching others and learning new languages. Perhaps I might even consider becoming an English teacher in Korea.
Is this your first time in Hong Kong? What are your impressions of the city?
I remember visiting Disneyland when I was 6 or 7. This time was my first work trip, but I enjoyed it so much that it felt like a personal vacation. The food was amazing—egg tarts, milk tea and all the Hong Kong-style snacks were delicious. The highlight was definitely the performances, where I got to see the audience’s faces and reactions—it was truly amazing.
Above Gyubin performed in Hong Kong for the first time (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
Above Gyubin loves performing onstage (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
Gyubin performed in Hong Kong for the first time (Photo: Instagram / @baggyubin73)
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Leave a message to your future self in five years.
I’m sure you’ll be able to hold your own concerts—perhaps even an Asia tour. I believe you’ll become a great musician who composes their own songs and releases several albums. Just keep going on your path. I know you’ll be doing world tours someday.
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
