'Ssenunni', meaning 'tough sister' or 'strong sister' is a big contrast to the cutesy concepts in K-pop. Here are some girls who don't wait for oppa and become their own heroine. 1. Ailee
Ailee is a powerhouse vocalist known for her girl-power anthems. She exudes independence in "I'll Show You", "Don't Touch Me" and "Mind Your Own Business".
10. Jiyoon (4minute)
Jiyoon has been overshadowed by her unni Hyuna but gained more attention during 4minute's 'Crazy' era. She furthered her image on Unpretty Rapstar Season 2 with her pen name Jenyer.
Hate
9. LE (Exid)
Most popular from being with EXID, LE was part of an underground group called the 'Jiggy Fellaz' before her debut.
8. Hyuna (4minute)
Hyuna is a pillar in her group and has established herself as a soloist.
7. Yezi (Fiestar)
Fiestar has been around for a few years, with little popularity until Yezi brought them out of the shadows. Her "Crazy Dog" appearance on Unpretty Rapstar 2 showcased her insane skills a rapper and had people wondering "Where as she been all this time?" She didn't win first on the show, but her rising popularity seemed to snatch the trophy anyway.
6.Cheetah
The winner of Unpretty Rapstar, Cheetah's bold charisma and lyrical fluidity captivated viewers.
5. Jessi (Lucky J)
Jessica Ho is a vocalist and rapper with a tough exterior. Her husky voice contrasts with other Korean female artists and she shows her versatility while still maintaining her signature style.
4. Lee Hyori
Rather than a tough image, Hyori has music that seems to bite at stereotypes of women. Often referred to as the "Nation's Fairy", she has her share of girl-empowerment hits, notably "U-Go-Girl" and "Miss Korea". As the oldest unni on this list, her career has been ongoing for over a decade and she proved her fierceness all along the way.
3. Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls)
Miryo showed her rapping skills in her works with Honey Family and in her solo projects. However, her strongest point is her songwriting ability, which she utilizes with Brown Eyed Girls and for other artists.
2. CL (2NE1)
Lee Chae-Rin, The Baddest Female, is the rapper and leader in 2NE1. The "female G-Dragon" in terms of swag, CL is definitely a style icon. Her charisma is explosive on stage and Gizibes are anticipating her upcoming American debut.
1. Yoon Mi-rae
Mi-Rae or Tasha Reid is the top ssenunni with veteran status and perhaps is the best Korean female rapper! Tasha is not really K-pop, but she does contribute to mainstream hallyu music. She sings ballads, r&b and is part of the hip-hop trio MFBTY. Also, Tasha always has the fiercest hairstyles!
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.
Travel through time and space with out of this world songs inspired by the universe. Songs without a video are here. Are you ready? :)
1. Girls' Generation - Galaxy Supernova Japanese ♥
SNSD wear colored skinny jeans again like they did in 'Gee' but this time they are more glam. 'Galaxy Supernova' has a more grown-woman vibe, less aegyo and is simply a good pop song! This isn't Girls' Generation as you know them- their Japanese music is different from the Korean
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4/5
2. Brown Eyed Girls - Brave New World Korean
'Brave New World' is a polished, 'space-age-disco' track. Retro to their roots, it sounds like Brown Eyed Girls sampled from Michael Jackson and mixed in some electro-pop. It's about having a new emotional experience in love.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2/5
3. FEMM - UFO Japanese
'UFO' is definitely an adventure. FEMM don't say much in the song aside from warped 'I'm sick and tired of human boys.' The beat moves at the speed of light and at times the high-tech synths sound like lasers shooting from a spaceship.
Review: Song - 4.5/5
4. Perfume - Cosmic Explorer Japanese ♥
The sound of 'Cosmic Explorer' reflects a trip into outer space. Perfume's ethereal vocals glide within the synths and are down-played to emphasize the layer of sounds. I always see Perfume as a contradiction: child-like voices with advanced, mature instrumentals. It's a dynamic listening experience.
Review: Song - 4.5/5
5. KARA - Starlight Korean
KARA suffered member changes and has disbanded, but they released cheery music until the end. 'Starlight' isn't as saccharine as their j-pop releases but is still a delicate and feminine song. The lyrics compare the one that they love to a shining light. It's fun, and everything Kara fans expect.
Review: Song - 2.5/5
6. F(x) - Signal Korean
Another retro-influenced track lands on this list and like almost every other item, it's swirled with electro-pop. But 'Signal' is in no way typical. F(x) is spunky, sophisticated and (like the list's theme) spacey! 'I’ll be an astronaut, I'm searching on into space...' At first, the song is rather trippy, but soon speeds up to a jazzy chorus.
Review: Song - 3.5/5
7. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Invader Invader Japanese ♥
Is Kyary a kid or an adult? Well, she's an adult, but the kid-ish music video reminds me of the children's show 'Yo Gabba Gabba'. The cute, kitschy style or kawaii-decora is part of Harajuku culture, which Kyary is associated. 'Stylish, let's take over the world!' 'Invader Invader' seems like a candy-pop track until the dubstep breaks in. Fascinating!
Review: Song - 4/5
8. Flower - Your Gravity Japanese
This song pushes you to realize 'your gravity', or capability to succeed.You're a flower that has unlimited potential and can write your own future in life. Unlike most empowerment songs, it's not aggressive and is really easy-going.
