Hwasa: ‘I Try to Live a Life That Doesn’t Betray My Fans’

She always sings her way into my heart. So, interviewing Hwasa has been both a privilege and a thoughtful process. The sheer delight of engaging with one of your favorite artists washed over me emotionally as I forged ahead with curiosity to better understand her through this exchange. 

Hwasa, from the iconic girl group Mamamoo, a decorated singer, songwriter, and television personality, debuted in 2014. In tandem with group activities, she made a solo entry in 2019 via the single “Twit.” A year later, Maria, her maiden solo album, was released with the same-named title track, and with that, Hwasa became the first Korean soloist to achieve number one on the US iTunes Album chart. “Maria” hit a home run; it topped the iTunes Song Charts in nine countries, the iTunes Album Charts in 22 countries, and was also certified platinum by the Gaon Charts. “Maria” aptly captures Hwasa’s soul as an artist and a person, especially serving as a cherished memory for her. “I painted a picture of the song since I was a trainee. To me, it feels like a long-kept thought.”

Hwasa’s husky voice, defined by its unrestrained sensuality and appealing confidence, makes her a dynamic musician. The raw emotional intensity she brings to the fore in every performance is one of her finest artistic assets. Even so, she admits, “I am trying my best to maintain my confidence. I felt I was circling the same spot for a while, but I found my confidence blooming naturally one day. It didn’t feel artificial; it almost felt like a callus forming without me realizing it.” Hwasa’s vocal range—from a deep, never-failing low register to an imposing, emotive upper range—let her effortlessly handle different musical styles, be they sensuous R&B-infused tracks or powerful rock-tinged ones, showcasing a capacity to rule the stage. But rarely satisfied, she’s like, “I never stop thinking and practicing hard.” 

Whether in a heart-wrenching ballad or an unapologetically fierce and commanding tune such as “I Love My Body,” her second digital single, Hwasa’s singing is underpinned by a palpable sense of authenticity and personal investment. “I felt the pressure that I must deliver my own story; I found myself narrating the song even though I did not write it.” “In ‘I Love My Body,’ ‘body’ is just a façade.” The song, she explains, “sends love and gratitude for everything after finding freedom from negativity.” “It always thrills me beyond words when I find a great track. There were hardships and challenges, but looking back, it was a happy process.”

Recipient of the Artist of the Year Award at the Golden Disk Awards (2019) and more honors to her credit, Hwasa is distinctively beautiful—bold, unafraid, yet simultaneously sensitive. And I couldn’t help but tell her, “You’re one of my absolute favorites.” “First of all, thank you!” she says, sharing that she just vaguely realized so many people care about her and love her work. “A compliment has great power for me. I thought I could take criticism, but I recently learned I cannot. (Laughs). To give you a brief rundown of my personality, I am chill and calm but have a fiery characteristic when I’m focused on something. I have a distinct on-off switch, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a tough woman. Maybe that’s why I have both soft and tough sides.” Remaining brave and self-assured, she adds, helped her release while also leaving her somewhat overwhelmed. “One day, if my self-esteem hits rock bottom, and then if I see my fans saying they’re encouraged by me, I’ll feel like I am betraying them, surrounding myself with negative thoughts. Not every day can be perfect, but I try to live a life that doesn’t betray my fans.”

Hwasa has been at it; now 28 years old, her professional trajectory was rather an uphill climb. “Nothing I have achieved has come easily.” Beyond challenges, though, she is who she is: a rock star, sustaining her identity and artistic integrity by remaining true to herself and her sound. Nonetheless, finding a space that fosters your music in the manner you want it to be can be another task, given that K-pop can be rigid at times. Maybe I’m thinking that’s why, in 2023, Hwasa left her previous label, RBW, and signed with P Nation. In this context, she refuses to blame what happened. “I think that your life is your music and a special asset, no matter the environment you’re in. I just hope that there are many good adults or seniors next to all the artists.”

What matters more to her now, in a successful career like hers, is finding value in effort and inventiveness while also paying attention to responses and reviews. Her songs originate from personal observations and encounters, and she tends to her instincts and emotions. As it turns out, Hwasa is continually exploring self-expression through music and thinking about the next song she wants to try while making sure it’s a good companion for her fans and listeners. That resonates with me; I have a solid, almost enigmatic affinity for Hwasa’s music. When I first heard her song, I felt the stark emotions she laid out. As impressed as I was, I kept digging deeper into her discography—the realms of her voice ringing with sentiments—of joy, fulfillment, grief, and pure passion. 

Her repertoire encompasses creating music, performances, concert tours, variety show involvement, interviews, endorsements, and so much more. It’s just a lot to do concurrently. And that’s the demanding life that artists lead, particularly solo artists. Hwasa concedes, “I miss the freedom,” when asked how it has impacted her. “When I see myself these days, I look breathless all the time. Maybe I have a lot that I want to protect.” “It is always difficult to be skilled in something, no matter how much I practice. I still have a long way to go, but I learned how to be proficient and love more than before.” Also, for her, it’s no longer strictly about putting on a perfect performance but about finding joy in the act, being her best, pursuing love, happiness, achievements, and everything else she wishes.

As we inch to a close, she notes, “I truly miss my fans in India. I want to meet you all! I am very sorry for not being able to formally perform there yet. However, a good day will indeed come. For that day, I will not let go of my day lazily. MooMoo, Twits, please stay healthy.” Hwasa winds up expressing that our conversation did stir up “deep thoughts” in her, which she hopes will resonate and be well received. And for me, speaking with her will forever remain a valuable moment.