5 Korean R&B Artists You Need to Know

Junny

This Korean-Canadian artist has worked with some of the biggest names in the Korean music industry including GOT7’s Jay B (a frequent collaborator,) pH-1, Punchnello and more. He debuted in 2017 with the EP Monochrome and has since gone on to drop several solo EPs and a collaborative record with fellow R&B artist Yelloasis titled Interior (2017). Junny is known for his bright, breathy vocals and his skills as a composer. Tracks we recommend include his hit single “By My Side,” his floaty collaboration “Nostalgia” with Jay B and 2018’s “Genuine.”

DeVita

After making her debut with the EP Crème in 2020, South Korean singer DeVita has established herself as one of the country’s most promising names in R&B. Signed under hip-hop giant AOMG, the singer-songwriter’s releases are both decadent and powerful, matching her sultry vocals with smooth R&B. DeVita made her comeback earlier this month with her sophomore EP, American Gothic. Check out her debut “Evita!” and her dark new release “Bonnie & Clyde.”

Kyuu

Formerly known as Nunsseop, rapper and singer-songwriter Kyuu caught our attention thanks to his ever-evolving and diverse artistry. He debuted officially in 2018 with the EP Romance is Common and is known for blending his deep voice with autotune to create a machine-like, otherworldly effect. Tracks we recommend include his uplifting 2018 song “Biorhythm,” the soulful “Still I,” “Fantasy” off his 2020 LP All For Nothing, and his powerful 2021 YouTube-only release “Barae.”

Sumin

Bold, fiery and supremely talented, Sumin made her debut in 2015 with the track “Goosebumps” and has since gone on to deliver some truly unique releases through the years. Sumin is also an established producer, often leaning towards spacey, Neo-jazz sounds as well as pop-funk blends. Listen to her funky single “The Gonlan Song,” 2019’s “Oo Da Da,” the Zion.T collaborative “Dirty Love” and her dreamy remix of EXO member Kai’s single “Peaches” which dropped earlier today.

Jeebanoff

This R&B singer-songwriter and composer has one of the most unique voices you’ll ever hear. Soft, breathy and haunting, Jeebanoff’s vocals match beautifully with dreamy synth, wavy R&B and vaporwave. After debuting with the glimmering 2016 LP So Fed Up, the singer has gone on to work with some of the leading names in Korean hip-hop and R&B, including Changmo, Jung Jin Woo and Suran. Jeebanoff gained prominence in the industry thanks to his 2017 single “진심” (‘sincerity’) and has since released several successful records. In addition to “진심,” we recommend “Good Thing,” “I Mean I Mean,” “Better Than Now” and “Into The Polaroid.”