Each time we discover a new Korean artist, we’re often struck by their talent, but it’s rare to encounter a debut that weaves sensuality, mysticism, and stylistic versatility with such delicate precision. Hwina, a rising Korean singer-songwriter, achieved exactly that with her debut extended play, 煇囉 (HWINA), a self-titled project that functions not only as an introduction but also as an intimate invitation into her personal world.

Unveiled at the close of 2023 with the lead track Like A Tree, Hwina’s EP arrived like a quietly profound exhale. The title track draws from naturalistic imagery, opening with a surreal atmosphere that gently opens into a soaring, tropical-inflected chorus. What immediately strikes the listener is Hwina’s voice: alternately airy and emotional. It carries each song with an effortless grace that betrays technical control and emotional candour in equal measure. While she draws strength from nature – her central muse – Hwina is no one-genre artist. The EP moves fluidly through city pop, balladry, and sparkling pop production without losing thematic coherence. It is, as she explains, an intentional act of revealing multiple facets of her identity.

The track Do You Feel My Sign? brings vintage city pop aesthetics with a contemporary gloss. Produced by Lee Sung Hoon under the banner of Rainbow Bridge World, the entire EP carries an artistic cohesiveness while allowing room for tonal detours and emotional peaks. Instrumental versions of each song are also thoughtfully included, offering listeners a blank canvas on which to sketch their own interpretations, an elegant gesture of openness from a debut artist.

And that’s not all. Apart from releasing another single back in April, A Secret Tale of Us, Hwina has been named the final selection for MUSE ON 2025, triumphing over a highly competitive pool with a selection ratio of 400:1.

MUSE ON is a flagship artist development initiative spearheaded by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), operating under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The program identifies emerging musicians with exceptional artistic potential and offers robust support across music production, live performance, album creation, and integrated promotional campaigns.

Known for spotlighting rising talent, MUSE ON has previously nurtured artists such as SURL, Nerd Connection, So Soo Bin, OurR, and Meaningful Stone, earning a solid reputation within the Korean music industry. With Hwina’s selection for the 2025 season, expectations are high for her to emerge as the next influential voice on the K-pop and indie stages.

A representative from Bace Camp Studio commented, “With Hwina’s forthcoming album slated for release later this year, she will begin an active promotion cycle through MUSE ON, including live stages, television appearances, and overseas engagements. We sincerely invite continued interest and support for her musical journey.”

Hwina is an artist to watch, and her future looks undeniably bright.

Featured image courtesy of Bace Camp Studio

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}