LIST: KPop songs about sapphic relationships

KPOP music is widely known for snappy melodies, straightforward lyrics, and passionate, synchronized choreography accompanied by equally exceptional visuals.

These captivating tunes in blended pop, R&B, and traditional ballads often dive into concepts like love, resiliency, grief, the joy that comes from one’s youth, and other human experiences.

And although South Korean society may still be quite conservative, especially when it comes to homosexual relationships, there are songs that have been breaking norms and stereotypes to deliver both romantic and sensual music that represents the queer community.

Here are four KPop songs from various South Korean artists that talk about women loving women relationships.

Shutdown by Moonbyul featuring Seori

I’ll build the same house in the painting

I’ll draw you like Dali Van Picasso

A silhouette of a masterpiece

Our painting is ripening red

Shutdown by MAMAMOO’s main rapper Moonbyul was the first single to be released under her second extended play 6equence in 2022.

This collaboration with singer-songwriter Seori tells the provocative story of two unapologetically in love women, whose intimacy had them losing themselves in each other. It also concentrates on the bliss that comes from physical touch.

While Moonbyul is known for using gender-neutral pronouns in the songs she had written in the past, Shutdown specifically uses the pronoun “she” to emphasize the theme of the song.

She’s Mine by Joohee

You selfishly stop time at your will

Paralyzing me with dizzying emotions

So that I can’t think of anything

This 2017 single from South Korean singer Joohee talks about the toxicity of possessive love between two female lovers.

The lyrics of She’s Mine are the persona’s turbulent emotions and her inclination to keep her love interest all to herself. 

It explores themes of possessiveness, toxic relationships, and emotional instability, shedding light on the ugly side of love.

I’m Your Girl ? by KHAN

Don’t hesitate

Take me out of the dark,

I want your love love

This dance pop from two former The Ark members, Minju and Euna, speaks about the uncertainties the persona feels towards her relationship with her significant other. 

The melancholic lyrics of I’m Your Girl ? accompany the tame electronic beat. It communicates the depth of one’s fear upon realizing that the relationship is falling apart.

Curve by SUNMI

It’s not a game, it’ll swallow you in a single gulp

Endure it more, baby

It’s not a pain, everything will be alright with time

Just breathe, it’ll be not so straight

Curve by KPop soloist SUNMI explicitly describes the sexual relationship of two women. It was released in 2016 under her second mini album WARNING.

As explained by the singer herself, the song details the anxiety that a woman feels during her first time with another woman.