Exclusive interview with Kim Yuna of Jaurim: Women are driving change in the world
The resurgence of the band era, popularly referred to as the ‘band boom,’ has brought a noticeable change to the music scene. Notably, female vocalists, also known as ‘frontpersons,’ are taking the spotlight on streaming platforms and concert stages. Bands like Jaurim, Cherry Filter, Touched, Se So Neon, and Chudahye Chagis are being led by these talented women. Their roles have evolved from being merely decorative to becoming the pivotal force steering the stage and defining the band’s sound. The ‘2026 Frontperson Chronicle’ aims to document the current state of the Korean rock scene by interviewing these influential women musicians.
When we delve into the history of South Korean rock bands, particularly those with female frontpersons, we can distinguish a significant shift before and after the debut of Kim Yuna, lead vocalist of Jaurim, who is 52 years old. Jaurim burst onto the scene with their debut track ‘Hey Hey Hey,’ and at the helm was Kim Yuna. Her arrival marked a groundbreaking moment in Korean music, introducing the concept that a female vocalist could be the driving force behind a band. Subsequently, starting from the late 1990s, a wave of female-fronted bands like 3rd Line Butterfly, Juliet, Juju Club, and The The emerged on the scene.
Kim Yuna, the vocalist and producer of Jaurim, has been instrumental in shaping the band’s identity. She has personally penned the lyrics and composed the majority of their 12 full-length albums and 5 solo records. Her artistic vision has allowed Jaurim to explore themes of societal critique and female empowerment in their music. It is through artists like Kim Yuna that a new generation of women musicians has been inspired to participate in the ongoing ‘band boom.’ While many regard her as a ‘respected senior’ in the industry, Kim humbly describes herself as an “ordinary person who found her calling in music” and attributes her success to sheer luck over the past three decades.
During an interview held at a rehearsal studio in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Kim Yuna expressed her thoughts on the current music landscape. She acknowledged the remarkable contributions of women artists and their exceptional music in today’s era. However, she also emphasized the need for women musicians to engage more actively in discussions about societal issues. Given South Korea’s challenging political climate, Kim stressed the importance of artists using their platform to address relevant social concerns and initiate meaningful conversations through their music.