Universal Music Korea has inked an exclusive deal with singer-songwriter Lim Kim.
The signing adds another high-profile Korean artist to UMK’s growing roster, which includes Dean, Heyoon, Okasian and Bryan Chase, as the Universal Music Group division continues to expand its footprint in the competitive K-pop market.
Known for her genre-defying sound and bold visual identity, Lim Kim has carved out a niche in Korea’s music, fashion and cultural scenes since her 2011 debut. The artist first gained attention as part of duo Togeworl, which placed third on reality competition show “Superstar K3.”
Her solo breakthrough came in 2013 with EP “A Voice,” whose title track “All Right” topped Korean charts. That year proved pivotal for the artist, who swept Rookie of the Year honors at the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards and Gaon Chart K-pop Awards.
Lim Kim underwent a striking artistic transformation in 2019 with single “Sal-Ki,” embracing electronic and hip-hop elements that would define her subsequent work. Her EP “Generasian” earned critical acclaim. The project won best dance electronic album and song at the 17th Korean Music Awards.
The “Generasian” era extended beyond music when tracks “Yellow” and “Yo-Soul” were featured as mission songs on Mnet’s “Street Woman Fighter 2” in 2023, with choreography by 1Million Dance Studio. The collaboration continued into 2024 with 1Million choreographing her single “Ult.”
“Lim Kim has always brought a fresh perspective to the music scene with her unique voice and creative flair,” said Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Group Southeast Asia and Korea and senior VP of Asia. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with her on the next chapter of her artistic journey, in Korea and beyond.”