5 Female K-Idols Who Are Empowering Women Through Music

Who run the world? GIRLS.

Beyoncé did not stutter when she wrote and performed this anthem, inspiring females everywhere to rise and take charge. As women across the globe continue to fight for gender equality — an effort the United Nations estimates could take another 300 years to fully achieve — songs like these are a powerful tool that helps ignite the passion in every girl's heart to stand up for their rights.

This International Women’s Day, let's celebrate the strength of women by honouring those in the music industry — particularly in K-pop, a genre predominantly led by male idols. Read on to discover how the songs of these female K-idols send a powerful message of women’s empowerment through their lyrics.

5 Powerful Queens Of K-pop And Their Women-Empowered Songs

1. BLACKPINK’s Jennie - ExtraL (feat. Doechii)

BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Doechii for ‘ExtraL’ music video. (Photo from: @jennierubyjane)

“All of my girls looking good and they got they own money”

BLACKPINK’s Jennie woke up and decided to choose violence by co-writing this ego-knocking bop! ExtraL is the latest single from her album Ruby, set to be released on 7 March 2025. This track, which reflects her unique artistry, showcases a blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, establishing her as a strong solo force in the music industry. The title ExtraL is also a clever reference to the phrase "extra large," which hints at embracing one's full potential and not settling for anything less than extraordinary.

The song's empowering message resonates with many, especially as it celebrates self-assurance, independence, and the importance of embracing one's true identity. It’s an anthem for women who confidently stand in their power, unapologetically pursuing their goals and defying societal expectations. 

Jennie taps into a broader conversation about female empowerment, and her songs add a personal layer to the ongoing dialogue about women's rights and empowerment. 

2. ITZY - WANNABE

The ITZY members showing off their visual charms. (Photo from: @itzy.all.in.us)

“Won't pretend to be someone I'm not, Yeah, I’ll be staying true to myself”

ITZY, the queens of promoting self-love and confidence! The five-member K-pop group consisting of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna released their single WANNABE in 2020, and quickly became a global anthem for empowerment, self-confidence, and unapologetic individuality. It has a bold statement of self-expression and encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves, regardless of societal expectations or norms.

With women around the world fighting against the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards, WANNABE emerges as a powerful musical ally in this ongoing battle.

While ITZY is a K-pop group, their song has made an impact far beyond South Korea, resonating with audiences across the globe. Its bold message, catchy tune, and high-energy choreography make it a standout anthem not only for women but for anyone who needs a boost of confidence and empowerment.

3. MAMAMOO’s Hwasa - Maria

“Oh Maria, I'm saying this for you, Why are you trying so hard? You're already beautiful”

All hail the reigning ‘IDGAF’ icon of K-pop! Hwasa, a member of the renowned K-group MAMAMOO is not new when it comes to breaking societal norms and beauty standards. Her 2020 single Maria served as a reflection of her journey to self-acceptance and a declaration of independence from societal expectations.

In the lyrics, she explores themes of self-liberation, confronting adversity, and reclaiming control over her life. With its empowering tone, Hwasa’s single quickly became an anthem for women striving for autonomy and confidence. It encourages females everywhere to embrace their inner power and own their stories, making it a perfect tune to inspire solidarity and strength among women around the world.

Hwasa, the fearless diva of K-pop. (Photo from: @_mariahwasa)

Hwasa’s unapologetic confidence and refusal to conform speak directly to the core values of International Women’s Day: equality, empowerment, and the celebration of women’s diverse identities. Through her music, Hwasa stands as a role model, advocating for the importance of self-expression and self-love. 

4. (G)I-DLE - Queencard

(G)I-DLE members showcasing their ‘queen’ visuals. (Photo from: @official_g_i_dle)

“Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, My beauty doesn't take time off, It shines from head to toe, I'm sparkling”

Embrace your inner queen and vibe to Queencard by the queens of K-pop themselves, (G)I-DLE! The members, namely Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, and Shuhua, through their bold performances and striking visuals, demonstrate in this song that their worth is not defined by societal expectations or superficial judgments. 

The girl group’s single touches on the idea of challenging societal norms that often try to limit women's roles. In a world where women have long fought for recognition in various spaces, their song is a declaration of taking control of one’s narrative and rejecting the idea of conforming to outdated standards of beauty and behaviour.

The song’s lyrics reflect this confidence, with the members celebrating their identities and strengths, both as individuals and as a group. 

5. BoA - Woman

“Now I know, what I really need (I’ve got it), I have the best inner beauty, Feels good to be a woman”

Need a confidence boost in a male-dominated scenario? Start your day by blasting up some tunes and listen to Woman by the legendary solo female artist BoA. Released in 2020, the single is a celebration of a woman's strength and independence, delivered with BoA's signature vocal style and dynamic production. In this song, she tells a story of how one can achieve the true essence of being a woman, and how each one of us is special in our own unique way. 

The icon, the legendary queen of K-pop, BoA. (Photo from: @boakwon)

Her song speaks to a universal truth: every woman deserves to define her own identity and make her own choices, regardless of the pressure from society. As a trailblazer in the K-pop industry, BoA's work has paved the way for future generations of female artists to express themselves freely and confidently. 

TBL playlist: Bust some moves and vibe to these girl power bops 

Turn up the volume and bop to this powerful list of women-empowering anthems. Perfect for when you need a boost of confidence, strength, and just the right amount of sass.

For some women, listening to empowering songs is one way to boost self-confidence, and the voices of these iconic female K-idols echo that perfect tune. These queens are not just breaking barriers in the music scene but are also using their platform to challenge norms and elevate the conversation on women's empowerment.  

How about you, what’s your way of empowering yourself as a woman?

(Cover photo from: @jennierubyjane)

Discover more empowered women in our interview here.