Universal Music Korea Inks Lim Kim-Exclusive As K-Pop Roster Broadens

Photo Credit: Universal Music Korea

Universal Music Korea has signed an exclusive deal with singer-songwriter Lim Kim, adding another star to the company’s growing K-pop roster.Universal Music Korea has added another feather in its cap with the exclusive signing of singer-songwriter Lim Kim. The move makes Kim the latest high-profile Korean artist to sign to the company’s growing K-pop roster, which includes Heyoon, Dean, Okasian, and Bryan Chase.

“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.”

Lim Kim has carved out her own space in the Korean music, fashion, and cultural scenes since her debut in 2011. She first gained attention as part of the duo Togeworl, which placed third on the reality competition show “Superstar K3.”

2013 proved to be a big year for the artist, as her solo breakthrough arrived with her EP “A Voice,” the title track of which topped Korean charts. She would also earn Rookie of the Year honors at the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards that year.She transformed her aesthetic in 2019 with “Sal-Ki,” showing off electronic and hip-hop elements that would define her later work. Her EP “Generasian” won best dance electronic album and song at the 17th Korean Music Awards.

Her tracks “Yellow” and “Yo-Soul” were featured as songs on Mnet’s “Street Woman Fighter 2” in 2023, with choreography by 1Million Dance Studio. That collaboration continued the following year with her single “Ult,” also choreographed by 1Million.

Universal Music Korea aims to champion Korean artists across genres, and the company is investing in new talent scouting and artist development. Further, it has plans to leverage its global network in A&R, marketing, and PR to amplify Korean artists on both a domestic and international level.