Elle Singapore Celebrates the "Infinite Allure" Of K-Pop Icon BoA

It goes without saying that BoA is a legend in the K-Pop industry, having debuted at just age 15 back in 2000 and finding a way to become a constant presence. In 2019, she managed to become one of the top-selling K-Pop artists in Japan according to Oricon charts, earned $100,000 (USD) through SM stock, and celebrated 19 years in the indstury. Elle Singapore‘s October issue celebrates her ongoing influence and presence in such a transient industry.

BoA, the female singer-songwriter and one of K-Pop’s pioneering popstars covers the October Issue of ELLE Singapore. She blazed the trail for women in K-Pop and continues to lead the way, guiding ingenues while adding to her repertoire.

—Elle Singapore on Instagram

The October issue features stunning photos of the singer dressed in incredible fashion designs by KENZO. BoA, who is one of the originators of the Hallyu wave in Asia, is rightfully recognized for her contributions to expanding Korea’s culture beyond the countries borders. The multi-talented, multilingual performer speaks Japanese, English, and a bit of Mandarin, in addition to her native Korean, and has released albums in Korean, Japanese, and English.

Today, going by the metre that is the power and prevalence of K-Pop (and K-Beauty, and K-Drama) in global culture, the monumental depth of her imprint might be unintentionally dwarfed. Idol groups such as GIRLS’ GENERATION and SUPER JUNIOR that collectively dismantled geographical borders for K-Pop in the last decade — paving the way for current bands like BTS and Blackpink to reach even the furthest-flung corners of the world — tend to overshadow BoA’s feat as a solo Korean pop act. One that commanded Asia’s attention, without the reach of social media, nearly two decades ago.

—Elle Singapore

As the first K-Pop artist to ever make it onto the Billboard charts, the article shows a deep appreciation and awe for BoA’s permanence and drive to continue going from strength-to-strength in a hyper-competitive industry. BoA’s music has continued to appeal to fans, not just because of her vocal talents or her sick dance skills, but also because of her sincerity and passion for music which shine through when she performs.

Music can be healing for some people and it can give energy to others. It can also be a way to share and heal one’s pain. Through this, I also feel the emotions they feel when listening to my music, which is a large part of why I find music so charming.

—BoA