The South Korean Quartet Behind “MY UNNIES”

My Unnies... I’ve been dying to know who are you guys, really?

In South Korea’s underground scene, there’s a small but infamous group of electronic artists #makingitoutofsouthkorea. Kim J, Effie, the Deep, and SEBii — the quartet behind the chaotic and electric mixtape MY UNNIES — have been on my radar as one of the most exciting acts of Korea’s electronic underground.

Buried beneath the autotuned vocals and distorted 808s — sure to blow out your speakers — you can vaguely hear the polish of K-Pop. And in combination, the sound feels like a perfectly addicting collision: K-Pop synths, hyperpop chaos, and underground SoundCloud electronic drill.

SEBii, best known for “Play Poker,” has become a key producer in Seoul’s underground electronic scene. Bilingual and endlessly experimental, SEBii has a talent for crafting earworm hooks. Among my favorites is “High School,” a collaboration with Chinese artist Billionhappy that samples Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne’s “High School.” 

The Deep, K-pop b1tch! Her voice cuts through Kim J's production in "Angel Tattoo,” and it’s instantly addicting, switching between Kesha-styled vocal textures and flows that sound more like commandments.

Rapper-singer-producer, Effie, is best known for insanely crafted productions that feature Korean lyrics through the lens of today’s classic EDM renaissance. (Feng posted Katie and the comments were infiltrated with people calling Katie Effie lmfao.)

At the core of it all is Kim J, whose production has become unmistakable, collaborating with artists such as jackzebra, NBA Youngboy, 2hollis, nate sib, extra small, and underscores. Bouncing between drill-inspired drums, hyperpop synths, and dubstep’s epic drops, Kim J’s productions give each artist room to stretch into their own warped universe. 

What makes the track "MY UNNIES" so compelling is its clear distinction from Korea’s mainstream; it’s internet-born, self-made, and electronic at its purest— a reflection of the new wave of Korean artists that refuse to fit into the tidy boxes of idol pop, ballad, and R&B that have long dictated Korean pop culture.

Welcome to the new era of Korean electronic.