Opposing Appearanceism... Korean-Japanese Rapper Becomes Icon of Japan's Gen Z [On Stage]

Chanmina Showcasing Diverse Hip-Hop and Rock Styles
Musical Self-Awareness Overcoming Identity Confusion
Japanese Version 'High School Rapper' Alum, Gen Z Icon

"That girl is not beautiful, only her voice matters"

Chanmina [Photo by Warner Music Korea]

She said singing was all she could do. The public's harsh judgment of her looks at debut pierced her like a dagger. But the girl did not give up. She shouted that she would never give up singing until she died. Fans cheered her heartfelt declaration.

On the afternoon of the 5th at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Japanese Z-generation artist Chanmina (26·CHANMINA·ちゃんみな·Otomo Nai Mina) held her first solo concert in Korea. Her bleached long hair with striking blue lines, short jumpsuit, and long fur boots captivated the audience at first sight. With powerful performances and honest, bold lyrics, Korean fans repeatedly called out her name.

Born to a Korean mother and Japanese father, Chanmina first gained public attention in 2016 by appearing on the Japanese version of 'High School Rapper,' a high school hip-hop survival program called 'Kokosei Rap Senshuken.' Although she did not advance to the finals, her impressive performance led her to release 'Miseinen (未成年 feat. めっし)' and 'Princess' in 2016, and officially debut with 'FXXKER' in February 2017. Since then, she has hit successive songs featuring satirical lyrics and unique choreography such as 'LADY' and 'CHOCOLATE,' establishing herself as an artist adored by Generation Z.

"I was born in Seoul in 1998 and lived in Korea until I was three. After that, I moved between Japan and the U.S. due to my father's business. In Korea, people asked me 'Are you Japanese?' and in Japan, 'Are you Korean?' It was tough back then, but I still remember Korean and love music, so I was able to come back like this. Returning to Korea has been a long-held dream."

Contrasting her intense stage presence, Chanmina shyly shared her story in front of the audience, confessing her identity struggles and love for Korea. During high school, her dream was to pursue music activities in Korea, but she decided to debut in Japan due to a friend's advice, all while holding onto her enduring love for Korea. Starting with the 2017 Japanese album of the group Block B, she expanded her connections with Korean artists by featuring on Taeyeon's 2020 Japanese mini-album title track '#GirlsSpkOut,' Kang Daniel's first Japanese EP track 'Loser' in 2022, and last year on Choi Yena's Japanese debut single 'SMILEY -Japanese Ver.-.'

Album cover of "Don't go" featuring rapper Ash Island.

Since 2022, starting with 'Don't Go' featuring rapper Ash Island, she has actively promoted in Korea by releasing Korean singles such as 'Mirror' and last year's 'Biscuit.' At this concert, Ash Island and Bobby, a member and rapper of the group iKON who recently featured on 'Mujungryeok,' joined the stage as guests, delivering passionate collaborations.

In the midst of the relentless powerful performances, Chanmina asked the audience, "When I say 'Tadaima (ただいま),' will you respond with 'Okaeri (おかえり)'?" When she shouted "Tadaima (I'm home)," the audience eagerly responded with all their might, "Okaeri (Welcome back)." She then said it felt like "returning to my real home," and added, "I will work hard so that you can confidently say you liked Chanmina from the beginning, so please look kindly on me." She expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for coming into my life," and performed last year's single 'You Just Walked In My Life.'

She said that holding her solo concert just one year and six months after her Korean debut was "especially moving because I really wanted to show it to my mother," and added, "I only felt free when writing songs, but I am grateful that everyone sang the songs I made alone in my room together. Please all live to the end with me!" expressing her praise for life.

Although she debuted as a rapper, her scathing message against appearance-based discrimination through various genres beyond hip-hop, including pop and rock, was as powerful and resonant as a warrior's voice.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.