CL speaks about K-pop legacy as first Korean solo female singer to chart on Billboard
CL has been the K-pop music pioneer since her days in the girl group 2NE1. Now that she has established herself as a solo artist, the rapper, singer and producer is taking the world by storm. CL has suddenly turned into a global phenomenon after she made her appearance at the MET Gala early in 2021. CL then followed that with the release of her studio album, ‘Alpha’ that proved that the second-gen idol’s could still dominate the industry.
In an interview released by Rolling Stone Korea, CL talked about her career so far and how she channelled her extraordinary charisma into her stage performances as well as her album, 'Alpha,' over the last few months.
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CL talks about charting on Billboard
CL made her official debut as a solo singer in 2016 and in the same year, she was the first Korean solo female singer to chart on Billboard, thanks her single, ‘Lifted’. CL talked about her achievement saying how it was extremely important for her to change the American music scene that she had been admiring for years, since she was a child. CL mentioned that after charting, she "was able to get the courage to start my career as an independent artist like this."
It is a known fact that the Korean music landscape has changed a lot over the years. Now, even rookie groups like aespa, Enhypen, and others are making a name for themselves on US Billboard charts but back in the day, for the second generation of K-pop idols, the scene was not so welcoming. The current 'Korean Wave' owes a lot to the hard work and dedication of artists like CL who helped K-pop be seen as a popular, mainstream music genre rather than something niche.
Watch CL’s entire interview here:
CL achievements in 2021
Lee Chaelin (CL) is known for experimentation across music styles as well as her live performances, which is why she is regarded as an influential figure in the international spread of the Korean wave but her recent releases are proof that there is no stopping for the idol anytime soon.
As of December 7, CL has surpassed 80 Million streams on Melon as a solo artist without keeping her collabs and 2NE1 charts in consideration. CL’s hit single, ‘Spicy’ has also crossed 1 million streams on Melon alone. As for her achievements in the industry over the past few months, CL won the Popularity Award at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards.
CL is also soon going to appear on the US Talk show, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ hosted by singer Kelly Clarkson after she gave a stellar performance at the iHeartRadio, KSI Jingle Ball on December 4.