From Seoul to Portland: YUNHWAY Talks Inspiration, Energy, and Her New EP ‘Arrived’

Korean rapper and singer YUNHWAY is back and going bigger — literally. Her latest single, “Bigger,” is the kind of track that instantly makes you want to move, full of confidence and club energy. Known for her slick flow and fearless attitude, YUNHWAY isn’t afraid to break boundaries or defy labels. With her new EP Arrived on the way, she caught up with us to chat about her creative process, growing up between Seoul and Portland, and why she’s done with being boxed in as just a “female rapper.”

Hi YUNHWAY! To start, how has your day been so far?

It's been good! I've just been preparing for the EP drop. It's a busy time, but I love it! 

Congratulations on your new single “Bigger”! What inspired the song?

"BIGGER" came from that feeling of stepping fully into my power -- like claiming my space as an artist. I wanted a bold, confident sound to match how I've been feeling lately. 

You grew up between South Korea and Portland. How have these places influenced your sound?

 Yeah—it's Portland, OR, USA. Growing up between Korea and the States definitely shaped me. Portland gave me the freedom to experiment and just be me; Korea gave me the drive and motivation to do what I do. My sound sits between those worlds—it's global but rooted in who I am. 

You’ve mentioned before that you don’t like being boxed in as a “female rapper.” Has your perspective on this changed over time?

I still feel that way. I don't want to be limited to what people categorize me as and how people see my music. I want to be measured by my sound and vision, not by my gender or position as a rapper/singer. 

Your EP “Arrived” drops soon — what can listeners expect from it?

It's my most confident project yet! Every track shows a different side of me, from aggressive to emotional to experimental. It's called "Arrived" because it really feels like I've stepped into my sound. It's stylish, nostalgic, and unapologetic. 

“Bigger” has a lot of energy and feels like a perfect club track. What was the recording process like?

When it comes to visuals, how important do you think they are for an artist? Will you be releasing any visuals for your EP?

Visuals are everything nowadays, as music competes with short-form visual media. It's also an extension of the sound you're driving - you get to showcase it. I'm definitely planning visuals for this project—every song on the EP has a mood and look I want to bring to life. 

Are there any artists you’ve been listening to lately that have inspired you?

I love it when someone builds their own lane. I've been into The Weeknd and Tyler, the Creator's albums lately.

Your name, YUNHWAY, is really unique. Can you share the story behind it?

My artist name is derived from my real name, Yun Hwa Yang. I wanted to keep the name personal and Korean. You're supposed to pronounce the "H", but in English, you can just call me "Yoo-nay". I feel like that's easier to pronounce :)

Thank you so much for answering these questions! Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?

Thank you for supporting me and being part of this new chapter. "Arrived" is really me showing who I am, without limits. I can't wait to perform it live and share that energy with everyone.