Sion Blends Hyper-Pop With Raw Honesty
Image by Maclay Hareot
Blending hyper pop with raw honesty, Sion is one of Korea’s most boundary pushing emerging voices. With roots in indie pop and an ever evolving sound, his music resists easy categorisation, shifting from dreamy to explosive, soft to defiant, always staying true to his creative instinct.
Sion’s musical journey has been shaped as much by rebellion as it has by growth. “If I could talk to my younger self,” he says, “I’d just tell me to stop giving a fuck.” For too long, he let external voices guide his process. Now, he makes music that feels authentic — whether it connects with thousands or only a few. “If it doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t blow up. Just make what you like.”
That no compromise mindset has become central to his artistry. While his first two albums leaned into indie pop, his current evolution moves boldly into hyperpop and electronic territories. It's a sonic shift he embraces, knowing that change is essential to staying real. “It would be a hindrance if I cared too much about what the audience wants. I just have to hope they like it.”
Sion’s approach to live performance is just as fluid. In Korea, where crowds tend to be more reserved, he focuses inward, crafting performances with precision and emotional depth. Abroad, he leans into the hype, matching the energy of the room with his own. And with Korea’s indie and experimental scene now gaining traction, Sion is optimistic about the path ahead. “Even hyperpop is rising now. People are more open to bold sounds. That’s good news for me.”
Let’s get to know Sion:
Ones to Watch: Your music feels super bold and personal. How do you stay connected to that as your sound changes?
Sion: I try not to focus on the audience too much. When I write for someone else, it doesn’t feel like me. I just make what I like. I think that’s the only way I can keep being real with myself.
How has your sound evolved over the past few years?
My first two albums were very indie pop, but now I’m exploring hyper pop and more electronic stuff. I love switching it up. I don’t want to get stuck in one lane.
Was there a moment where you felt like you had to break away from other people’s expectations?
Definitely. I used to let adults or the industry tell me how to make music. It really messed me up. If I could go back, I’d tell myself: don’t listen to them. Just do your thing.
You’ve performed in Korea and overseas — do you notice a difference in the vibe?
Yeah, for sure. Korean crowds are a bit calmer, so I focus more on my performance and delivering the best I can. When I’m outside of Korea, the energy is way more hype, so I feed off that and go a bit wilder.
What’s your take on the current state of the Korean indie scene?
It’s getting better. Five years ago, it was hard to go viral as an indie artist because K pop dominated everything. But now, even hyperpop is starting to rise — thanks to artists like Effie or producers like Kim Jae. It’s becoming a real playground for bold music.