Photo Courtesy of Wavemeans
In a fast-moving music scene, Wavemeans (민물결) stands out for her sincerity and hands-on artistry. A true independent musician, she writes, composes, and arranges her own songs, turning emotions and imagined moments into heartfelt soundscapes.
From her debut single “Afterglow” to her recent release “Lines For Today,” she continues to explore themes of youth, love, and quiet vulnerability. In this interview, Wavemeans shares her creative process, inspirations, and the dreams that keep her choosing music every time.
For readers who are hearing your music for the first time, how would you like to introduce Wavemeans’ sound and musical identity?
Hello. I’m singer-songwriter Minmul-gyeol (Wavemeans).
Since debuting in 2023 with my first single “Afterglow,” I’ve been steadily creating music centered around the indie and ballad genres.
Just like my one-of-a-kind name, I hope to make music that is gentle yet leaves a clear and lasting resonance.
I want to capture stories that stir the heart even in the quiet moments of everyday life, singing like a diary filled with honest emotions.
Through my music, I hope to send out waves that linger with people for a long time.
Just as small ripples come together to form a big wave, I wish my music can leave a quiet yet deep mark on someone’s life.
Running toward a tomorrow that will shine more brightly than fleeting moments, I humbly ask for your continued support today as well.
What meaning or story is behind your artist name, “Wavemeans”?
Wavemeans is a name a friend created for me, inspired by my real name, Minmul-gyeol (Waves Min). The name Minmul-gyeol is unique to me—I’m the only one in South Korea with that name. It’s like a little miracle where an uncommon surname meets an uncommon given name.
Wavemeans also carries another meaning: just like the word wave itself, it represents the idea of doing things the way I want—following my own flow and direction.
When did you feel that you wanted to seriously choose music as a lifelong path?
I went through a period of wandering. I spent three years retaking the college entrance exam to get into university, and after enrolling, I took a leave of absence and fell deeply into K-pop, even preparing to become an idol singer.
The world didn’t move the way I had imagined, and along the way, I experienced failure.
In the end, after going in circles, what I chose was music. When I thought, “No matter what I become, I’ll do what I love most,” I found myself, before I knew it, giving my all—writing songs, arranging them, and singing with everything I had.
Since you write, compose, and arrange your own songs, what is your usual songwriting process like?
I write very often. I keep a journal, and I also collect words I like in my notes. Usually, when there’s something I want to express, that’s when the lyrics come out. I first write the overall content and flow as lyrics, then I add chords and melody afterward. I record a sketch version first and then begin arranging the track.
Arranging usually takes the longest. Writing lyrics and composing can sometimes be done in as little as 20 minutes. But arranging is endless—it really depends on the concept. I personally love grand, cinematic sounds, so I tend to focus a lot on string arrangements.
Once the demo is completed, the song goes through final recording, mixing, and mastering before it’s finally released into the world.
When creating a song, which element do you start with first: lyrics, melody, or emotion?
How personal is your music?
I think emotion is the most important element. Not only when creating a song, but also when performing it, I always believe the emotion within the song matters most.
I love when emotions are clearly embedded in the lyrics, and the melody is equally important in bringing those lyrics to life. If I had to put it in order, it would be: emotion → lyrics → melody.
Sometimes my music contains my own personal stories, and other times it’s inspired by films, books, or TV programs. But no matter where the inspiration comes from, it ultimately carries my perspective and voice—so you could say that every song is, in a way, my story.
Do your songs usually come from real experiences, or do they begin from imagination?
It depends! I think more of my songs begin from imagination rather than real-life experiences. Even if the starting point is imaginary, though, my own story eventually finds its way into the song.
Your debut single “Afterglow” left a strong impression on many listeners. What story or emotion did this song begin with?
“Afterglow” was written while imagining someone’s face illuminated by the setting sun. At the time, I was a university student and had to write a song as an assignment. Around 2 a.m., while I was showering, I suddenly started humming a melody.
In that moment, that person’s face came to mind. After finishing my shower, I completed the song in just 20 minutes.
The story behind it is a little sad. You could think of it as unrequited love, or a relationship where one person loves more than the other.
Love doesn’t always bloom equally for both people. Inevitably, the one who feels more ends up hurting more. That’s the kind of story the song tells.
If there is an artist, genre, or life experience that has influenced you the most musically, what would it be?
The artist who has influenced me the most is (SNSD). When I was very young, watching them made me dream for the first time. I used to be very shy and timid, but seeing how confident and amazing they were made me want to become like them.
In terms of genre, I think pop and ballad music have influenced me the most. I listened to a lot of international music growing up, and by singing many ballads, I was able to improve my vocal skills significantly.
As for life experiences, it’s hard to choose just one. So many experiences have accumulated to make me who I am today.
How has Korean music culture influenced your identity as a singer-songwriter?
Korean indie music is incredibly impressive. There are so many talented artists, and I learn a lot by listening to them.
It constantly reminds me that I still have a long way to go, and that realization pushes me to keep working harder.
As an independent artist, what has been the most challenging part of your journey?
Promotion is definitely the hardest part. No matter how hard I work on making music, it would be such a shame if no one gets to hear it.
I truly want to promote my music actively, but since I produce and release everything independently, it can be difficult to invest financially in promotion. I would be so happy if more people could listen to my music.
On the other hand, when do you feel the most free as an independent artist?
No one places restrictions on my music. I can write lyrics filled with exactly what I want to say, create the melodies I want, and arrange the songs however I like.
The fact that I can do everything my own way, no matter what anyone says, feels incredibly empowering.
When you experience a slump or moments of shaken confidence, how do you lift yourself back up?
I start by taking care of whatever task is right in front of me. Even accomplishing something small gives me the strength to stand back up quickly.
Even in deeply sad or difficult moments, I sometimes “cast a spell” on myself, almost tricking myself into staying strong.
I tell myself, “I am not struggling right now. I will never collapse.” Saying things like that helps me push through.
What emotions do you hope your audience feels when they listen to your music?
I would be truly happy if my music could remain as a memorable moment for the listeners. Just as each of my songs carries different emotions, I believe each person will feel something different when they hear them.
No matter which of my songs they listen to, I hope it can offer even a small sense of comfort and empathy.
What kind of relationship or connection would you like to build with your fans?
I want to be close with them!! If my songs make you happy, I hope you’ll feel comfortable expressing that to me anytime.
Is there a message or emotion you especially want to convey through your music?
It may sound cliché and predictable, but in the end, I think it’s love. In whatever form it takes, love is the most precious emotion of all.
Is there anything fans can look forward to in the future? (New music, collaborations, performances, etc.)
My goal for 2026 is to release an EP. I can’t say for certain yet, but I’m planning to work hard and put out new music. Following my single album “Lines For Today,” which was released on January 25, I’m planning to explore different genres as well.
I’ve also been performing consistently in Korea. I always update the details in my Instagram bio.
Is there any new sounds or themes you’d like to explore in the future?
Although it’s a genre I’ve already tried, I’d like to dive deeper into rock. Rather than something too hard or heavy, I think it will lean toward a sound that’s easy to listen to and exciting.
A little spoiler—the theme will be youth.
A few years from now, what kind of artist do you think you’ll be?
Honestly, I can’t really predict it yet. I don’t know whether I’ll have compromised with reality and stopped making music, or if I’ll still be actively promoting and performing. But I think, in the end, I’ll choose music. There’s nothing more fun than music for me.
Whatever the future looks like, I hope I’ll still be happily making and enjoying the music I love most.
What would you like to say to international listeners who are just discovering your music?
First of all, thank you so much! I’m planning to create even more great music, so please stay tuned.
I think many of my upcoming songs will include more English lyrics.
You’ll show lots of love and support, right? I’ll be waiting.
Lastly, what’s the best way for fans to support your musical journey?
If you search “wavemeans” on YouTube, you’ll find my channel.
You can also search for “wavemeans” on streaming platforms like YouTube Music and Spotify to find my songs—so please Follow & Like 💕
Thank you! This has been Min Mulgyeol (Wavemeans).
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