K-pop Star Sunmi Discusses Her Music and Samsung Galaxy Series Use

K-pop star Sunmi has made a lasting impact on the music industry since her debut in 2007 as a member of the Wonder Girls.

This pioneering group was one of the first K-pop acts to gain significant traction in the West, with their English single "Nobody becoming the first K-pop song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2009.

Sunmi left the group temporarily in 2010 to pursue education, but her passion for music ultimately drew her back in. She released her debut solo EP Full Moon in 2014, marking the beginning of a successful string of releases that earned her numerous awards.

Her subsequent solo work has included hits like Gashina, which won Song of the Year at the Gaon Chart Music Awards. Sunmi rejoined the Wonder Girls in 2015 and continued to build her solo career, eventually releasing her first solo LP, Heart Maid, in 2025.

This year saw the release of Sunmi's single Forever July," a fusion of '90s R&B synths with modern production elements that has resonated with fans.

Sunmi's creative process involves relying heavily on her phone for note-taking and voice memos while writing lyrics or making music. The ability to jot down ideas immediately is crucial for her, making it an indispensable tool that she cannot live without.

The K-pop star also credits the Samsung Galaxy series with streamlining her work environment. She appreciates the convenience of having a reliable device that makes her job easier, which has earned her team's enthusiasm and loyalty.

In terms of app installation, Sunmi mentions that transferring data from previous devices makes it unnecessary to install new apps separately. However, if this process didn't exist, she would prioritize installing KakaoTalk, a messaging app, first.

The K-pop star's phone is cluttered with photos and screenshots that she wishes could be organized more efficiently. She hopes for a feature that can identify duplicate or similar images and group them together, allowing her to delete them in bulk.

Notion's user interface could be improved to make it easier for users to navigate. The platform has a lot of features, but it takes time to get accustomed to them all.

Sunmi keeps multiple tabs open at once, including Notion, Google Drive, YouTube, and Claude. This allows her to easily switch between different tasks and access the information she needs.

Despite being a K-pop star, Sunmi doesn't use social media extensively. However, she does have an account on Instagram and X, where she occasionally posts updates about her work.

Sunmi's online interests extend beyond music and entertainment. She enjoys watching ear cleaning videos on YouTube, which provide her with a sense of relaxation and calmness in her busy schedule.

Her fondness for childhood memories is reflected in her appreciation for Notion's graphics capabilities.

The tech trend she wishes would disappear from the scene is deepfakes, which she finds unsettling.

She has always been fascinated by the concept of creating immersive experiences, as evident from her comment on Stranger Things 5 and Game of Thrones 8. These series have managed to captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and world-building.

The creation she's most proud of in her music career is a song that still gets her excited every time she performs it live, one that creates a special connection with the audience through its emotional impact.

Sunmi's creative process is fueled by her use of Notion, a note-taking app that allows her to organize and reflect on her ideas. This digital tool helps her manage her songwriting and production work, streamlining her creative workflow.

The K-pop star also finds solace in ear cleaning videos, which she watches regularly as part of her self-care routine. She appreciates the calming effect these videos have on her mind and body, providing a much-needed break from the demands of her music career.

Sunmi's emphasis on digital organization and relaxation techniques underscores her commitment to prioritizing her well-being in the midst of a busy schedule.