Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage and substance.
So, I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole — the algorithm was really hitting that day because through my recommended videos, I luckily discovered the channel harpistssovly. As someone who is unfamiliar with the harp, I was intrigued; when watching Sojeong’s cover of “River Flows In You” by Yiruma — a video that has amassed 110,000 views — I was stunned by the instrument’s sound.
When I think of the harp I imagine it as a part of an orchestra; I’d never heard a harp by itself but I was pleasantly surprised, which led to my deep dive.
Sojeong’s first video dates all the way back to 2020 with a cover of “Dynamite” by BTS performed on the harp — most of her earlier videos are primarily harp content. Her harp covers perfectly display Sojeong’s versatility, from anime OSTs to traditional music played with either the grand or electronic harp.
The 19th of November 2025 marked the beginning of Sojeong’s own music with the EP “Reborn Hearts”, where she added a modern, pop-like twist to the harp’s usual formal sound. I was very impressed to learn that she can also sing, very beautifully to add.
Now without further ado, I’ll let you read what the multitalented Sojeong Shim has to say!
Q. Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Sojeong Shim. I’m a harpist and singer-songwriter. I create music that centers around the harp, blending it with vocals, songwriting, and production. I focus on reinterpreting the harp beyond its traditional image, using it as a tool to express emotions and tell stories through a modern sound. I studied classical music in depth at the Eastman School of Music in the United States, and I feel that experience has actually made me more free in the music I create today.
Q. How did you first discover your passion for the harp, and what drew you to it in particular?
When I first heard the sound of the harp as a child, it felt completely different from any other instrument. It was incredibly delicate, yet powerful enough to fill an entire space. I think the harp reveals even the smallest gestures, breaths, and emotional changes of the performer. That honesty and vulnerability became its greatest charm for me, and over time, it naturally became the instrument through which I could express my emotions most sincerely.
Q. Do you play any other instruments besides the harp? Are there any instruments you’d like to learn?
I studied piano and violin for many years during my childhood, and I still use piano frequently when composing. I also work with DAWs for songwriting and arranging. I’m very interested in exploring synthesizers and electronic sounds more deeply. I’m fascinated by the new textures and atmospheres that emerge when the organic sound of the harp meets electronic elements. Recently, I’ve also started learning the guitar. I’m still in the learning stage, but it’s been exciting to explore new ways of writing songs that feel different from the harp.
Q. Your debut EP features songs in Korean, English, or both. How does language choice affect your songwriting?
I believe language plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional texture of a song. Korean is very effective for expressing subtle emotions and narrative depth, while English often functions more rhythmically, becoming part of the sound itself. Rather than dividing languages intentionally, I choose them based on what feels most natural for the emotion I want to convey. The emotion always comes first, and the language follows.
Q.“Round n Round” and “Magic Spell” feature more upbeat, bass-driven sounds compared to other tracks. What sounds would you like to explore in the future?
I’d love to explore music with even stronger rhythm and groove moving forward. I want to break away from the idea that the harp must always play a purely lyrical role, and continue experimenting with it as part of the bass line or rhythmic foundation. At the same time, I’m deeply drawn to dreamlike atmospheres with a strong sense of space and resonance. I enjoy structures where the harp’s resonance and the breath of the vocals layer gradually, allowing emotions to slowly unfold within the song. By combining the harp with genres like city pop, alternative pop, and ambient electronic music, I hope to build my own immersive, dreamlike sound world where rhythm, atmosphere, and emotional density coexist.
Q. Which artists have influenced you?
Rather than being influenced by a single artist, I’ve been inspired by musicians who move freely across genres. From classical music, I learned structure and lyricism, and from pop and indie music, I learned honest emotional expression and a spirit of experimentation. The idea that music can exist beyond genre—centered instead on story and emotion—has had a strong influence on my work.
Q. The harp is often considered an underrated instrument. What would you like people to know about it?
I believe the harp is a very modern instrument. It can be delicate yet powerful, and it’s capable of producing sounds that are both traditional and highly experimental. I hope more people come to see the harp not just as a beautiful background instrument, but as a voice of its own—one that can carry stories and emotions just like any other lead instrument.
Q. In your acoustic version of “Round n Round”, you worked with a band. Do you prefer working solo or collaborating with others?
I think both approaches have their own unique strengths. Working solo allows me to capture my emotions and thoughts in their purest form, while collaboration brings unexpected directions and new dimensions to the music. Recently, I’ve found the process of collaborating especially exciting, as it helps my music grow in depth and perspective.
Q. What’s your favorite song from the Reborn Hearts EP, and why?
Each track represents a different emotional phase, so it’s hard to choose just one. However, “Round n Round” feels like a turning point in my musical journey. It connects who I was in the past with who I’m becoming now, which makes it particularly meaningful to me.
Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
I think it’s most important to trust your own pace and direction. Comparison can be exhausting, but the strength that truly lasts always comes from within. To me, musicians are ultimately messengers of emotion. While technique and polish matter, understanding what kind of sincerity only you can offer is far more important. It’s okay to be imperfect, and it’s okay to move at a different speed. If you can face your emotions honestly and share them through music, that alone can already become a great comfort to someone else.
Q. Are there any upcoming projects or activities fans can look forward to?
On February 20, I’ll be releasing a new single titled “Runaway.” “Runaway” was written with the thought of that one presence we lean on during moments when the world feels overwhelming and we want to escape. Built on a dreamlike soundscape and an intuitive melody, the song layers emotions repeatedly to convey not a story of leaving, but a message of returning—coming back to where you truly belong. The lyrics blend both Korean and English, with the hope that emotions can flow naturally beyond language boundaries. I’d love for listeners to experience the song in their own personal way.
This year, I also plan to continue sharing my music through live performances, creating more opportunities to connect directly with audiences and exchange emotions onstage. Please look forward to it!
I’d like to thank Sojeong again for her participation – I will 100% be tuning in on the 20th and I hope you readers will be there too!
If you’d like to follow Sojeong:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpist._.ss0vly
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harp_angel
Twitter: https://x.com/shimsojeong
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/17bujU3MYWyK0Vkq99plbE?si=G_JwvCQUTTyn6Zmu36OsfA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/album/reborn-hearts-ep/1853790609
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