How K-pop disrupter behind ILLIT, Jennie morphed into ‘Katseye’s evil sister’

Romanian-born musician Sorana has emerged as a formidable force behind some of K-pop’s most daring and unconventional hits, while simultaneously carving out a distinct identity as a solo artist in the dark electronic pop realm. Based in Los Angeles, Sorana’s journey from aspiring pop star to influential songwriter and independent performer reflects a bold rejection of music industry norms.

Sorana’s songwriting credits include breakthrough tracks for notable K-pop acts such as ILLIT, Jennie, ITZY, Tomorrow X Together, and NMIXX. Among her standout contributions is ILLIT’s 2024 lead single “It’s Me,” a track that defied expectations with its hypnotic techno-infused hook and polarizing reception. Despite initial mixed reactions, the song secured multiple television wins and amassed over 200 million views, signaling a significant milestone for the HYBE girl group.

Her collaboration on ILLIT’s “You’re Under Arrest,” produced by HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk, further cemented her reputation for writing impactful choruses that resonate with both industry veterans and fans. Sorana’s ability to blend edgy, novel ideas with commercial appeal has been noted as a key factor in her success within the K-pop scene, where she enjoys more creative latitude compared to the U.S. market.

Sorana’s trajectory is marked by a series of transformative phases. After relocating from Romania to London in 2016 and later to Los Angeles in 2020, she initially pursued a solo artist career, releasing collaborations such as "redruM" with David Guetta. A pivotal moment came when she parted ways with her major U.S. record label in 2023, a setback she credits with liberating her creative vision and prompting her to defy conventional rules in songwriting and artistic expression.

This newfound artistic freedom manifests in her solo releases starting from 2024, including singles like “Bullies,” “These Corporate Bitches Tryna Kill Me!!!,” “SKINcare,” and “E.T.” These tracks underscore her evolution into a dark electronic pop artist with a provocative edge. "Bullies," in particular, signals a fresh chapter, accompanied by a complex visual narrative featuring choreography reflective of her dynamic stage persona.

Sorana’s approach to storytelling through music videos, including animated content, is integral to her upcoming album “shift,” slated for release in April 2025. She plans to sustain momentum with regular monthly releases, creating a cohesive artistic universe that intertwines her songwriting expertise with visual and performative elements.

Her affinity for K-pop culture continues to influence her solo work, not only in musical style but also in performance aspects such as choreography — a notable divergence from her earlier Western pop influences. This cross-pollination enriches her artistic identity and exemplifies the increasingly globalized nature of contemporary pop music.

Beyond K-pop, Sorana has contributed to mainstream Western pop projects, including Charli XCX’s 2022 single "Beg for You" and the virtual girl group K/DA’s empowering track “Girls.” These collaborations showcase her versatility and ability to navigate multiple music markets while maintaining a distinctive voice.

Sorana’s evolution from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a front-facing artist embodies a broader narrative of creative reinvention and boundary-pushing. Her commitment to presenting something unprecedented reflects an understanding of the entertainment industry’s demand for innovation and the cultural appetite for artistic magic.

As Sorana continues to expand her sonic and visual palette, her journey illustrates the transformative potential of embracing risk and individuality within the modern music landscape. Industry observers and fans alike watch closely as she challenges conventions and redefines what it means to be an artist in today’s interconnected global music scene.