‘석가모니의 팬’ 래퍼 김심야…평온해진 삶 속 음악의 ‘도그마’는 남았다

Kim Shim-ja, a rapper known as a "fan of the Buddha," shared insights into her peaceful life and her music's "dogma" while in conversation on June 28th near Chegye Temple in Jung-gu, Seoul. The 28-year-old formerly one of the most prominent rappers in Korean hip-hop, she was unexpectedly drawn to talk about the Buddha. Her upcoming album, "Dogma," marks her return after a six-year hiatus since her 2020 solo album, "Dog."

"Dogma" (a term referring to blind faith or dogmatism) symbolizes her self-reflection, as she admitted to being stubborn in her music. She emphasized her commitment to adhering to linguistic structures during the creation of her music.

Previously, Kim Shij-ja gained recognition in the music scene through her duo, XXX, with producer Frank (Park Junsu). Their debut EP, "Dating," received critical acclaim for its unconventional electronic sounds, aggressive raps, and striking visuals. In 2019, she earned the highest award for rap and hip-hop at the Korean Music Awards for her song "Gyangjeom."

Beyond her music, Kim Shij-ja has embraced a simpler lifestyle since becoming a social welfare worker in 2020. She currently dedicates time to studying the early Buddhist text, "Suttanipata," and attempts to implement the teachings in her everyday life. She believes her music now embodies a more harmonious balance between traditional hip-hop and its evolution.