Written by Leti
Kim Ha-ram (김하람), known professionally as KIHA (키하), is a South Korean singer and songwriter. She debuted under FUSE on March 20, 2019 with her first digital single, "Persona".
Early life[]
KIHA was born Kim Ha-ram on August 15, 2003, in Jeju, South Korea, as the only child of her parents. Her first experience with singing came at age five, when she performed a children’s song at a family reunion, earning encouragement that sparked her interest in performing. By the time she entered elementary school, Kim was a regular at school talent shows, often singing ballads that highlighted her developing vocals.
Her parents enrolled her in formal vocal lessons at age ten after she expressed a desire to improve, attending weekly sessions with a local instructor who taught both pop and traditional Korean music. Around the same time, she began learning the guitar, picking up basic chords from online tutorials, though she later admitted she never progressed beyond a beginner level. In middle school, Kim joined the school choir and was chosen as a soloist for several performances, experiences that boosted her confidence and cemented her dream of a music career. As a teenager, Kim became increasingly drawn to K-pop. She spent hours studying music videos and live performances, practicing choreography in her room. At thirteen, she performed at a local community event, where a family friend with ties to the entertainment industry suggested she audition for agencies. This idea lingered, and in the summer of 2017, during a family trip to Seoul, Kim, at fourteen, attended open auditions for several companies. She prepared a cover of a popular ballad and a brief self-written song, which she performed a cappella. While she received interest from Korean agencies, it was her submission to FUSE that "changed her trajectory".
After submitting an audition tape to FUSE online following her Seoul trip, Kim was contacted for a follow-up audition. In late 2017, she traveled to Tokyo with her mother for an in-person evaluation, where her vocal performance and potential impressed the company’s scouts. She was offered a trainee contract shortly after and, with her family’s support, relocated to Tokyo at the end of the year. Settling into a company dormitory, she enrolled in an international school to continue her education part-time while adjusting to life in Japan. Her training with FUSE, which lasted for roughly 18 months, had additional focus on Japanese language skills to prepare her for a potential debut in both markets.
Career[]
2019-2020[]
On February 15, it was announced that Kim had signed an exclusive contract with FUSE and that she is in final preparations to make her solo debut in March. On the 17th, it was confirmed that Kim would make her solo debut with her first digital single "Persona" under the stage name KIHA. To promote the release, KIHA held a small showcase in Tokyo, her first live performance as a soloist, which was streamed online for South Korean fans. Later that year, on August 28, she released her second digital single, "too fast".
On January 12, 2020, KIHA dropped her third digital single, "LATENCY", an experimental piece that explored themes of longing and delay. The track featured layered production and a slower pace. Critics noted its departure from the upbeat tone of her earlier work. FUSE supported the release with a conceptual music video filmed in Seoul, her first major project back in South Korea since moving to Japan.
Later that year, on October 11, 2020, KIHA released "Already Ready", a confident, high-energy single that marked a return to a more accessible pop sound. The track’s bold production and assertive lyrics reflected her growth as an artist and her readiness to take on bigger stages. She performed "Already Ready" at a virtual concert hosted by FUSE, alongside other artists from the company, which was broadcast to an international audience. The single’s success helped solidify her presence in both Korea and Japan, with fans praising her versatility.
2021-2022[]
Following the release of "Already Ready", KIHA took a one-year hiatus from music releases in 2021 for undisclosed reasons. KIHA made her comeback on January 18, 2022, with the digital single "Peek a Boo". The playful, upbeat track marked a shift toward a lighter, more charismatic style. FUSE promoted the release with a mini fan meeting in Seoul, her first in-person event in Korea since debut, which sold out within hours. "Peek a Boo" became one of her most streamed releases.
2023[]
On August 16, 2023, KIHA expanded her reach with her Japanese debut single, "Smile Agenai". Released exclusively in Japan, the track embraced a melancholic yet melodic tone, tailored to the J-pop market. The single was accompanied by a Japanese-language music video and a series of promotional appearances on Japanese radio and television programs.
2025[]
On February 10, FUSE revealed that KIHA would be coming back with a full-length album in the second quarter of the year.
Artistry[]
Lyrical themes[]
KIHA’s songwriting is known for its experimental approach, often consisting of abstract concepts with raw emotion. Her lyrics frequently explore the tension between identity and perception, using fragmented narratives to reflect inner conflict. Time and its elasticity are recurring motifs, with her words bending linear storytelling into something more fluid and cyclical.
Public image[]
KIHA has cultivated a distinct public persona that balances mystique and charisma, earning her the nicknames "The Muse" and "Main Attraction" among media. "The Muse" emerged early in her career, reflecting her reputation as an artist whose introspective work inspires both listeners and fellow musicians. Her thoughtful demeanor in interviews and tendency to let her music speak for itself have reinforced this image. Conversely, "Main Attraction" highlights her commanding stage presence, where she transforms into a dynamic performer capable of captivating audiences with her energy and precision.
Ventures[]
Endorsements[]
KIHA has endorsed for brand campaigns belonging to Dior and L'Oréal Paris. In 2024, KIHA was selected as the new ambassador of Romand.
Discography[]
Digital Singles[]
Korean[]
- [2019.03.20] Persona
- [2019.08.28] too fast
- [2020.01.12] LATENCY
- [2020.10.11] Already Ready
- [2022.01.18] Peek a Boo
Japanese[]
- [2023.08.16] Smile Agenai
[]
| ⬦🢒 LETI 🢐⬦ | |
|---|---|
| G R O U P S． 1 | TBA |
| C O M P A N Y． 2 | FUSE • Spinning Dog • Aurora Media • Wakevie |
| S O L O I S T S． 3 | 6LOOM • KIHA • MIZ:YU |
| M O V I E S． 4 | TBA |
| O T H E R | Driver |