If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

NAM GI SANG

Years active: 2002-present

Associated Acts: Girl’s Day, Jewelry, Beat Win, Dal Shabet, Berry Good

His sound: Big dance songs with a heavy electronic element. Airy, filtered vocal production over hyper-melodic refrains. Brings in elements of disco and bubblegum pop, but often with a chic, smooth sound.

Why you should love him: Nam Gi Sang is responsible for nearly all of Girl’s Day’s best singles, but he’s also produced solid work for lesser known girl groups and provided the through-line for boy group Beat Win’s discography. He first rose to prominence by working with early-00’s girl group Jewelry, and has remained one of k-pop’s most underrated composers throughout the years. His name may not be as ubiquitous as a Brave Brothers or Sweetune, but his work speaks for itself. It has a classic, melodic sound that really stands the test of time.

Examples of his best work: