September 1st, 2026 – While television survival shows have become a defining route to recognition for many Korean rappers over the past decade, Kim Ximya has never followed the conventional path. For nearly a decade, he has built his reputation through music and visual art, earning critical acclaim both in Korea and beyond. Seven years after his last solo album, he returns with 'Dogma', a ten-track work that reflects his uncompromising approach to art, music, and creative freedom that is set to be released on September 9. Fans can pre-save the album here.
Created in collaboration with Seoul collective Sound Supply, the ten-track record marks a new chapter for one of Korean music's most distinctive voices. Moving fluidly between experimental hip-hop, electronic music, and underground club influences, 'Dogma' further develops Kim Ximya’s approach to music—one that remains unconstrained by genre or commercial expectation while maintaining a singular artistic identity.
Working closely with core members of Sound Supply, including Mount XLR, cjb95, and ccr, Kim Ximya developed a cohesive body of work that reflects both his evolution as a songwriter and producer. The album's sonic journey was further refined through mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Mike Bozzi.
The visual world surrounding 'Dogma' continues that multidisciplinary approach. The lead music video for 'Dogma' was directed by acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist Park Chan-kyong. The younger brother and longtime creative collaborator of Cannes-winning director Park Chan-wook (Decision to Leave), Park Chan-kyong has built an acclaimed practice spanning cinema, photography, and contemporary art. Together, the brothers have directed award-winning works under the name PARKing CHANce, including a Berlin International Film Festival prize-winning short film.
The physical edition also departs from conventional album packaging, replacing the traditional CD format with a miniature radio-inspired player called the Buddha Machine, which reimagines the album as both a listening device and collectible object. Adding to its exclusivity, the Buddha Machine will feature a curated selection of tracks distinct from the digital release.
With 'Dogma', Kim Ximya returns with his second studio album, further establishing himself at the intersection of Korean hip-hop, experimental electronic music, and contemporary visual culture.
About Kim Ximya
Kim Ximya, one of modern day’s most influential rappers in South Korea, has been making unprecedented headlines with media giants like the New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard and BBC Radio.
Known to venture away from traditional sounds, lyrics and song structure, his name first skyrocketed into the public consciousness when he released his debut EP ‘KYOMI’ under the collaborative duo name XXX alongside producer FRNK. Across their releases 'KYOMI', 'LANGUAGE', and 'SECOND LANGUAGE', the duo blurred the boundaries between music, visual art, and contemporary culture. Their collaborations with French animator Mattis Dovier earned Vimeo Staff Picks, coverage from VICE and Animation Magazine, and screenings at film and music festivals around the world and also helped opened a new avenue for Korean hip hop to elevate and expand into the West.
XXX's music also attracted international critical attention from major news outlets globally. 'LANGUAGE' and 'SECOND LANGUAGE' received Pitchfork scores of 7.3 and 7.5 respectively, making them among the highest-rated Korean albums reviewed by the publication at the time. In 2019, XXX won Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the Korean Music Awards and joined experimental hip-hop group Injury Reserve as support on their North American tour.
Outside of XXX, Kim Ximya has continued expanding his solo catalog through releases including 'Moonshine', 'DOG', 'Bundle 1', and 'w18c', further establishing himself as both a rapper and producer. His collaborators have ranged from Beenzino, CL, Crush, and Jay Park to Cautious Clay and French producer Simo Cell, while his songwriting has also appeared on releases by BTS's V and NewJeans.
Across these projects, Kim Ximya has consistently occupied a space where underground experimentation, electronic music, and contemporary pop intersect without fully belonging to any one scene. Today, he is one of the most sought after, go-to artists for features and other collaborations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS
FOLLOW KIM XIMYA