"K-pop felt like a completely new world to me. It was so colorful and full of hope. From that moment, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do."
Fatou Diouf Samba, 31, who is the leader and main rapper of multinational girl group BLACKSWAN, recalled her first impression of K-pop in those words.
Widely regarded as a pioneer among African-born Black K-pop idols who have debuted in South Korea, Fatou has built a unique career by crossing cultures, languages and continents.
When Yonhap News Agency met her on June 2 at its studio in central Seoul, Fatou spoke Korean fluently enough to joke and chat naturally throughout the interview.
Fluent in English, French, Dutch and Korean, she rated her own language abilities as "100 out of 100" in English, "95" in Korean and Dutch, and "80" in French.
She said her ability to learn languages came from growing up across different cultures.
"I think that environment made me a sponge. Whether it's culture, language or social behavior, I can absorb things very easily."
Fatou moved to Belgium with her mother and stepfather at the age of 12. Because of that, she said she has almost forgotten Wolof, a language she used while growing up in Senegal.
"My mother wanted me to focus on learning French and Dutch properly in Belgium, so I wasn't allowed to use (Wolof)."
She said she still misses being able to speak a language connected to her roots and identity.
Fatou's journey into K-pop began when she was around 15 years old.
A Tibetan friend who had lived in India before moving to Belgium showed her SHINee's music video for "Replay" ("Noona Neomu Yeppeo"), a moment she describes as life-changing.
"I was going through a difficult time emotionally. When I discovered K-pop, I was able to feel happiness again."
She said K-pop gave her hope.
The powerful energy and confidence she displays on stage, she added, come from doing what she loves best.
“That strength comes from my love for music and the stage. When I’m on stage, I feel free.”
Fatou learned Korean naturally by watching Korean dramas and entertainment shows, and repeatedly listening to and reciting K-pop lyrics.
She never received formal Korean-language education. Her Korean skills often surprise people.
"Whenever I speak Korean, people are shocked. It's always funny."
Determined to become a K-pop singer, Fatou finally boarded a plane to South Korea in 2018.
She initially worked as a model for about three months before joining DR Music, headed by Yoon Deung-ryong, the producer behind first-generation K-pop girl group Baby VOX
After debuting as a member of BLACKSWAN in 2020, Fatou launched her solo career in 2022 while continuing group activities. As the oldest member, she now serves as the group's leader.
During her early years in Korea, she was also known as "Kim Fatou." She explained that her Korean friends jokingly gave her the name "Kim," the country's most common surname.
Looking back on her trainee years, Fatou said the hardest challenge was the psychological pressure.
"There were times when I thought, 'Can I really do this?' or 'Should I just go back home?' But I kept telling myself, 'No, Fatou.'"
She said that mindset helped her endure the difficult trainee period.
Fatou also described the demanding preparation that takes place behind every new K-pop project.
"We usually spend four to five months practicing before releasing a new song. I train for about two hours with the choreographer and another four hours with the members every day."
She also shared a memorable story about meeting SHINee's Key, one of the artists who inspired her dream.
"About two years ago, we appeared on SBS' music program 'Inkigayo.' I was so nervous that I could barely say anything. Later, when I got back to the waiting room, I thought, 'Oh no, I messed it up.'"
She later had another opportunity to meet Key and briefly speak with him.
“He said a lot of kind things to me.”
Among the biggest cultural differences she encountered in Korea was the country's senior-junior hierarchy.
"I'm the type of person who says something is wrong if it's wrong, regardless of age. In Korea, I found it unusual that people often respond, 'Yes, I understand,' simply because someone is senior."
She laughed as she added: "I've gotten used to it now. Besides, now I'm the senior."
As an African-born Black woman performing K-pop, Fatou said she initially faced skepticism.
"At first, people asked, 'Why is a Black person doing K-pop?' or 'Why come all the way to Korea?' But over time, more and more people began supporting me."
Behind the glamorous stage life, she said, there is also loneliness.
Her mother and two younger brothers currently live in Belgium, and she often turns to her 23-year-old brother when she needs someone to talk to.
“I have friends and colleagues, but family is different.”
She added that she rarely shares her worries with her mother.
"I don't want her to worry."
Fatou said Korean food suited her from the beginning, partly because Senegalese cuisine is often spicy as well.
"My favorite Korean dish these days is 'maeuntang,' a spicy fish stew. I also love 'gamjatang' and 'haemultang,'" she said, referring to a pork bone soup and spicy seafood stew, respectively.
Among her own songs, she said her favorite remains "Tonight," BLACKSWAN's debut track released in 2020.
"There are songs I look back on and wish I could improve, but 'Tonight' is the song that brought me here."
Asked how she would describe her identity, Fatou replied simply: "I'm just Fatou Diouf Samba. I want to live for myself -- simply as Fatou."
On marriage, she said she does not feel bound by traditional expectations.
"If I meet a good person, we can be together. I don't think we necessarily need to be tied to the institution of marriage."
BLACKSWAN is preparing a new album scheduled for release around July or August, along with overseas performances in the United States, Brazil and India.
Asked when she feels happiest in Korea, Fatou paused for a moment before answering, "When I'm spending time with my friends."
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