Golden Melody Award-winning singer-songwriter Shi Shi (孙盛希) has released her latest single, “Tteokbokki,” a heartfelt English-Korean track that draws inspiration from childhood memories, friendship, and the comforting familiarity of home.
The song marks Shi Shi’s second bilingual English-Korean release following “Falling in Love” earlier this year and serves as a preview of her upcoming EP, The Taste Of…, scheduled for release on July 10.
A Song Inspired by Food and Memories
For Shi Shi, who spent her childhood in South Korea, tteokbokki—the beloved Korean spicy rice cake dish—is more than just a popular street food. It represents a deeply personal connection to her youth, recalling the routes she walked home from school and the neighborhood eateries where she spent time with friends.
Unlike many of her previous songs that explored romantic relationships, “Tteokbokki” focuses on the enduring bonds of friendship and the nostalgia attached to shared experiences. The track serves as a tribute to old friends and the rare, comfortable relationships that leave lasting impressions throughout life.
Bringing Everyday Moments to Life
To create the song, Shi Shi collaborated with Chinese-American producer Morrison Ma (MOSUN), blending gentle melodies with a retro-inspired sound.
Adding to its nostalgic atmosphere, the track opens with a self-recorded ambient soundscape captured in a bustling Korean market, immersing listeners in the sights and sounds that inspired the song.
The result is a warm and reflective musical experience that combines personal storytelling with cross-cultural influences.
A Preview of The Taste Of…
“Tteokbokki” arrives ahead of Shi Shi’s forthcoming EP, The Taste Of…, which will be released on July 10.
The project marks a significant milestone in her career as her first English-based EP, featuring songs performed in three languages:
- English
- Mandarin
- Korean
The multilingual approach reflects Shi Shi’s cultural roots and signals her continued efforts to reach a broader international audience.
An Acclaimed Artist Bridging Cultures
Shi Shi is a third-generation South Korean-Chinese singer-songwriter based in Taiwan whose music has earned widespread recognition across Asia.
She has received some of Taiwan’s most prestigious music honors, including Best Female Singer and Best Album at the Golden Melody Awards, often regarded as the Mandarin music industry’s equivalent of the Grammys.
Her profile expanded further in 2020 when she performed “Someday or One Day,” the theme song for the critically acclaimed Taiwanese drama Someday or One Day (想见你), one of the region’s most influential television series in recent years.
In 2024, she also collaborated with South Korean jazz musician Lee Jin-ah on the single “Goodbye Spring,” drawing attention from audiences in both Taiwan and South Korea.
Looking Toward a Global Future
With “Tteokbokki” and the upcoming The Taste Of… EP, Shi Shi continues to broaden her artistic horizons while embracing the cultural influences that have shaped her identity.
The release represents another step in her journey toward connecting with listeners beyond language and borders, using music, memories, and shared experiences to tell stories that resonate across cultures.
Listeners can stream “Tteokbokki” on major music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and follow Shi Shi through her official channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
