The origin and meaning of my logo

When I started competitive K-pop dancing, my father created a simple logo for me. It featured a stylised letter ‘K’ within a circle, with the end of the letter leading into the word ‘pop’. The ‘K’ stood for Korea, K-pop and the initial of my surname.

In 2026, we added the name NEO HWARANG to my stage name, Míra, as a mark of respect for Korean history and traditions. In connection with this, a new logo was designed. Its foundation is the Taegeuk, wreathed in Hibiscus flowers (national symbols of Korea). Diagonally crossed over them are a golden lightning bolt and a Hwando sword.

NEO HWARANG: This is a reference to the original Hwarang (translating to ‘Flowering Knights’), an elite group of young men from the Silla Kingdom. They were educated in martial arts, warfare, literature, poetry, music, ethics, Buddhism and traditional rituals. The Hwarang also played a major role in the unification of Korea in the 7th century.

TAEGEUK: A symbol of cosmic balance, harmony and the continuous cycle of life. In the context of dance, it expresses the balance between power and grace that K-pop demands.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS (MUGUNGHWA): The Hibiscus syriacus is the Korean national flower, and its name translates to ‘immortal flower that never fades’. In the logo, it symbolises perseverance – the determination to dance through fatigue and pain.

HWANDO SWORD: A traditional single-edged sword that appeared towards the end of the Goryeo dynasty. The first mention of the name ‘Hwando’ dates back to 1277, translating to ‘sword with rings’. In connection with the Hwarang warriors, one might also think of Hwarang-do (the way of the flowering knights). In my logo, it does not represent violence, but rather serves as a metaphor for movement. K-pop choreographies are known for their fierce, sharp and cutting movements, and – in the case of groups – absolute synchronisation. This sword symbolises the discipline required during training and the precision delivered during performances.

LIGHTNING BOLT: While not a traditional symbol of Korea, I included it as a modern pop-culture element. It represents the energy I bring to the stage and pour into my dance performances.