Yeji of Ok-pop lady group ITZY poses throughout a press occasion unveiling her solo mini-album „Air“ at a lodge in southeastern Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday. Yonhap
Yeji, the chief of Ok-pop act ITZY, is stepping past the group’s high-energy performances to carve her personal house within the music scene with „Air,“ a daring, performance-driven solo debut.
Since ITZY’s breakout in 2019 with the smash hit „Dalla Dalla,“ the group has delivered electrifying dance anthems which have outlined its six-year run.
At its core was Yeji, standing out among the many group not only for her dance expertise and equally spectacular vocals, but additionally for her ethereal look, coupled with distinctive options which have helped her declare a particular place within the hearts of Ok-pop lovers.
Now, she’s stepped as much as take the stage alone.
Simply hours forward of her official solo debut, the 24-year-old singer met with the press at a lodge in southeastern Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday, exuding each nerves and pleasure as she spoke about her first solo launch.
ITZY’s chief Yeji poses throughout a press occasion held to have fun the singer’s solo debut at a lodge in southeastern Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Leisure
„Getting ready for ‚Air‘ was a totally new problem,“ Yeji admitted, wearing a glossy black mini-dress. „I needed to indicate a distinct aspect of myself past ITZY. Whereas I aimed to carry a brand new vibe, I additionally needed to retain the highly effective essence that followers affiliate with me. In that sense, ‚Air‘ appears like destiny.“
A synth-pop dance monitor with deep bass sounds, the mini-album’s title monitor is infused with Yeji’s private contact by its lyrics, and polished below the steerage of JYP Leisure’s founder and producer Park Jin-young.
As the primary ITZY member to go solo, Yeji revealed that she took time to form her message rigorously.
„Similar to the title, I thought of moments that really take my breath away, these overwhelming surges of ardour … I needed to precise that pull in my lyrics,“ she stated.
And for Yeji, that feeling has at all times been about dance. Recognized for her intense strikes, she channeled her love for performing into the music’s narrative.
Yeji of Ok-pop lady group ITZY poses throughout a media showcase for her solo debut album, „Air,“ at a lodge in southeastern Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday. Yonhap
„The story behind ‚Air‘ jogs my memory of ‚The Purple Footwear,'“ she stated, referencing the traditional fairy story by Hans Christian Andersen. „It is about being so consumed by dance that you could’t cease, even if you wish to. That uncontrollable urge is captured within the lyrics and the music video.“
The music video itself is one other spectacle, emphasizing Yeji’s artistry honed over her idol profession. From intricate, fluid actions to a climactic scene the place she instructions a whole dance crew, the clip highlights the power that has made her one in every of Ok-pop’s strongest performers.
All through her solo preparations, Yeji stated she leaned on her ITZY bandmates — Ryujin, Lia, Chaeryeong and Yuna — for assist.
„The members joked that I ought to begin calling them seniors now, since I am debuting as a rookie yet again,“ she stated with a chuckle.
„However they have been so encouraging. This was my first time getting ready all the things alone, with out anybody by my aspect on set. However after they visited my music video shoot, their assist gave me a lot power. In a approach, engaged on my solo album made me much more happy with our group.“
Ok-pop band ITZY’s Yeji, 24, poses throughout a press occasion for her official solo debut at a lodge in Songpa District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Having debuted at simply 18, Yeji now enters a brand new section of her profession as she steps into her mid-20s. She described the solo enterprise as a much-needed refresh.
„Final 12 months, all the things began to really feel repetitive; even getting ready new albums felt like simply one other cycle,“ she confessed. „I wasn’t positive find out how to get away of that feeling. Then, I received information of my solo venture. Out of the blue, I used to be liable for all the things alone, and that problem made me understand simply how a lot I really like what I do. I labored by my struggles by doing what I really like — performing.“
But regardless of years within the business, she admitted some issues have not modified.
„I used to suppose if I ever went solo, I would be a elegant, seasoned skilled,“ she stated. „However actually, I nonetheless really feel like a rookie. Each comeback makes my coronary heart race.“
Whereas this album marks a turning level for her, Yeji remained humble about her aspirations.
„Debuting solo is already a dream come true,“ she stated. „But when I have been to dream somewhat greater, I hope this album exhibits extra folks my potential as a solo artist.“
