Weki Meki’s Choi Yoo-jung makes her solo debut with ‘Sunflower’
A fast scroll via Choi Yoo-jung’s Instagram feed instantly reveals two issues: The singer’s love for sunflowers, and her affinity for the color yellow – be it in nature, trend or meals. “I had no clue! I suppose I’m drawn to yellow with out realising it,” the Weki Meki singer confesses when NME brings this up.
That’s not too stunning. In spite of everything, the 23-year-old idol is thought for her infectious optimism – the very personification of the enjoyment so usually related to the color. It’s this energetic optimism – and her dexterity as a performer, after all – that has propelled Yoo-jung’s success so far.
“It could be a misinform say there’s solely slightly strain about being a soloist with out being all collectively as eight members, however I’m attempting my greatest to get pleasure from it”
Six years in the past, she stepped into the highlight in Produce 101, the place she turned the fact competitors franchise’s first “middle”, elected by her friends to guide 100 different trainees of their debut tv efficiency. Following a profitable stint on the present – and an incredible yr as a part of its ensuing lady group I.O.I – Choi discovered her place within the energetic eight-piece Weki Meki, an act that values uniqueness and verve above all else.
Now, Choi is able to embark on a brand new journey, this time along with her debut solo single album ‘Sunflower’, one which embodies her essence each as a person and a performer. The three-song launch is out right this moment – earlier than you hit play, take a look at NME’s dialog with the Okay-pop star about her evolution as an artist, the non-public which means behind ‘Sunflower’ and at last stepping out as a soloist.
Congratulations on ‘Sunflower’! How do you are feeling about making your solo debut after six years of being an idol?
“I believe it hasn’t hit me but! I noticed the bodily album earlier than the album launch, and it was actually cool…
“It was unusual, and I additionally felt proud and blissful. Plenty of blended emotions got here and went. It could be a misinform say there’s solely slightly strain about being a soloist with out being all collectively as eight members, however I’m attempting my greatest to get pleasure from it. I’ll have enjoyable with the promotional actions since I might be doing the promo with good workers, with an excellent tune and choreography, so please ship a whole lot of love and assist!”
It’s the title of your single album, however the ‘Sunflower’ can be your signature emoticon, consultant flower and nickname. Would you thoughts sharing the which means behind it?
“The sunflower is my image, a logo that my grandfather left me. As it’s my first solo launch and a valuable, significant album, I wished [it] to include my very own ‘which means’. That’s why I introduced the key phrase ‘Sunflower’ into this album.”
From its title alone, it’s clear that this single album is one which may be very private and particular to you. How did that form your imaginative and prescient for its idea and sound?
“It’s extra valuable and significant because it’s my first solo album. I paid consideration to even the little issues and [spoke up] immediately and had it revised [when necessary] so I wouldn’t have any regrets. I labored on this album with a extra partaking angle and mindset, in addition to extra ambition to do higher.”
“The sunflower is my image, a logo that my grandfather left me”
You’ve gotten participated in writing songs for Weki Meki previously. Was the method for this single album any completely different?
“I don’t suppose I spoke out quite a bit through the album-making means of Weki Meki. I believe the precedence for the group actions is to mix effectively with the members! Even when there’s something I wish to do, it’s higher to do issues that everybody is nice at.
“I don’t suppose I’m the kind of one that talked quite a bit [when preparing for Weki Meki’s releases]. However this time, I shared a whole lot of opinions as a result of I felt extra accountable doing it alone.”
With 2022 being your sixth yr within the music business, what are some worries or doubts out of your expertise as an idol that you’ve got now as a soloist?
“Contemplating the distinction between group efficiency and solo efficiency, the power of group efficiency is how a gaggle can present nice teamwork of choreography and singing that’s already deliberate out. The power of solo performances is you could improvise and carry out spontaneously.
“I felt it was troublesome for me to carry out freely on stage since I’ve been a part of a gaggle for a very long time. So, I believed I ought to put a whole lot of effort into utilizing the stage freely. Additionally, after I’m on the stage on my own, I’m conscious of the actual fact how essential it’s to know for certain what seems essentially the most engaging to me and what I’m greatest at, and what I like essentially the most. I attempt to put nice care into these, too.”
How have you ever advanced over time via actions like singing, dancing, performing, and showing on selection exhibits?
“I believe that these actions require a whole lot of vitality. It’s essential to revive that vitality as a lot as you utilize it. I didn’t understand how to try this earlier than however now, I realised how I can restore my vitality, and discovered [from that].”
You’re fairly the all-rounder as effectively, filling the roles of vocalist, rapper and dancer in Weki Meki. Which of those abilities first led you to pursue a profession as an idol, and the way did you find yourself discovering your expertise for the others?
“I believe I began out with dancing! Since I used to be little, I danced alongside whereas watching TV, and danced whereas watching my reflection within the window in my front room. I fell into music as a result of I favored dancing, and I wished to sing as a result of l favored music… And as I discovered the right way to sing, I discovered it enjoyable! That’s how my dream of changing into a singer grew.”
Idol teams and soloists need to continuously reinvent themselves and push their potential to the bounds. How do you discover the inspiration and motivation to maintain going?
“I really feel a whole lot of strain, nervousness, and doubt about doing actions as a soloist as a result of I’ve been doing actions in a gaggle up to now. However there’s additionally anticipation, pleasure, and the need to have enjoyable. Above all, what I’m prioritising is to point out my music and efficiency to many individuals as quickly as potential. That’s what motivates me to work arduous.
“At any time when I see my followers, I really feel energised. Additionally, as a result of everybody calls me a ‘human sunflower’, I wish to ship my refreshing vitality to [my listeners].”
Lastly, what’s the picture you wish to depart to the general public as Choi Yoo-jung, each as an artist and particular person?
“I wish to be an individual who can benefit from the stage comfortably, and to make individuals look ahead to my performances. I wish to be an artist that many individuals wish to watch at any time when they hear that I’m performing.”
Choi Yoo-jung’s debut single album ‘Sunflower’ is out now