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| Solo artist Lee Chae-yeon / Courtesy of RBW, WM Entertainment |
By Pyo Kyung-min
After the breakthrough success of her track "KNOCK," solo artist and former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon is set to once again capture the hearts of fans with her new album, "The Move: Street."
As "KNOCK" cemented her status as the foremost dancer of her generation, Lee Chae-yeon is now shifting her focus to engaging her fans in the joy of dance through her title track, "LET'S DANCE." The track comes just five months after her previous hit.
"I've received a huge amount of love for "KNOCK," and that experience led me to discover the direction I should pursue as a soloist," Lee said during a press interview held in a cafe in Mapo District, Seoul, Aug. 31. "While the new album isn't a radical experimentation, it's a product of my introspection into how I can best cater to my fans' satisfaction."
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| Solo artist Lee Chae-yeon poses during a press interview held in a cafe in Mapo District, Seoul, Aug. 31. Courtesy of RBW, WM Entertainment |
Lee's "KNOCK" made a surprise surge on the music charts, securing the 27th spot in Melon's Top 100 chart within a month of its release. The track gained popularity due to Lee's constant delivery of breathtaking performances, showcasing her dancing skills on every stage. The "KNOCK" challenge also ignited a fervor across various social media platforms. The "KNOCK" challenge video featuring ITZY's Chaeryeong, Lee's younger sister, garnered over 15 million views on YouTube shorts.
The idol shared that she's feeling great pressure with this release "especially after the overwhelming love for my previous track," she said. "There's a strong inner drive pushing me to deliver even better performances than before. But I'm working hard to carry this weight and show my dedication on stage."
Her new album, "The Move: Street," embodies this ambition. The title track, "LET'S DANCE," effortlessly blends a variety of dance tunes, sending a message that anyone can dance. In the music video, Lee's versatile dancing takes the spotlight as she shifts from graceful ballerina mode to a spirited shuffle dancer in sneakers mode.
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| Solo artist Lee Chae-yeon / Courtesy of RBW, WM Entertainment |
"I've found that confidence and self-belief are key to showcasing my charm on stage. Certainty in myself is what enables me to fully express who I am, and I've realized dancing is where I find that certainty," Lee said, expressing her love for dancing. "I've noticed that my best self shines and my smile radiates while I'm dancing on stage. The positive energy and genuine brightness that dance brings out in me form my unique charm."
The songs "Intro: Shangri-La" and "Cave" on the album also shine in displaying Lee's charming mix of vibrant and deep emotions. "I have a special place in my heart for these two tracks too. Especially, the song 'Cave' means a lot to me because the song turns the idea of a cave into a cozy refuge instead of a lonely place meant for hiding, which reflects my recent feelings."
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| Solo artist Lee Chae-yeon / Courtesy of RBW, WM Entertainment |
The soloist believes she still has a long way to go, but she is ready for any challenges she may face.
"Being a solo artist certainly presents its challenges, yet I hold my solo journey with pride. While my time in IZ*ONE brought to me great friendships and so many unforgettable memories, my solo debut has granted me a different sense of fulfillment," she said.
"I aim to become an artist that solely brings joy to my fans. As for this album, I'm also driven by the ambition to secure a spot in Melon's Top 50 as soon as the song is released."
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