YENA returns with catchy electro dance single 'NEMONEMO'

YENA poses during a media showcase for her new single “NEMONEMO” at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Yuehua Entertainment

K-pop singer YENA, whose real name is Choi Ye-na, is making a comeback with a new single, "NEMONEMO," about eight months after she released her third mini-album, "Good Morning," in January.

"I've been eagerly counting down the days for today as well. I've been active in various fields (of entertainment), but standing on stage still gives me the most excitement and joy," the singer said, sharing how she feels about the new release of her single during a media showcase for the song at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday.

The new single, which hit the shelves the same day, consists of three songs, the title track of the same name, "Sugar" and "It Was Love."

The title track, for which rapper and producer Zico took part in writing the lyrics, is an electronic dance song, wittily portraying a lovers' feud using the metaphor of a square's sharp edges.

"Overall, this album revolves around the theme of love. Everyone defines and expresses love differently, and this album expresses love in my own lovely way," she said.

"The key point of (the title song) is the kitschy and fun lyrics. Using the metaphor of a square with sharp corners, it expresses how love can be good at times but can also lead to sulking and heartache."

Scenes from the music video of YENA's new song “NEMONEMO” / Courtesy of Yuehua Entertainment

Recalling the first time she heard the title song, the singer said it fulfilled her personal interest in 2010s style K-pop dance music.

"I worked with this composer team for the first time, and they studied my strengths and weaknesses thoroughly and meticulously created the work. So I trusted and followed their lead from when I first heard the song," she said.

"It has an electronic sound that reminds me of the vibes from a playlist I used to love. It brings back that nostalgic feeling … reminiscent of artists like T-ara, After School's (sub-unit) Orange Caramel, which I've always wanted to do. I wanted to capture that vibe in my own way, and it feels great to express my passion on stage."

YENA explained the song's creative metaphor of a square for a lover's relationship came from Zico, who was friends with her older brother.

"When the track came out, I really loved it but I couldn't find the right puzzle for the lyrics, putting us in a crisis. Even two days before recording, we still didn't have the lyrics. So I decided to play the track to Zico and asked for help since I was struggling," she said.

"He kindly came up with the identity and keywords of the song and even wrote some clever lyrics. I was so touched. After that, the final lyrics for 'NEMONEMO' came out easily."

When asked to define the square in her own words, the singer referred to it as life.

"Our lives can be square, too. Even while living a circular life in a round world, there are many times when things aren't so smooth," she said. "We encounter square situations or meet square people throughout our lives. So, in a way, life seems to have a lot of square aspects."