SM's rookie Min Ji-woon finds her colors with debut EP 'Pink, then grey'

Singer Min Ji-woon poses during a press event at a theater in Seoul's Gangnam District, Thursday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

A new name under K-pop conglomerate SM Entertainment is ready to stake her place, this time in R&B. Min Ji-woon, the rising singer-songwriter under the company's contemporary R&B label, KRUCIALIZE, is set to drop her first EP, "Pink, then grey" Friday.

KRUCIALIZE, launched in May 2024, was created to widen K-pop's musical scope with a sharper focus on R&B. Its name fuses "crucial" with the "-ize" suffix, reflecting its mission to push K-pop's boundaries.

As KRUCIALIZE's first breakout artist, Min has been carving out her sound since her debut single "Sentimental Love" last October, followed by "Someone" and "If You Were The Rain (feat. Crush)." Each release spotlighted her uniquely emotive voice, which is well-suited for R&B, while also showcasing her producing abilities.

The story behind her discovery had already raised eyebrows in the industry, as Min was reportedly scouted after an SM producer slid into her DMs.

"I had been uploading covers and original songs on my personal social media account before debut and then SM reached out asking to meet," Min recalled at a press event at a theater in southern Seoul celebrating the EP Thursday.

"At first I was shocked," she said. "But when they told me about the vision for KRUCIALIZE, that they wanted me as their first artist and to build a label that could broaden SM's music, I thought it would be an honor if I could take part. We kept sharing ideas about music we loved and that eventually led to my debut."

Singer Min Ji-woon performs songs from her latest EP "Pink, then grey" during a press event at a theater in Seoul's Gangnam District, Thursday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The release is Min's first mini-album and one she has complete creative control over. She wrote and composed all six tracks herself, weaving them into a narrative capturing the thrill of love and its eventual fade.

"I've been waiting for this day for so long. Now that it's here, it feels both refreshing and unreal. Sharing it with so many people makes me think back to the whole process and gets me excited. For my first EP, I wanted it filled with songs I wrote," she said.

"I wanted to express love's beginning and end in colors. At the start it feels pink, exciting and warm. But when it ends, the emotions scatter into grey."

One of the title tracks, "Scared of Love," blends acoustic guitar with deep bass and drums in a pop-R&B arrangement that captures the mix of joy and anxiety when meeting someone new.

Its counterpart, "byebye," takes an opposite approach, delivering a breakup message that is both cool-headed and firm. Anchored by heavy 808s, a piercing kick and guitar layered with vocal samples, the urban contemporary R&B cut was produced by global team 2DUMB.

Performing the new songs live with a full band at the showcase, Min said the two lead singles serve as contrasting mirrors.

"They represent the beginning and end of love. They feel different on their own, but when you listen to them together they fit perfectly," she said.

R&B singer Min Ji-woon poses during a press event at a theater in Seoul's Gangnam District, Thursday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Other cuts round out the EP with equal depth. "Myspace" pairs Min's distinct vocal tone with restrained drums and bass to capture the rush of new feelings. "Always," crafted with producer PEEJAY, wraps candid lyrics in a dreamy soundscape.

The track list continues with "TBH," built on R&B and trap elements, with playful lyrics about the aftermath of heartbreak. Closing track "Go! (feat. CUBE)" leans into piano and drums to stylishly express the excitement of a new connection.

Breaking into R&B under one of K-pop's biggest powerhouses came with its share of pressure.

"I approach every stage with responsibility. But more than feeling burdened as the label's first artist, I'm grateful for the opportunity, so I focus on enjoying it and giving it my all," Min said.

She also sees it as a chance to build bridges with SM's wide roster of K-pop idols.

"I saw NCT's Mark recently put out his solo album. He directed it himself and wrote the songs. If we could work together one day, I think the chemistry would be amazing," she added.