By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Singer Park Ji-yoon is back with a new album, breaking out from her six-year hiatus and life as a photographer.
The 27-year-old singer has been avoiding the spotlight in recent years, focusing on yet another profession as a photographer, but she finally appeared in front of the press at a showcase Tuesday in southern Seoul.
``The new album `Flower, Once Again,' is like my first one. It's meaningful because unlike the past, when I wore clothes and sang songs chosen by others, I was able to express my own feelings through the lyrics and melodies,'' she said.
First debuting in 1994, Park became popular with her sweet image, delicate voice and catchy dance and ballad numbers such as ``Steal Away'' and ``I'm a Man.''
This time, her songs are more acoustic and simple, stretching to the contemporary music style of Europe.
When asked if this meant she was saying good-bye to her signature dance numbers, Park said no.
``The dance singer Park was me, and this is also me,'' she said.
Debuting at the age of 15 must have been a burden, and Park explained that it was one of the reasons why it took her so long to return to the stage as a singer.
``I started singing at such a young age, and I worked without looking back nor taking a break. I finally started to think about what to do with my life, my path and future. Now, I finally know what my path is, which helped me finish this album,'' Park said.
Taking photos, holding her own exhibition and publishing a photo book has kept her busy, but now Park is ready to meet her fans full time as a singer.
``I want to work as soon as possible since I have been off the radar for so long. I will appear in music, entertainment programs and also in radio shows as much as possible to satisfy my fans. Some worried because of the difference in music, but I believe there will be people who enjoy my new numbers,'' she said.
Park will be on the music program ``Show! Music Core'' at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday on MBC for the first time in six years.