Going solo means wrestling with loneliness for Apink's Oh Ha-young

Oh Ha-young of K-pop girl group Apink poses for photos during an album showcase event on Wednesday at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Courtesy of Play M Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

It took eight years for Oh Ha-young, the youngest member of K-pop girl band Apink, to release her first solo album “OH!” after the group's debut in 2011.

As a soloist, Oh, 23, was apparently thrilled about tackling a fresh challenge, but also had the fear of being alone.

“I am worried I might shed tears when left alone in a waiting room,” Oh said during an album showcase event on Wednesday at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. K-pop singers usually have a lengthy wait at broadcasting stations before they appear on music shows.

“I asked my company officials not to visit my room, because they may spot me crying out of solitude,” she said. “Member Jung Eun-ji (who has already forged a soloist career) also told me she was extremely lonely after the music show, because there was no one to talk to.”

Oh also revealed she wept when leader Park Cho-rong visited her while filming a music video of the lead track “Don't Make Me Laugh.”

“Our leader came to treat the staff members with chicken and ice cream,” she said. “I cried as soon as I saw her, since I felt like I had left the nest.”

Oh Ha-young performs during the showcase event. Courtesy of Play M Entertainment

But her fear was not seen during Wednesday's event. Rather, she seemed confident about her new release, which brought a focus on her velvety voice.

“I have geared up for this album for two years and attempted to unveil my unexploited sides. My voice is highlighted in all five numbers too,” she said.

Fronted by addictive lead song “Don't Make Me Laugh,” the album also includes pop R&B song “How we do,” moombahton-flavored “Nobody,” medium-tempo track “Do You Miss Me?” and ballad “Worry about nothing.”

The cross-genre album overflows with freshness and vitality in general, somewhat contrary to Apink's numbers that mostly highlight innocence and loveliness.

It hit the shelves on Wednesday afternoon (local time.)

Oh said she also differentiated it from Apink's releases by reducing the use of pink color ― the emblem of Apink. Pastel yellow, her favorite, was added instead.

Nevertheless, Apink is always her priority.

“Apink's album always has the first call on our members,” Oh said. “All other things come next. Following the release of my solo album, I will immediately tune up for the group's work.”