Baek Ye-rin's English album sweeps music charts

Official photo of Baek Ye-rin/ Courtesy of Blue Vinyl

By Jung Hae-myoung

Singer-songwriter Baek Ye-rin has topped local music charts, Wednesday, with her English album “Every letter I sent you.” This is encouraging for her because it was her first album since she left JYP Entertainment as a result of contract expiration.

The album surged as soon as it was released 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and it topped charts on music streaming websites including Melon, Genie, Flo, Bugs, and Soribada as of Wednesday morning.

“I needed a lot of courage to prepare for this big double album,” Baek said in a social media post. “My family and agency staff supported me a lot, and I really appreciate them. I also really thank my fans who have been waiting for me and watching me improve.”

Seventeen songs out of 18 on the album are entirely in English, which makes this the first time a song with English lyrics topped local charts.

“Square,” the first single, went viral among fans even before it was released.

Baek had been teasing that her songs may be unveiled early.

“I have many requests. It is a beautiful song that really captures the atmosphere of the moment. So I try not to release the song yet. But I may put this in the album if I change my mind and have a chance.”

However, she decided to use tracks that she kept private, and this album includes tracks that hadn't been disclosed yet.

“This is the album that Baek has been gathering since age 19 until 22. I hope people show a lot of support since this is the first work she released as her new start,” Blue Vinyl, Baek's agency, announced.

“I really like the sound of this wonderful musician, and her brave move in the music industry,” Kang Min-kyung, one of the singers from popular duo Davichi, remarked on Instagram, with a photo of the album cover.

“I have been expecting a lot from myself recently. As a fan, I started listening to her music, and her album made my dilemmas futile. I feel dejected and light-hearted at the same time.”

Baek debuted in 2012 as a member of duo 15& with singer Park Ji-min. She has been loved by many fans with her solo albums including “Across the Universe” and “Maybe It's Not Our Fault.” Her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment expired in September this year.