JINI debuts as solo artist after sudden departure from NMIXX

JINI, a former member of K-pop girl group NMIXX, poses during a press event held at Shinhan pLay Square Live Hall, Mapo District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of ATOC

After her sudden departure from NMIXX and a 10-month hiatus, JINI has made her return to the music scene with her debut solo album "An Iron Hand In A Velvet Glove."

In a press event held at Shinhan pLay Square Live Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul, Wednesday, JINI marked the release of her solo debut album, sharing thoughts on her new journey as a solo artist.

In December 2022, JINI announced her departure from NMIXX, a girl group under JYP Entertainment, and this move left the K-pop community buzzing with speculation. Her exit was particularly surprising given that she had been a trainee with the agency for seven years and debuted just 10 months earlier.

The agency cited "personal circumstances" as the reason for her departure, offering little additional information. JINI remained out of the public eye for three months before reemerging on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, signaling her transition to a solo career.

Seemingly mindful of the ongoing controversy, JINI appeared noticeably anxious at the press event, struggling to field questions from reporters regarding only her music.

"I'm incredibly nervous and I'm still trembling just being on this stage right now...," she revealed, her speech faltering.

When asked about her decision to leave NMIXX, she remained tight-lipped, stating, "For personal reasons, it's difficult to elaborate, but I'm wholeheartedly committed to giving my all with this solo debut."

Soloist JINI speaks during a press event held at Shinhan pLay Square Live Hall, Mapo District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of ATOC

The album's title, "An Iron Hand In A Velvet Glove," is an attempt to embody JINI's personality ― strong on the inside, yet graceful on the outside. It features five tracks, including the English-language title song "C'mon."

"When I first heard the demo, I was so fond of the English version that I suggested it to the company," JINI said as she explained her choice to opt for English lyrics for the track.

Before announcing her solo debut, JINI had also been actively engaging with her international fanbase on TikTok, sparking diverse reactions from followers.

"There's a lot of trending content these days, and I always consider what fans would enjoy. I contemplated how TikTok could be a platform to showcase facets of my personality that I hadn't previously revealed," she said.

Towards the conclusion of the press event, she carefully shared her aspirations for her solo career in a composed manner.

"This marks the beginning of a new journey, and while I don't have grand ambitions just yet, I'm eager to connect with and reach out to more fans," she said.

"I felt quite nervous today. But rest assured, I'm committed to demonstrating my growth, even if I'm not yet perfect."