(G)I-DLE's Miyeon goes solo with 'MY,' offers glimpse into unexplored sides

Six songs in EP show different tunes from group's previous music

By Dong Sun-hwa

(G)I-DLE's Miyeon poses during a press conference at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Cube Entertainment

"Tomboy," the March release by K-pop act (G)I-DLE, is still nabbing the top spots on multiple music streaming charts worldwide. But even before its popularity wanes, the group's lead vocalist Miyeon has dropped her first solo EP, "MY," Wednesday afternoon.

Through "MY," which is the initials of Miyeon's name, the Cube Entertainment star is willing to offer a glimpse into her unexplored sides and send her positive energy to those who need it.

"While I was gearing up for this mini-album, I tried to remember what kind of music and performance I wanted to show people when I was an aspiring singer, believing this would help me come up with a new style that I have not pulled off before," Miyeon, who dyed her hair blonde and put on a princess-like white dress, said during a press conference at a cafe in Mapo District, western Seoul, Wednesday. "So I ended up producing 'MY,' which offers some easy-listening tunes that I love. I think people would be able to witness my untapped sides with this release."

The EP carries six tunes that can boost people's mood when they are driving in the spring, the singer added. Leading the mini-album is "Drive," a feel-good rock song with a touch of sentimental guitar sound. Through its lyrics, Miyeon tells people ― and herself ― not to lose their cool and proceed, even if they face difficulties on their ways.

"When I first heard the track, I thought it sounded quite different from (G)I-DLE's previous releases," she said, explaining that the group has mostly been showcasing powerful and conceptual music by releasing songs like "Lion" (2019) and "Oh my god" (2021).

"My new tune goes well with the spring. In the song, my favorite line reads: 'I will follow my heart and go everywhere I want.'"

The teaser for Miyeon's mini-album, "MY" / Courtesy of Cube Entertainment

Among all the tracks, "Te Amo" is particularly meaningful for her, as its lyrics contain the messages that Miyeon wants to deliver to her fans.

"It lyrics are lovely, but I tried to sing it in a powerful way so as to better express my feelings," she explained. "Via 'Te Amo,' I hope I can let my fans know how I feel about them."

Another highlight of the EP is "Shower," a song composed by Yuqi of (G)I-DLE. During the press event, Miyeon, who penned its lyrics, thanked her bandmate for her contribution.

"Yuqi actually gave me many different pieces to choose from, so I picked the one that fitted me the best," she said. "And when I was making its lyrics, I referred to the writings that I had written when I was in my early 20s. I wrote a lot of diaries and movie reviews in the past … I think I was quite sentimental back then."

Although it took only about a month for Miyeon to return with a new music offering, she said she did not face a big hurdle while preparing for its release.

"I have been gearing up for this EP for a long time, even when our group was on a hiatus," she said.

Miyeon, the third (G)I-DLE member to go solo following Soyeon and Yuqi, added that she was more thrilled than pressured to showcase her solo material.

"Since Soyeon and Yuqi made a splash with their solo releases, I also strived to lift the quality of my EP," she said. "But tackling a new challenge gave me more excitement than pressure."

Closing the session, the K-pop star said, "It would be great if my EP could grab the top spots on music charts, but even if it does not, I will still be happy if my music can make people smile."

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn