ITZY member Yuna begins a second act as a solo singer. She announced a pleasant second act with bright and lovable energy.
Yuna held a press conference to commemorate the release of her solo debut album "Ice Cream" on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East, located in Gwangjin District, Seoul, and shared her thoughts and determination.
With her first solo album "Ice Cream," Yuna becomes the second soloist from ITZY following leader Yeji. As ITZY's youngest member, who has shown stage presence with visuals, skills and charm, she is expected to prove a wide spectrum as a solo artist.
At the event, Yuna said, "I'm nervous. I'm as nervous and excited as the moment I debuted with ITZY. I have high expectations," and added, "Please look kindly on solo Yuna and give me lots of interest and support. After seven years since debut, releasing my first solo brings pressure but also a strong desire to do well."
Releasing a solo for the first time after seven years since debut, Yuna turned the preparation period for this activity into a time of growth. Yuna said, "When it was decided that I would debut solo, I felt somewhat scared and anxious. I wondered if I could do it, but during the preparation process I discovered sides of myself I didn't know and gained courage. I gained confidence from the support of the staff, ITZY members and fans," calling it "a time of much learning and growth."
She added, "ITZY activities require the five members to move as one body, so we rely on each other a lot. This time I worked hard to cover the parts of all five members on my own," and asked for anticipation, saying, "My strength as a solo artist seems to be bright and natural energy."
Yuna's solo debut song "Ice Cream" is a bubblegum-pop genre that pops like bubble gum and is highly addictive. It delivers the message, "This moment melts sweetly like ice cream — don't miss it and enjoy it to the fullest," and is expected to inject vitality into listeners.
About the title track "Ice Cream," Yuna said, "Musically I tried to fill it with my own color. I put in bright and natural energy. I hope people listen to it on spring drives and as a commuting song."
On the reactions of her members, she said, "The ITZY sisters all said it suits me so well and they could imagine me performing this song on stage," and added, "Yeji came to the music video set. I cried the moment I saw her," expressing gratitude for the support.
Regarding Park Jin-Young's reaction, Yuna said, "When I told him I was preparing a solo album, he said, 'I'm really looking forward to it. I hope you stay healthy and do your best without getting hurt.'" She added that his very affectionate look gave her great strength.
The album also includes tracks that offer the fun of choosing — "B-Boy," which captures a free mood; "Blue Maze," which depicts soft, dreamy moments of love with depth; and "Hyper Dream," which, over dramatic and lavish sound layering, urges listeners to "jump into a dream world together."
As she takes her first step as a solo artist, there are many goals she wants to achieve and many things she wants to show. Yuna said, "While preparing for my solo, I felt it's not easy to fill a song solely with my voice. I researched and thought a lot to fill it colorfully," and expressed confidence in her solo activities, saying, "I felt that I am passionate and ambitious about this album."
This year marks Yuna's eighth year since ITZY's debut. Over the past seven years she has been active with the group and recently challenged acting through the drama Undercover Miss Hong. After ending the first act at the seven-year mark, she is expanding her activities with a solo debut in her eighth year as she begins the second act.
Yuna said, "As I open my second act as a soloist, I want to be remembered as an artist who has a positive influence on the public. I also want to be recognized as a capable singer as a solo artist."
Yuna's solo debut album "Ice Cream" will be released today (the 23rd) at 6 p.m.
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