Dayoung, who first made a mark as a 'Jeju girl' with pure passion on 'K-pop star' and landed in the music scene in 2016 as a member of girl group WJSN, has reached her 10th debut anniversary. An all-rounder who has constantly expanded her range through group activities, variety shows, sports, and even becoming the first idol to obtain an "excavator operator license," Dayoung now unveils the true color that had been deepest within her under the name of a "solo artist."
Last year Dayoung surprised the world when her solo debut song 'Body' took first place on music shows 14 days after its release, and she returns on the 7th with her second digital single 'What's a girl to do.' When I met Dayoung at Starship Entertainment's building in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, she showed her characteristic cheerful energy with the firm convictions of a 10-year veteran pressed tightly inside.
Dayoung's solo debut fits the saying 'opportunity comes to those who are prepared.' Her surprise debut astonished everyone, and she showed a confident and provocative artistic side, gaining popularity with overwhelming stage performances. In this way, 'Body' left more than just chart results for Dayoung.
"I was exactly 14 days old as a solo singer when I hit number one. I was still dazed because the stage hadn't become completely comfortable yet. But the moment I received the trophy the first feeling was relief that said, 'Ah, I can do the next album too.' Seeing the staff who worked hard and the fans cry made me feel like I repaid them with results, and as much as that happiness grew the pressure. If 'Body' was 100, I poured the effort of 200 into this song."
Behind this success was Dayoung's meticulousness as 'Power J (planner type).' He said he made a PPT himself to present his vision to company executives for this comeback and showed a proactive side as an artist, saying, "I believe opportunity comes to those who are prepared, so I made a concrete plan and pushed it forward."
The most surprising thing to the public through her solo activities has been Dayoung's bold image transformation. But Dayoung says this is rather 'the most me.'
"I get asked a lot if I tanned my skin, but actually this is my natural skin color. When I was in WJSN I used a very light foundation and made my makeup pale to harmonize with the members. Now that I'm promoting in my natural appearance, Exy unnie said, 'You must feel so relieved,' and was happy for me. As 'Starship's daughter,' with the executives and staff believing in and supporting me, I now have greater confidence and responsibility to voice my opinions."
The new song 'What's a girl to do' is also composed entirely in English, following the previous work. That the 'Jeju girl' Dayoung chose English over Korean is grounded in musical certainty.
"Many people ask if I'm part of the diaspora, but since my trainee days I studied R&B styles and mostly covered English songs. Because of that, my vocal tone and delivery come out most confidently in English. While lyric conveyance is important, it was a strategic choice that prioritized the unique atmosphere and vocal color that only artist Dayoung can produce."
If 'Body' was a daytime party, this new song depicts a 'night party.' It contains the confidence of claiming someone you like, and through genre variations plans to directly break the jinx that 'sequels are disappointing.' Also, Dayoung's summer of 2026 is expected to be hotter than ever. She has confirmed appearance at 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026' in July, reserving a new 'summer queen' spot.
"I was so happy when I heard about the appearance that I looked at the roster all day. But I also dreamed the nightmare that no one knew my song (laughs). My goal is to make the audience happy on their way home by having them watch my video again. Rather than competing for summer queen, I want to show my own healthy energy."
Wrapping up the interview, Dayoung expressed her wish to become a 'good older sister.' "I want to act more responsibly for those who gain courage from watching my stage in this difficult world," she said. Debuting in the music industry with pure passion and building herself firmly over 10 years, Dayoung is carving out a new future for idols by forging her own path. Following 'Body,' the song that will once again surprise everyone, 'What's a girl to do' will be released on various music sites at 6 p.m. on the 7th.
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