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| ▲ Yeji, leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, attends the press conference for her latest solo album "Air," held in Seoul on March 10, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- "I want people to think, ‘Yeji can sing like this too?’ My goal is to leave a lasting impression."
Yeji, leader of ITZY, has officially made her solo debut with the mini-album Air, showcasing a new side of her artistry distinct from her group activities.
During a press conference held on the 10th in Seoul, Yeji shared, "I’ve incorporated both the powerful energy ITZY is known for and a fresh, new vibe. I hope people see my passion for the stage and say, ‘That’s Yeji, all right.’"
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| ▲ Yeji, leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, attends the press conference for her latest solo album "Air," held in Seoul on March 10, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Air marks Yeji’s first solo release since debuting with ITZY in 2019. The album features four tracks: the title song Air, Invasion, Can't Slow Me, No, and 258. The title track blends a strong bass sound with an addictive synth-pop chorus. Yeji also participated in the lyrics, expressing the breathless excitement of deep immersion in a moment.
"I wanted to write about that irresistible pull when you’re completely absorbed in something," she explained. "I reflected on moments that took my breath away and aimed to showcase my unique aura."
Yeji actively participated in every stage of the album's production, describing it as a significant challenge. She particularly emphasized the difficulty of carrying an entire song with just her voice, leading her to spend over 10 hours in recording sessions experimenting with vocal techniques.
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| ▲ Yeji, leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, attends the press conference for her latest solo album "Air," held in Seoul on March 10, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
"I realized how hard it is to sustain a song solo for three minutes. I studied my voice intensely, and listeners will notice a new vocal tone from me," she said.
She also credited the project for rekindling her passion for music, helping her overcome moments of creative stagnation.
"This album reminded me of how much I love being a singer," she expressed. "If I had to grade my effort, I’d give myself a perfect 100 out of 100."
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| ▲ Yeji, leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, attends the press conference for her latest solo album "Air," held in Seoul on March 10, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
As the first ITZY member to debut solo, Yeji acknowledged the pressure to succeed. However, JYP Entertainment’s founder Park Jin-young reassured her, advising her to focus on showcasing her individuality rather than stressing over results.
"PD-nim told me to prioritize introducing myself as a solo artist over just chasing results," she shared. "ITZY’s Yeji is great, but I want people to recognize solo Yeji’s potential as well."
When asked about the perks of solo promotions, she jokingly mentioned, "I get to leave work earlier!" However, she admitted that having a large waiting room all to herself sometimes felt lonely.
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| ▲ Yeji, leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, attends the press conference for her latest solo album "Air," held in Seoul on March 10, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Now in her seventh year since debut, Yeji remains as passionate as ever, determined to excel in both group and solo activities.
"When I used to imagine my solo debut, I thought I’d be more experienced and composed. But no matter how much time passes, I still feel the same excitement," she reflected. "This album has made me even more eager to improve, both as a soloist and as part of ITZY."
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