“I want people to say, ‘YUNA really grew up well.’”
Seven years after smiling through ITZY’s high-pressure debut showcase as a fearless middle schooler, YUNA is stepping out solo. Following YEJI as the group’s second member to release a solo album, she said, “I’m greeting you on my own without my members. I’m just as excited as when I debuted with ITZY. Please root for solo YUNA’s challenge.”
On the afternoon of the 23rd, YUNA held a press conference at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, to mark the release of her first solo album, "ICE CREAM", sharing how she prepared and how she feels. “It’s my first solo in seven years, so I feel a lot of pressure―and a big desire to do well,” she said. “YEJI went first and did so well, which inspired me as I prepared. In group activities, the five of us move as one and lean on each other. This time I had to fill a stage meant for five, so I spent a lot of time working on that. I missed my members a lot while preparing, but it became a chance to grow.”
Her solo push came with both “pressure” and “excitement.” “While preparing, I realized how passionate I am and how much I care about the album,” YUNA shared. “This project became a chance to level up again. I wrote in my diary every day to organize my thoughts. There were moments when I felt super confident, and others when the pressure made me feel small. Recording those ups and downs helped me understand myself. I listened to other solo artists for inspiration―especially YEJI’s 'Air'.”
Widely recognized as part of the fourth-gen “visual line” known as “Jang-Ka-Sull-Yu” (JANGWONYOUNG, KARINA, SULLYOON, YUNA), YUNA also wrapped a strong run as Hong Jang-mi in tvN’s "Undercover Miss Hong." “I’m grateful to be called a K-pop visual icon,” she said. “The drama was my first try, and it was a great opportunity. I worked hard so I wouldn’t hold the project back. Also, 'THAT'S A NO NO' is picking up steam again, so with this solo stage, I want people to see me as a capable solo artist too.”
Debuting with ITZY at 15, YUNA now stands at a fresh starting line as a solo artist. Looking back, she said, “When I rewind the past seven years, they feel so precious and meaningful. I remember everything I did with the members so vividly. Looking back, I’d say they were seven steady years of growth.” She added, “As solo YUNA enters Act 2, I hope to be remembered as an artist who leaves a positive impact.”
She also shared advice from producer J.Y. Park. “Early on, I met with the PD, and he told me, ‘Don’t get hurt and finish strong, staying healthy,’” YUNA said. “He’s watched me grow since debut, so it felt especially caring―and it really encouraged me.”
“In this new Act 2 as solo YUNA, I want to be remembered as an artist who brings positive influence,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, YUNA drops the title track "ICE CREAM" today and officially kicks off her solo promotions.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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