Irene, a member of Red Velvet, has officially made her solo debut with the release of her first mini album, Like A Flower. Released on November 26, the album marks a significant milestone in her decade-long career. In a candid Q&A, Irene shared her thoughts on the album, the creative process, and her hopes for her solo venture.

“It’s an album I carefully crafted while reflecting deeply on the stories I want to tell,” Irene expressed. “I’m thrilled for it to finally see the light of day.” The album features a total of eight tracks, spanning a variety of genres including pop dance, R&B, ballads, acoustic, and band-driven songs. The diverse lineup is designed to showcase her multifaceted musical identity.

The title track, Like A Flower, is a pop dance song imbued with an empowering message. “The song conveys a sense of blooming into your best self with courage, much like a flower coming to life,” Irene explained. She emphasized that the performance is a key highlight, urging fans to focus on the synergy between her and the dancers.

As Red Velvet celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, the solo debut is particularly meaningful for Irene. “This year is special to me both as a team member and as an individual artist,” she shared. Her journey with Red Velvet and her evolution into a solo artist represent distinct but equally important facets of her artistic growth.

Irene also credited her fans, lovingly referred to as “Luvies,” for giving her the courage to take this step. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” she said. “Thank you for giving me the strength to release this album.”

The mini album Like A Flower is designed to reveal a new side of Irene, both musically and personally. From high-energy dance tracks to introspective ballads, the project highlights her range and depth as an artist. Irene stated, “I wanted to show various musical colors in this album and hope listeners can feel a new side of me.”

In addition to the album, the music video for Like A Flower was also released, further enhancing the storytelling and visual experience of her solo debut. The video, featuring vibrant choreography and evocative imagery, complements the themes of resilience and self-discovery.

As Irene embarks on her solo journey, her debut is anticipated to leave a lasting impression on both fans and the broader music scene. The album is now available on all major music streaming platforms, inviting listeners to experience her unique musical identity.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com