JYP ENTERTAINMENT
Amid the dazzling world of K-pop, Jihyo of the immensely popular girl group Twice has stepped into the spotlight with her inaugural solo endeavor, embracing authenticity and relishing every moment on stage. The songstress shared her thoughts during a press conference held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel in western Seoul to mark the release of her solo album, "Zone," on the same day.
Throughout her journey, Jihyo has remained grounded in her approach to performance. She expressed, "I always think about whether I'm enjoying myself and making sure that other people feel it too, because if you're not enjoying your own music, then who will?" This ethos underpins her remarkable contributions to both group and solo endeavors.
"Zone" marks Jihyo's maiden official solo release since her 2015 debut as the leader of Twice, though she also made contributions to TV show soundtracks last year. Her focus throughout the album's creation was not on external judgments, but on pouring her full effort into crafting a work she could be proud of. "All I thought about is how I could give my best to prepare for this album so that I leave no regrets behind, regardless of how people react," she affirmed. Rather than striving for perfection, she aimed to encapsulate her wholehearted commitment.
Jihyo is known for infusing Twice's songs with a potent, youthful energy through her distinct vocal style. Her ability to hit high notes seamlessly, even during intricate choreography, has earned her widespread acclaim. For "Zone," she took active involvement in the production of all six tracks on the EP, with the exception of the lead track "Killin' Me Good." The diverse range of B-side tracks, including "Talk' About It," "Closer," "Wishing On You," "Don't Wanna Go Back," "Room," and "Nightmare," reflect her creative depth.
Collaborations enrich the album's sonic tapestry, with U.S. rapper 24kGoldn joining Jihyo on "Talkin' About It," and singer-songwriter Heize lending her voice to "Don't Wanna Go Back." The album's quality was affirmed when it was included in Grammy.com's list of 15 must-listen releases for August earlier this month.
Jihyo's solo journey commenced last year when her agency signaled her turn for a solo debut, following member Nayeon's solo EP release in June. Reflecting on this pivotal opportunity, she revealed, "The agency told me that it was my turn, but without anything specific. They told me that I could do anything that I wanted, which was actually harder for me because I had to really think about what I wanted to show for this album." In the end, her artistic expression crystallized around the concept of being her genuine self.
The lead track, "Killin' Me Good," is an infectious rhythmical dance number that emphasizes "Jihyo as herself," capturing the essence of a young woman in love. The lyrics, penned by Park Jin-young, founder and chief producer of her agency JYP Entertainment, come to life with music by producers Melanie Fontata, Lindgren, Marcus Lomax, and more.
Jihyo's journey traces back to her entry into JYP Entertainment as a trainee at the tender age of 8. Her aspirations materialized as she embraced the role of a leader and pursued a solo debut. Reflecting on her evolution, she shared, "I feel that I've grown a lot over the years. I used to fret over every single performance in the past and worry about messing it up, but now I can enjoy myself while performing for people."
Through it all, one constant remains: her unwavering connection with fans. As she gazes ahead, Jihyo's dreams are not marked by grand ambitions, but by a simple desire to find joy and contentment in each day. "I don't know whether I will be as loved as I am right now, but I hope that I become someone who knows how to be happy and enjoy every day without negative thoughts, rather than having big ambitions as an artist," she humbly shared.
With "Zone," Jihyo has embarked on a transformative solo journey that not only enriches her artistic repertoire but also deepens her bond with fans, reminding the world of the enduring spirit that characterizes K-pop's brightest stars.
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