Miyeon, the main vocalist of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE, has made her highly anticipated solo comeback with her second mini-album "MY, Lover," marking her first individual release in three and a half years. The seven-track album showcases a more mature and introspective side of the 28-year-old artist, presenting a wistful yet elegant collection that explores themes of love and personal growth beyond her identity within the fierce five-member group.
The new release represents a significant milestone for Miyeon, who last released solo material with her debut mini-album "MY" in 2022. During a press showcase held at Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Seoul's Yongsan District on Monday, just hours before the official album release, Miyeon performed live and shared insights into her creative journey. "I've been blessed to do a lot of work this year and I've been so happy," she expressed. "It's been three and a half years since my last solo album and I spent a long time preparing this one."
Miyeon's musical journey began years before her 2018 debut with (G)I-DLE under Cube Entertainment. She originally trained alongside BLACKPINK members in YG Entertainment's pre-debut lineup, gaining attention even before officially entering the K-pop scene. Since her debut, she has established herself as a solid vocalist in the industry, with last year's self-written track "Sky Walking" demonstrating her songwriting abilities after she first performed it during (G)I-DLE's world tour.
The album's title track "Say My Name" serves as an autumn-perfect pop ballad that seamlessly blends delicate piano melodies with Miyeon's soaring vocal performance. "I thought a lot about which song should represent this album," Miyeon explained during the showcase. "I tried not to overexert myself. In the end, I decided that showing my natural self would be best, and that's why I chose 'Say My Name.'" Her live performance at the event, delivered with a pale pink, rhinestone-studded microphone, showcased her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess.
The creative process behind "MY, Lover" involved significant personal input from Miyeon, who contributed lyrics to tracks "F.F.L.Y" and "You And No One Else." The complete seven-track album also features "Space Invader," "Petal Shower," and "Show," alongside the pre-release single "Reno (Feat. Colde)" which was dropped on October 28 and drew attention for its deeper tonal quality. "Now that I have more years behind me, I wanted to create something more complete," Miyeon shared. "I built this album piece by piece, like putting together a puzzle with my team, and I think that process helped me grow."
The thematic evolution from her first solo work to "MY, Lover" represents Miyeon's artistic maturation and desire to explore different facets of her musicality. While "MY" focused on establishing her artistic identity, the new album delves deeper into the complex theme of love in its various forms. "While working on this album, I realized how multifaceted love is and how it can be reflected in so many different ways," she reflected. "I didn't want it to be confined to romance. I wanted to express emotions that anyone could understand and connect with."
As (G)I-DLE's main vocalist, Miyeon acknowledged the different challenges and opportunities that come with solo work versus group activities. "As (G)I-DLE's main vocalist, I often focus on delivering strong, impactful lines. But as a solo artist, I wanted to show that I can carry an entire song by myself," she explained. "I prepared this album with the mindset of broadening my musical spectrum and becoming a more impressive artist." This release also marks a special opportunity for fan interaction, as her previous solo debut coincided with COVID-19 restrictions that prevented in-person meetings.
Maintaining the humble perspective that has characterized her career since (G)I-DLE's debut, Miyeon emphasized gratitude over grand ambitions. "When we debuted as (G)I-DLE, we never imagined we'd receive so much love," she said. "That's why I've always tried to appreciate every moment. This album was another opportunity to challenge myself without pressure or greed, to broaden my musical spectrum and to think about what comes next. There are many emotional songs that suit the season, so I hope people can simply enjoy listening." The release of "MY, Lover" positions Miyeon as a versatile artist capable of both group dynamics and solo artistry, promising fans a deeper connection with her individual musical voice.
