K-pop sensation Jeon Somi is preparing to release her highly anticipated second EP, "Chaotic & Confused," on Monday, revealing that the project emerged from the unique paradox of being simultaneously an industry veteran and a young 24-year-old woman still discovering herself. The album represents a pivotal moment in her career as she navigates the complex intersection of professional experience and personal growth.
During a group media interview held at a Seoul café on Thursday, Somi opened up about the internal struggles that shaped her latest musical endeavor. "I've been working for 10 years, but I'm also a 24-year-old girl and person," she explained candidly. "There was a sense of chaos in that gap. I worried a lot about what kind of new image I could show now." The artist acknowledged that her limited life experience as a person sometimes creates barriers to fully expressing herself through her music, despite her extensive professional background.
Somi's reflections resonated deeply with IU's 2015 hit "Twenty-three" when the song was mentioned during the interview, prompting an enthusiastic nod of agreement from the young artist. "I think I know what it is — being in the middle of not being a girl and not being a fully mature woman," she shared thoughtfully. "I started my career early, and I know so much, but I spent my time not knowing anything about myself." This sentiment highlights the unique challenges faced by artists who begin their careers at such a young age.
Like IU, who made her debut at just 15 years old, Jeon Somi first captured public attention at the same age when she won the competitive Mnet survival program "Produce 101" in 2016. She subsequently debuted with the project group I.O.I that same year before transitioning to a successful solo career in 2019. The upcoming EP follows her 2023 single "Ice Cream" and her 2022 debut solo EP "Game Plan," marking another significant milestone in her artistic evolution.
The five-track "Chaotic & Confused" serves as both a reflection of Somi's personal turmoil and the strong conviction that emerged from her period of self-discovery. The album showcases remarkable genre diversity, spanning from the lead track "Closer," which experiments with the innovative "stutter house" sound, to the post-punk-inspired energy of "Escapade" and the hybrid pop elements of the title track "Chaotic & Confused." The collection also includes the pre-release single "Extra," which masterfully blends new disco and R&B influences, while "Delu" offers listeners a more sentimental R&B experience.
"Closer," the album's lead single, creatively samples Sean Kingston's 2007 hit "Beautiful Girls," reimagining its familiar melody with what Somi describes as "powerful energy" set against a sensual and captivating mood. "I chose the song because it was so good," she explained enthusiastically. "I worked hard to put my style into it while keeping its originality, and I'm satisfied with the result." This approach demonstrates her growing confidence as an artist willing to take creative risks while respecting musical heritage.
The album represents a deliberate departure from what Somi calls the "tricks of the trade" she learned during her formative years as a young idol. These industry skills included knowing how to style herself perfectly, understanding exactly what to say during interviews, and strategically avoiding unfavorable editing on variety shows. "I knew those things, but I didn't want to do them anymore," she revealed with notable determination. "Being too careful made me feel like there was a limit to what I could express. I wanted to be more daring within my boundaries."
When asked about her future aspirations, Somi notably avoided the typical chart-ranking ambitions that many artists prioritize. Instead, she expressed a deeper, more meaningful goal: "After going through my own confusion and gaining conviction, I want to continue being a singer for a long time. I want to deliver messages that fit the particular time in my life." This mature perspective reflects her growth from a young performer to a thoughtful artist with something genuine to say.
For Somi, "Chaotic & Confused" represents both a significant artistic risk and a powerful personal statement about her evolution as an artist. "If 'Dumb Dumb' solidified my position as a solo artist, this album needs to prove my range," she stated with remarkable honesty. "I prepared it with the mindset that this is my last chance. If this doesn't work, I might have to quit." This candid admission reveals the pressure she feels to demonstrate her artistic versatility and establish her long-term viability in the competitive K-pop landscape, while also showing her commitment to authentic artistic expression over safe, formulaic approaches.
