[CELEB] Nayeon of Twice is ready to introduce herself as a new solo artist

K-pop

Published: 24 Jun. 2022, 15:52 Updated: 17 Jun. 2024, 14:14

[CELEB] Nayeon of Twice is ready to introduce herself as a new solo artist

Nayeon of Twice attends a press conference for her first solo EP ″IM NAYEON″ at Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Friday. [YONHAP]

Seven years after debuting as part of the globally successful girl group Twice, Nayeon on Friday opened a new chapter in her career as a solo artist.

“I am going through many emotions today, but mostly I am relieved, nervous and excited,” said Nayeon during the press conference for her EP "IM NAYEON" at Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Friday.

According to her label JYP Entertainment, the name of the EP has a double meaning as it stands for her real name, which is Im Na-yeon, and also expresses her “confidence as a solo artist by stating ‘I’m Nayeon.’”

She has been working on the EP since February, while she was on world tour with Twice in the United States.

With bubbly upbeat music, the EP’s title track “POP!” doesn’t stray too far away from the bright and refreshing image for which the artist is known and loved. But sporting slick ash blonde hair, crop tops and mini dresses in the new music video and concept photos, she has added and extra hint of sexiness and maturity.

Concept photo of Nayeon for her first solo EP "IM NAYEON" [JYP ENTERTAINMENT]

“I wanted to showcase a concept that fit me best, but added some new aspects too,” Nayeon said.

Being her first time singing and dancing to one whole song, Nayeon said she was nervous and a little frightened at first at the idea of starting a new part of her career as a soloist.

“I had this fear of singing a song by myself from start to finish,” she said. “But this EP made me realize that I could overcome my limits. I was also reminded of how much I love singing, and I decided to focus on having fun instead of my fears."

Nayeon of Twice attends a press conference for her first solo EP ″IM NAYEON″ at Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Friday. [JYP ENTERTAINMENT]

The factor of fun, Nayeon says, has been important throughout her K-pop career.

“There were times when I was very busy and tired, but when I made up my mind that I was going to enjoy myself, I gained motivation, passion and the desire to do better. It is one of the most important realizations in my career so far.”

She also said that Park Jin-young, founder and record producer of JYP Entertainment, gave her advice during one point when she was feeling pressured.

“He told me that from now on, what Twice members accomplish while doing their own solo projects will never be personal, but it will be directed back to Twice and have a positive impact on the group. That advice gave me a lot of confidence.”

Girl group Twice perform during the "Twice 4th World Tour III" in May. [JYP ENTERTAINMENT]

Nayeon also received ample support from her fellow Twice members throughout the entire process of making her solo EP.

“The most memorable moment was when the members sent a coffee truck for me during my music video shoot,” she said. “I missed them a lot, especially when having to make decisions during the preparation process.”

Nayeon of Twice attends a press conference for her first solo EP ″IM NAYEON″ at Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Friday. [YONHAP]

There are six more songs that will accompany the lead track “POP!” on the EP: “No Problem (Feat. Felix of Stray Kids)," "Love Countdown (Feat. Wonstein)," "All or Nothing," "Candyfloss," "Happy Birthday to You" and "Only the Sunset is Beautiful."

Nayeon wrote the lyrics to tracks “Love Countdown (Feat Wonstein)” and “All or Nothing.”

“Writing lyrics isn’t easy, but since this is my first music as a solo artist, I decided to take on the challenge,” said Nayeon. “I wanted to include lyrics about the thoughts that I and the people around me had when going through hardships, and how we overcame them.”

She said that her favorite line she wrote was “If only there was a more exact answer,” in the song “All or Nothing.”

“It was a lyric that I wrote while reminiscing about my toughest times and remembering that I wished there was someone who could give me an answer.”

Nayeon of Twice attends a press conference for her first solo EP ″IM NAYEON″ at Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Friday. [YONHAP]

The artist mentioned her excitement for meeting her fans in the United States as well. She is slated to perform her solo song on the American program “MTV Fresh Out Live.” The release date of the show's episode starring Nayeon has not yet been released.

“I am so glad that there are fans waiting for my solo in the United States and that I get a chance to show them on their local show,” she said.

“Lots of global fans are sending their love and support for my new solo. After the world tour, I feel this sense of greediness [to do better and hold more concerts abroad]. I want to visit more fans around the world once the [Covid-19] situation gets better."

Twice wrapped up a six-month-long world tour with two encore concerts in Los Angeles in May.

EP “IM NAYEON” is already seeing success, selling over half a million copies in preorders on Friday, according to JYP Entertainment on the same day. It is the highest number of preorders achieved by a female soloist this year.

Concept photo of Nayeon for her first solo EP "IM NAYEON" [JYP ENTERTAINMENT]

Nayeon

Date of birth: Sept. 22, 1995
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Seoul
Debut: October 2015 through girl group Twice
Agency: JYP Entertainment

Nayeon debuted as a member of hit girl group Twice in 2015 through the EP titled “The Story Begins” with lead track “Like Ooh-Ahh.” The group became widely popular with the song “Cheer Up” (2016) and has since churned out hits like “TT” (2016), “Feel Special” (2019) and “Alcohol-Free” (2021). The group’s eight other members are Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu. Nayeon went solo in June 2022, becoming the first member of Twice to officially release her own music.

This information was confirmed by JYP Entertainment on June 22, 2022.