GFriend's Yerin uses her magic to heal others in new EP 'Rewrite'

K-pop

GFriend's Yerin uses her magic to heal others in new EP 'Rewrite'

Published: 07 Sep. 2024, 07:00

Girl group GFriend member Yerin [BILL ENTERTAINMENT]

While the girl group GFriend is on hiatus, its member Yerin has immersed herself in creating a new EP titled "Rewrite." The new release, which is her third EP, signals a creative evolution for the artist, showcasing a broader sonic palette and a more intricate narrative than her previous works.

In a recent interview at Bill Entertainment’s headquarters in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Yerin revealed that the album’s concept centers on healing and restoration.

“This album is about me fixing people who are hurt or broken with magic,” she said. The EP features six tracks and is twice as long as her previous releases, with a nonlinear storyline woven throughout.

The lead track, “Wavy,” is complemented by a visually compelling music video that embodies the EP’s theme. Yerin stars as the owner of a repair shop, mending broken objects left by customers. However, despite the compelling result, the production of the video wasn’t without its challenges.

“There was a scene where I had to untangle a ruined cassette, but I couldn’t get it done,” she recalled. The video shoot was further complicated by heavy rain and a shortage of necessary props. Yerin even sustained a wrist injury during filming, which required stitches and limited her ability to perform.

Girl group GFriend member Yerin [BILL ENTERTAINMENT]

“Rewrite” comes 13 months after Yerin’s previous EP, "Ready, Set, LOVE."

Between now and her last release, Yerin meticulously crafted a new sound, diverging from the more focused approach of her earlier works. The EP spans multiple genres, with each track bringing something distinct to the table. “Shine” is a pop-rock anthem, “Permeate” draws inspiration from musical theater, “Save Me” delves into R&B and “One Thing,” featuring Dayeon of Kep1er, is a throwback to old-school hip-hop.

Girl group GFriend member Yerin [BILL ENTERTAINMENT]

The lead track “Wavy,” produced by the acclaimed duo Galactika, is a groovy track with basslines, rhythmic brass and vibrant strings.

“I didn’t know it was a Galactika track at first,” she said. “There was a loose concept for the sound, and when I picked out the track, it turned out to be theirs.”

Girl group GFriend member Yerin [BILL ENTERTAINMENT]

Beyond the music, Yerin has been heavily involved in the album's marketing, introducing a color-changing beverage called “Wavy Ade” in collaboration with the coffee chain theventi. “When people around me suggested the idea, I thought it was something exciting I could do,” she said, highlighting her hands-on approach to the album’s promotion. Yerin also dyed her hair red for the first time, aligning with the “magic girl” concept she aimed to convey.

Yerin’s creative pursuits extend beyond music. Her YouTube channel, launched two years ago, is a platform where she experiments with different content types. Recently, she introduced reaction videos under the title “Rinaction” and plans to launch a talk series called “Yesulga,” where she will host discussions over drinks. The first episode will feature Joy of Red Velvet, a longtime friend of Yerin’s.

While “Rewrite” coincides with Yerin’s 10th debut anniversary, she downplayed the milestone’s significance in the album’s release.

“It wasn’t intentionally made to drop on my 10th anniversary,” Yerin said. “I just wanted to find something that suits me and challenges me at the same time. I think there is still much to show as a solo artist, so I will try my best.”