[ⓓInterview] The Story of Miyeon as a Solo Artist Outside of (G)I-DLE

Miyeon is (G)I-DLE’s main vocalist. The star boasts a nickname called Myeonphrodite (Miyeon + Aphrodite). The nickname was coined after fans claimed the idol’s exceptional beauty is like that of a goddess.

However, there’s more than what meets the eye.

To be frank, Miyeon’s beauty masks the true skills of the star. Miyeon is the main vocalist of the group. Her voice has been heard countless times in genres ranging from Latin, Tango, Hip-hop, R&B, Trap, and Rock

Miyeon is ambitious and full of passion. It’s been five years since the girl group’s debut and yet the singer still says “There’s so much more I have to show.” Miyeon now wants to shine through her own color.

The birth of the star’s solo album, “MY” was brought to life.

“(G)I-DLE is a group with a very distinctive color. I had pondered on the type of music to show as myself. I ultimately came to the conclusion to do music that’s easy for everyone to listen to.” (Miyeon)

“Dispatch” had recently caught up with the singer. Below is the story of Miyeon and her solo debut with “MY.”

◆ “Going Back to Roots”

Looking back on Miyeon’s pre-debut years, it was truly eventful. The singer spent five years as a trainee in YG, leading her to be a possible candidate for BlackPink. Miyeon then spent a year training at Cube Entertainment.

Three years after her debut, the group was faced with uncertainty. Former member Soojin was enwrapped in a school bully controversy. (G)I-DLE had halted promotions for a year and two months after the scandal.

The girl group had to stay humble and work harder than ever afterwards. During an undeniably dark turn of events, the members remained fairly optimistic and claimed to rely on one another and use the long hiatus as a chance to practice for their comeback.

The recent album, “I NEVER DIE” was made during the break and the members were left to think. (G)I-DLE was filled with thoughts and the fear that the album may be their last.

Miyeon and the members went back to their roots. The star had looked back on her passion to be a Kpop star during her trainee days. She reminisced on her long trainee days and the snippets of happiness after her debut.

“I thought long and hard about why I wanted to become a singer in the first place and why I wanted to pursue music. I like music, and I was a child who gained strength through music. I had also wanted to be of support and comfort to someone else out there.”

◆ “MY, Told From Miyeon Herself”

The direction for the album was decided naturally. The familiar hardcore genre of (G)I-DLE was pushed back for a more lighter approach to the audience.

Miyeon commented, “The solo album is very different from the usual (G)I-DLE concept. I wanted to be someone bright and optimistic for the public. It’s a playlist perfect for a drive.”

Miyeon’s first solo debut album is called “MY.” The word carries the initial of her name and is used to signify herself, hence, “MY.” The album is meant to tell the story of Miyeon.

The album was birthed through inspiration from fans.

“Looking back, whenever I had done something I wanted, my fans were very satisfied and pleased with the outcome. My fans especially like to see me sing. I think my fans just want to see me doing what I desire and what I’m good at.”

The singer also expressed pride for being a member of (G)I-DLE. Miyeon remarked, “I’m the third member to have a solo career in the group. Yuqi and Soyeon did so well with their previous solo debuts. I had also worked hard to do just as well. I wanted to be a member, my members would be proud of.”

◆ “MY, Finding Comfort in Miyeon”

The first track on the list is titled, “Rose.” It’s a love song fitting for the spring season. The lyrics welcomes the viewers into its embrace with “Tell me your story.” It’s the perfect intro to the album.

Miyeon commented, “Rose is the beginning, the entrance to the album. The “Mi” in my name (Miyeon) means rose. That’s why I’m so fond of the song.”

The title track is called “Drive.” It’s a soft and easy on the ears. It’s gentle with hints of rock. Miyeon’s voice truly shines throughout the song. “It’s a song of encouragement for anyone who finds themselves in a cluster of problems.”

It’s also a way Miyeon comforts herself.

“Softly” is a mix of R&B and Funk. It’s also appropriate for this season. It’s reminiscent of a slightly windy day. Miyeon claimed, “I liked the song at first for its catchy melody.”

“Charging” is gentle and soft. “It’s self explanatory. It’s a song you can use to charge yourself. It’s comforting.”

◆“MY, Miyeon’s Emotions”

One can feel the emotions of Miyeon through the album. The song gifted to Miyeon by Yuqi, (downpour) uses the sounds of a guitar as Miyeon sings about a possibility of a parting with a significant other.

Miyeon had participated in the writing of “Downpour” for the first time since her debut. The star looked back to her diary from her early twenties to birth the lyrics. The singer was able to create “Downpour” after much consideration.

Miyeon commented, “I’m honestly slightly embarrassed because I feel like my diary has been read by other people. I realize how emotional I was back then. But I was able to look back on my thoughts and life from back then. I’m slowly trying to write more.”

“TE AMO” is the track that’s most similar to the (G)I-DLE concept. If “Rose” gives off a pink rose aura, “TE AMO” gives off the vibes of a black rose.

Miyeon remarked, “TE AMO is the most powerful song on the album. I also wanted to experiment with this genre. This album is really chock full of everything I had wanted to try.”

◆ “Miyeon’s Passion”

This spring is looking great for (G)I-DLE. The girl group made a superb comeback and left a big impression on the industry and the public. (G)I-DLE’s album, “I NEVER DIE” was not only an album, but a message. The girl group came back stronger than ever. Miyeon’s solo debut with “MY” had also achieved an all-kill on major music platforms.

However, Miyeon claims that her goals weren’t linear to music charts.

“It’s been five years since our group’s debut. It makes me wonder how time flew by in the blink of an eye. Not much has changed however. What had changed though is the increase of pride for being a member of (G)I-DLE.

This begs the question. What are Miyeon’s goals, if music charts are not?

“As long as people like my music, that alone makes me happy. If I take it a step further, I hope people realize my skills through this album.”

After we had wrapped up the interview, Miyeon left for the practice room once again. (It’s important to take note that this interview was conducted late at night).

“If I feel like singing, I make my way to the practice room right away. I also practice for a long period of time. It just so happens that I feel like doing so today. It’s not a chore to me. I enjoy what I’m doing at the moment.”."

by. Minji Gu