Hyolyn says new album brought more excitement than worry

Hyolyn said her new physical album took time because she had been releasing only singles and did not want to make it carelessly. Speaking at a cafe in Seongdong District, Seoul, she said running a one-person agency left many matters to handle and gave her less time to work on songs.

The singer said, 'My mindset is that if I do anything, I should do it properly. In the past, I would have felt a lot of worry and fear before a comeback, but with this album, the excitement is much greater.'

Her fourth mini album 'OriginaLyn' is scheduled to be released at 6 p.m. on the 22nd. The title combines 'Original' and the 'Lyn' in Hyolyn's name, and refers to her music and identity that cannot be replaced by anyone else.

Hyolyn produced every track on the album. The 7-song release includes 'ChecK,' 'OFFLINE' and a Korean-titled track that translates as 'Please enjoy your meal.'

Hyolyn said 'ChecK' carries a message about showing one's own appeal with confidence rather than waiting for someone else's feelings. She said, 'I tend to be strict with myself and look only for what feels lacking, but when I met 'ChecK,' I received a lot of comfort. I thought maybe I could praise myself and say, 'I am doing well.' While singing this song, I felt filled with confidence and self-esteem.'

Hyolyn said that in the past, pressure to do well often led her to skip meals before important stages, and she was frequently unwell during performances. For this album, she said she tried to reduce stress and prepare with a joyful mindset instead of worrying in advance.

Discussing the album title, Hyolyn said she could not overlook public expectations such as her 'confident older sister' image, but wanted to show the side of herself that felt most like Hyolyn. She added that she felt happiest hearing the modifier 'original,' such as 'original summer queen,' and that she thought of 'OriginaLyn' because she wanted to become that kind of icon as a solo artist.

Hyolyn said the album process made her think back to the time when she loved music deeply. She said she liked pop from the era of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, and reflected that influence through a Y2K, around 2000, concept.

Hyolyn also spoke about the four-member group with which she debuted in 2010 before becoming a solo singer after the group's 2017 disbandment. She released a single in 2024 with member Bora as a unit, but it did not lead to a full-group album.

Hyolyn said, 'There was a time when I thought I would not become an idol while I was a trainee. But the start of my life as a singer was that group. I am who I am now because that group existed. Because of that, I think I can also work as a solo singer.'

Asked about the possibility of a reunion, Hyolyn said nothing had been discussed yet. She added that although people may not know because she does not post proof photos, she still gets along well with the members.

Hyolyn, who is also the head of the one-person agency ReH Entertainment, said she has to work harder to generate revenue and thinks she may keep the company going even with her own money. She said there are times when things are so difficult that she considers giving up, but she is enduring with the mindset that, because she started it, she should do it well until the end.

Hyolyn also said she would like to train idol singers later if circumstances allow. She said she has been watching younger idol artists because they are doing very well, adding that one group was especially good and that she was surprised when she heard the members' ages.

The start of my life as a singer was that group. I am who I am now because that group existed. Because of that, I think I can also work as a solo singer.