K-Pop Spotlight: NAYEON
A new princess of pop is here and ready for her time in the limelight. After almost seven years as the eldest member of TWICE, NAYEON is releasing her first solo album—a self-titled EP that explores confidence, individuality, and growth. We caught up with NAYEON to talk about these themes, her favorite album looks, and her travel dreams ahead of the release of her new album and music video. Check out our full interview below!
Congrats on your first solo album and new single, POP! What does this release mean for your artistic direction, and what kind of music do you want to release in the future?
This album represents the beginning of another chapter of TWICE and potential for further growth. Because it’s our first solo album after 7 years since the debut, I hope this album works as a starting point of discovering individual member’s capabilities. Even though we’ve released a lot of albums over the last 7 years, we always put our full effort into facing new challenges. This being said, I’d like to keep on releasing music that surprises our fans.
How would you describe the difference between solo NAYEON and TWICE’s NAYEON?
The main difference is filling the music with my own voice, instead of 9 voices. Another difference was whether or not I have 8 other members who have the same opinion as I do. However, because the members stood by my side throughout the whole album preparation, supporting me and cheering me on, I didn’t feel alone.
What was your favorite look from your album shoots?
My favorite one was the pink dress with a tiara. The image of looking at myself in the mirror during the shoot and holding the bear was lovely, and the overall atmosphere of the jacket shooting site was fun as well.
What words of advice do you think current NAYEON would give rookie NAYEON? How do you think she’d feel about releasing a solo album?
Rookie NAYEON would have never imagined that she’d be releasing her own solo album. One advice I would give to her is to be herself and let her know that she’s on the right path, making the right decisions. There is nothing I’d like to change about her.
If you could drop everything and hop on a flight anywhere in the world, where would you go, who would you go with, and what activities would you try?
Right now, I’d love to go to an island where there’s no one around with TWICE members, just resting and having a great time together.
Tell us a little about your collaborations on this album. What was it like working with some familiar faces from JYP?
I love both Felix and Wonstein’s voices and felt that their collaborations completed each song. I actually ran into Felix once after our collaboration, so I told him how lovely the song turned out to be.
Lightning round: you’re creating your own Tumblr blog. What’s your aesthetic, what would your username be, and would you be a frequent poster or a lurker?
I would post photo diaries: on the days I’d like to remember, I would post photos and leave a short message about the day. I don’t think I’m the type who’s sentimental or too serious. My nickname would be “ㅋㅋㅋ”, which is hahaha in Korean.
Want more from NAYEON? Check out her first solo album, “IM NAYEON”, and the music video for POP! here!
