Korean-Canadian singer Jeon Somi, a former member of the now-defunct group I.O.I., has recently debuted as a solo act. The 18-year-old K-pop act dropped her single album "Birthday" on June 13, Thursday. It features the titular track and another single called "Outta My Head."
Jeon Some are currently signed under YG Entertainment's subsidiary The Black Label, founded by renowned Korean-American rapper-producer Teddy Park.
Park, together with Sami, 24, and Bekuh Boom, composed "Birthday." According to the newly debuted soloist, the song is symbolic of her rebirth as an artist.
The track, being an uptempo pop-dance piece, makes for a strong single for a rookie soloist like Some.
"Outta My Head," on the other hand, was penned by the singer, where she was also credited as its co-composer. This soulful R&B piece shifts the spotlight to her versatile, powerful vocals.
Some got her to start with JYP Entertainment back in 2015. The following year, she represented the agency on the hit reality show, "Produce 101," where the project girl group I.O.I. was formed.
During her showcase, Sami admitted that she was "very nervous" prior to her debut. She also shared how her new label has helped her in terms of making her music.
"I didn't have any idea of writing lyrics and composing, but my company's producers helped me. I experienced the pain of creating for the first time," she remarked.
Speaking about debuting amid YG Entertainment's controversies, she emphasized that she worked diligently to "prepare in [her] own way" and not be swayed by the issues the company faces.
In March, the entertainment giant terminated the contract of Seungri, who left BIGBANG following his involvement in the "Burning Sun" scandal. This month, they also dropped BI as an artist as the IKON leader had allegedly attempted to purchase illegal drugs. Founder and CEO Yang Hyun Suk has also recently been accused of tax evasion.
Despite the said matters, Somi's labelmates also congratulated and showed support for her debut. Jennie and Jisoo of BLACKPINK shared Instagram videos of them dancing along to "Birthday."
Fellow ex-I.O.I. member Chungha also posted a tweet promoting the song. "Som Somi. Finally our maknae," the act, now also a soloist, wrote in the caption.
