On Jan. 17, an online media showcase was held for Choi Yena's solo debut with her first mini-album "SMILEY." During the event, she mentioned her former group IZ*ONE and talked about the creation of her album.
Choi Yena Mentions IZ*ONE and Tackles the Creation of Her Solo Debut Album 'SMILEY'
Choi Yena is previously part of the project girl group IZ*ONE and is the third former member of the band to make her solo debut following Kwon Eunbi in August 2021 and Jo Yuri in September 2021.
Choi said to the press that she thought she wouldn't feel nervous but she was really nervous at the time. She added that she wants to show everyone her solo music as soon as possible as debuting as a soloist is a dream she has wanted to achieve and it's something fans have been waiting for.
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Then, Choi Yena mentioned IZ*ONE. She said that the other IZ*ONE members had sent her messages to show their support of her solo debut.
"The members sent congratulatory messages about my debut to our group chat. It made me feel happy and made me feel loved," she shared.
Choi Yena's solo debut album "SMILEY" consists of different genres like rock, hip hop, R&B, acoustic, pop, and dance. She took part in writing lyrics for four of the five tracks on the mini-album.
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In particular, the former IZ*ONE member wrote the title song "SMILEY" along with female soloist BIBI, who also featured in the track. Yena said that she talked with BIBI for a while about wanting to work with her on a song. She added that they had fun doing the track while sharing their opinions.
For the other tracks in Choi Yena's "SMILEY," she said that she would give suggestions concerning the concept or inspiration that she got while listening to the tunes with the people who made them.
Regarding the fan song "Before Anyone Else," Choi shared that she wrote its lyrics with the mindset of responding to the letters sent by fans. She revealed that she would read those letters when she's feeling emotional at 3 a.m.
What are your thoughts on Choi Yena's solo debut album "SMILEY"? Share them in the comments below.
Choi Yena's Solo Debut 'SMILEY' Enters Album Charts + Title Song Debuts on Music Charts
On Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. KST, former IZ*ONE member Choi Yena made her highly-anticipated solo debut with her first mini-album "SMILEY." The album was initially set for release in 2021 but was postponed as the female idol was busy with her other activities.
On the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart dated Jan. 17, Choi Yena's "SMILEY" debuted at No. 9. It is the second-highest rank among female solo albums that day, bested only by MAMAMOO Wheein's "WHEE" at No. 5. The title track "SMILEY" also landed on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart, claiming the No. 79 spot.
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Moreover, "SMILEY" entered the Top 10 of iTunes Album charts in 12 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Poland, Turkey, the Philippines, Australia and more.
In South Korea, the title song debuted at No. 8 on Bugs, No. 67 on MelOn's old real-time chart and No. 91 on Genie.
Check out Choi Yena's "SMILEY" (feat. BIBI) music video here!
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
