While there are many talented artists within K-Pop, there a some with a more humble beginning and earnest debut story that will truly catch your eye.
YOUHA, a top-liner and vocalist based in Korea, is a young talent who is constantly pursuing her dream and vision of creating sincere and genuine music that can touch the hearts of listeners everywhere. She debuted in September 2020 with her song "ISLAND" and has continued to release songs that capture her free spirit, fun-filled vibes, and her charming identity.
Outside of music, YOUHA constantly shows her real personality and attitude to her fans on her YouTube channel. When she is not performing on stage, YOUHA is busy going out to awesome restaurants and showcasing their stellar menu or even working part-time jobs at cafes and having fun with all the people she meets. Of course, her most viewed videos tend to be her flawless vocal and dance covers of hit songs.
Now, after training at YG for 10 years and finally making a successful debut, YOUHA reveals just what makes her so special. From the thoughts she had about her debut song and the emotional growth as an artist to the popularity she has received over the years, YOUHA is a sensational artist worth learning more about. Check out her reflective interview below and become a fan of this new and talented artist!
Q1. You debuted a year ago with 'ISLAND' and have become more popular since then. How did you feel when you first debuted? What was going through your mind?
YOUHA: "너무 감사한 마음뿐입니다. 많이 부족한 채로 데뷔했지만 다들 많이 응원 해주시고 관심도 가져 주셔서 감사해요. 저는 정말 복 받은 사람이라고 생각해요."
"I'm so thankful with all of my heart. I debuted still with a lot of room for improvement but I'm thankful for the support and interest I received from everyone. I really think I'm a blessed person."
Q2. What does your debut song 'ISLAND' mean to you?
YOUHA: "우선 'ISLAND'라는 음악으로 세상에 나왔다는 큰 의미를 가지고 있기도 하지만, 무엇보다도 제가 직접 작곡, 작사한 곡으로 대중분들의 관심과 사랑을 받은 가치 있는 음악이라는 의미를 가지고 있어요."
"'ISLAND' has a great meaning since I debuted into the world with that song, but above all, it is a valuable song composed and written by me that has received a lot of attention and is loved by many people."
Q3. You have trained in YG for 10 years - can you tell us something unique about the training experience? What is daily training like?
YOUHA: "저 같은 경우에는 매일 외국 아티스트 분들의 라이브 영상을 챙겨보며 따라하곤 했습니다. 그들의 제스처나, 특유의 느낌을 따라하려고 노력했어요. 다양한 춤과 노래를 배우고 연습생 친구들 하고 연습도 같이하며 꿈을 키웠습니다."
"I used to watch and follow live videos of foreign artists every day. I tried to imitate their gestures and unique feelings. By learning different dances, songs, and practicing with my trainee friends, we all went towards our dreams together."
Q4. Your most popular song is currently 'ICE T,' how do you feel about its success?
YOUHA: "새로운 느낌으로 준비했던 곡인만큼 다채로운 의상과 재밌는 컨셉으로 보여드리려고 많은 노력을 했습니다. 따라서 제 예상보다도 더 재밌게 활동 했고 대중 분들께 많은 관심도 받을 수 있어서 기분이 좋았어요."
"While preparing a song with a brand new feeling, we put in a lot of effort to show various colorful costumes alongside fun concepts. I had more fun than I expected and it felt good to receive a lot of interest from the public."
Q5. 'ICE T' features the most unique outfits - which one was your favorite?
YOUHA: "뮤직비디오 보시면 음악 브릿지 구간에 나오는 의상이요! 나비 모양 탑에 체크 스커트를 입었던 의상이 가장 마음에 들었습니다."
"If you watch the music video, it's the outfit you can see during the bridge part (chorus)! I really liked the outfit where I wore a checkered skirt with a butterfly-shaped top the most."
Q6. Have you ever wanted to perform in a girl group or ever prepared to debut in one?
YOUHA: "10여년동안 걸그룹을 꿈꿨습니다. 멋진 걸그룹이 될 수 있었으나 아쉽게도 상황이 따라주지 못했습니다. 이제는 솔로 아티스트로서 활동하고 있는데요, 저는 지금이 훨씬 만족스러워요."
"I dreamed of being in a girl group for over 10 years. It would have been an awesome girl group, but unfortunately, the situation didn't arise. Now, I'm working as a solo artist and I'm much more satisfied."
Q7. If you have a weakness, what would it be? Modeling? Dancing? Acting? Maybe working as a part-timer
YOUHA: "제가 항상 자신감 있어 보이려고 많은 노력은 하지만 사실 매번 부족함을 느낄 때도 많습니다. 녹음을 할 때에도 발음을 더 정확히 하려고 노력하거나 활동을 할 때 색다른 표정들을 잘 사용했으면 좋겠는 마음이 드는 것처럼 말입니다. 하지만 이런 생각들이 저를 성장시켜주는 자극점이 되어서 오히려 저는 즐기고 좋아하고 있습니다."
"I always try hard to look confident, but truthfully, I often feel like I am lacking every time. Such as the movements I want to try or pronouncing lyrics more accurately when recording and using different facial expressions when I'm performing. However, these thoughts have become a stimulating point for me to grow, so I rather enjoy and like them."
Q8. If you could describe your music in one word, what would you say?
YOUHA: "꾸밈없이 순수한 음악이라고 생각합니다. 비록 장르는 조금씩 다르게 들릴 수 있지만, 제 음악의
장르처럼 저의 다양한 내면의 모습들을 꾸미지 않고 순수하게, 가감없이 보여 드리고 싶어요."
"Without any pretenses, I think it's 'pure' music. Although the genre may sound a little different,
like my musical genre, I want to show you my various sides without hesitation."
Q9. Are there any Korean or international artists you wish you could collaborate with in the future?
YOUHA: "Conan Gray 와 The Weekend입니다. 제가 너무 사랑하는 신스 팝이라는 장르의 음악을 하시는 모든 분들과 작업을 해보고 싶은데 기회가 온다면 위의 두 분과 꼭 해 보고싶어요! 국내에서는 Trade L이라는 래퍼님과 함께 작업해보고 싶습니다. 제 음악에 랩이 피처링 된다면 너무 신선 할 것 같지 않으세요?"
"I want to work with Conan Gray and The Weekend. I would want to work with everyone who loves creating my favorite genre of synthpop, but if I have a chance, I really want to work with those two artists the most! In Korea, I want to work with a rapper named Trade L. Don't you think it'd be so refreshing if a rapper featured in my music?"
Not only does YOUHA cover popular international songs on her personal YouTube channel, but she also records dance covers and prepares some complex choreography fans can see too! Check it out~
Q10. You are also a topliner- were there any songs you worked on people don't know about?
YOUHA: "감사하게도 항상 훌륭한 아티스트 분들 곡에 참여하게 되어, 제가 참여한 모든 곡이 대중들에게
잘 알려져 있는 것 같습니다. 앞으로도 제가 작업하는 곡들이 다 잘 알려졌으면 좋겠어요!"
"Thankfully, I'm always participating in great artists' songs, so all the songs I participated in are well known. I hope all the songs that I work on will be well known in the future too."
Q11. Did you expect other songs of yours to be more popular than 'ICE T' is?
YOUHA: "'ISLAND'입니다. 제가 가장 아끼는 곡이기도 하고, 아무래도 저의 데뷔 곡이다 보니 가장 애정 하는 곡이 되어 버렸네요. 심지어 언젠가 기회가 온다면 ISLAND로 다시금 무대에서 활동하고 싶은 마음까지 있어요."
"I thought 'ISLAND' would be more popular. It's a song I cherish and, since it's my debut song, it's become my favorite song. I even want to perform 'ISLAND' on the stage again if I have a chance someday."
Q.12 What is a message you would like to say to your old and new fans?
YOUHA: "항상 응원해주시고 제 옆에서 많은 사랑 주셔서 감사합니다. 올해에도 역시 더 좋은 음악으로
여러분들께 보답 드릴 수 있는 유하 되겠습니다. 모두 건강하시고 항상 사랑해요 여러분! Happy
New Year my besties"
"Thank you for always supporting me and loving me a lot. This year, I'll be back with better music. I will become someone who can repay you for your support. Everyone, stay healthy. I love you always! Happy New Year my besties."
YOUHA is quite the talent, huh? While she is gearing up to release more music later this year, YOUHA asks fans both old and new to show support for her recent releases and to remain curious about her past and future!
Be sure to check out her YouTube Channel here and show support for the beloved YOUHA!
