Yeji of K-pop girl group ITZY poses during a press event unveiling her solo mini-album "Air" at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Monday. Yonhap

Yeji, the leader of K-pop act ITZY, is stepping beyond the group's high-energy performances to carve her own space in the music scene with "Air," a bold, performance-driven solo debut.

Since ITZY's breakout in 2019 with the smash hit "Dalla Dalla," the group has delivered electrifying dance anthems that have defined its six-year run.

At its core was Yeji, standing out among the group not just for her dance skills and equally impressive vocals, but also for her ethereal look, coupled with unique features that have helped her claim a special place in the hearts of K-pop lovers.

Now, she's stepped up to take the stage alone.

Just hours ahead of her official solo debut, the 24-year-old singer met with the press at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Monday, exuding both nerves and excitement as she spoke about her first solo release.

ITZY's leader Yeji poses during a press event held to celebrate the singer's solo debut at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

"Preparing for 'Air' was a completely new challenge," Yeji admitted, dressed in a sleek black mini-dress. "I wanted to show a different side of myself beyond ITZY. While I aimed to bring a new vibe, I also wanted to retain the powerful essence that fans associate with me. In that sense, 'Air' feels like fate."

A synth-pop dance track with deep bass sounds, the mini-album's title track is infused with Yeji's personal touch through its lyrics, and polished under the guidance of JYP Entertainment's founder and producer Park Jin-young.

As the first ITZY member to go solo, Yeji revealed that she took time to shape her message carefully.

"Just like the title, I thought about moments that truly take my breath away, those overwhelming surges of passion ... I wanted to express that pull in my lyrics," she said.

And for Yeji, that feeling has always been about dance. Known for her intense moves, she channeled her love for performing into the song's narrative.

Yeji of K-pop girl group ITZY poses during a media showcase for her solo debut album, "Air," at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Monday. Yonhap

"The story behind 'Air' reminds me of 'The Red Shoes,'" she said, referencing the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. "It's about being so consumed by dance that you can't stop, even if you want to. That uncontrollable urge is captured in the lyrics and the music video."

The music video itself is another spectacle, emphasizing Yeji's artistry honed over her idol career. From intricate, fluid movements to a climactic scene where she commands an entire dance crew, the clip highlights the strength that has made her one of K-pop's most powerful performers.

Throughout her solo preparations, Yeji said she leaned on her ITZY bandmates — Ryujin, Lia, Chaeryeong and Yuna — for support.

"The members joked that I should start calling them seniors now, since I'm debuting as a rookie all over again," she said with a chuckle.

"But they've been so encouraging. This was my first time preparing everything alone, without anyone by my side on set. But when they visited my music video shoot, their support gave me so much strength. In a way, working on my solo album made me even more proud of our group."

K-pop band ITZY's Yeji, 24, poses during a press event for her official solo debut at a hotel in Songpa District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Having debuted at just 18, Yeji now enters a new phase of her career as she steps into her mid-20s. She described the solo venture as a much-needed refresh.

"Last year, everything started to feel repetitive; even preparing new albums felt like just another cycle," she confessed. "I wasn't sure how to break out of that feeling. Then, I got news of my solo project. Suddenly, I was responsible for everything on my own, and that challenge made me realize just how much I love what I do. I worked through my struggles by doing what I love — performing."

Yet despite years in the industry, she admitted some things haven't changed.

"I used to think if I ever went solo, I'd be a polished, seasoned professional," she said. "But honestly, I still feel like a rookie. Every comeback makes my heart race."

While this album marks a turning point for her, Yeji remained humble about her aspirations.

"Debuting solo is already a dream come true," she said. "But if I were to dream a little bigger, I hope this album shows more people my potential as a solo artist."