| K-pop star HyunA released her seventh EP “I'm Not Cool” Thursday. Courtesy of P NATION |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Nothing could deter K-pop diva HyunA from returning to the stage, not even her health condition. The singer, who has been suffering from depression, panic disorder and vasovagal syncope ― a condition caused by triggers such as intense emotional distress ― revealed she has not yet fully recovered, but still released her new mini-album “I'm Not Cool” on Thursday, out of thirst for stage and performance.
“I cannot tell you that I have fully gotten over the illnesses, although I did get better to some extent,” the singer said during Thursday's online press conference. “But I have to endure ― when I postponed the release of my single Good Girl last August due to my health issues, I was angry at myself for not taking better care of myself and breaking a promise with my fans. So I tried to eat well and work out harder (during the hiatus) to be able to perform on stage again as soon as possible.”
The groovy “Good Girl” is included in her fresh EP, where it would have made a good lead single. But HyunA chose “I'm Not Cool” instead, saying she clicked instantly with the song.
“As soon as I heard the song, I felt like it was mine,” she said. “So I told PSY, the CEO of my agency P NATION, that I would take it. I thought it would allow me to display my intensity and unexploited side. I am not really fond of repeating the same things and always strive to experiment with my music.”
“I'm Not Cool” is a pop dance piece about HyunA's authentic emotions and thoughts. Even though she adorns herself beautifully and tries to act cool in front of fans, she ironically feels ― and knows ― she is far from being cool.
“Honestly, I am neither cool nor flawless. But I guess this is my hidden side that the public does not know,” HyunA elaborated. “It is difficult to put into words, but I like being relaxed and comfortable.”
The K-pop diva also teamed up with PSY and her boyfriend DAWN to pen the lyrics for the tune. HyunA and DAWN went public with their relationship in 2018.
“PSY first gave me a big picture then DAWN added funny elements to it. For instance, he pointed out that I have emotional ups and downs and then expressed them in the lyrics in a witty way. In my case, I tried to make the lines sound bolder,” she said. “I really enjoyed working with them.”
DAWN also featured in “Party, Feel, Love,” a boom bap song highlighting HyunA's low voice.
“DAWN made a lot of contributions to my release this time,” she said. “We frequently talk about music although we prefer different styles. But even when we have contrasting views, it is not hard to compromise.”
"I'm Not Cool" also includes “Show Window” as well as “Flower Shower,” a song she previously dropped in 2019.
“My new release is like a secret diary full of my genuine feelings and stories,” she said. “I hope my fans like it and find it relatable.”