A concept photo for Irene's solo album "Like A Flower" / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Irene of K-pop girl group Red Velvet is making her solo debut after 10 years with the mini-album “Like A Flower,” Tuesday.
The album has eight songs of different genres from dance ballad, R&B and acoustic.
“It's an album (where) I've deeply contemplated on the story that I wanted to tell so I want to share it with the world as soon as possible. While I have some lingering feelings, I've prepared it to the best of my ability,” the artist said in an interview through her agency SM Entertainment.
Irene said that she wanted to show different musical colors with her first solo work.
“As (it is) my first solo album, I wanted to showcase various musical colors. I hope listeners can feel a new side of me with each song,” she said.
“Now, I can officially release 'Ka-Ching' and 'I Feel Pretty,' which my ReVeluvs (Red Velvet's fandom name) have been waiting for a long time, it makes this album especially meaningful.”
The album's title track of the same name is a dance-pop song that delivers encouraging messages using a flower as a metaphor.
“The title track 'Like A Flower' has a message about blooming beautifully by mustering small courage, like a flower with a force of life. The performance is the key part of this song. So, please enjoy the energy my dancers and I will create,” she said.
Irene makes her solo debut with the mini-album "Like A Flower." Courtesy of SM Entertainment
She noted that she paid close attention to the chemistry with the dancers for this album's songs.
“I was most concerned about creating harmony with the dancers. They not only enhance my performance but also create a team-like feeling where we share the same emotions, energy and thoughts, supporting each other,” she said.
The artist is the fourth member to make a solo debut in the group, following Wendy, Joy and Seulgi. She shared that the members helped her through the creation of her first solo work.
“Most members have already done solo work, so they empathized a lot and understood my concerns. I was truly grateful. I thought about how impressive they were during their solo activities, and I felt proud of them,” Irene said.
Wrapping up the year with a solo debut, the artist shared that she hopes to enjoy her first solo act rather than having specific goals for achievements with the album.
“First of all, I hope to successfully complete music shows. Rather than having a clear goal, I hope out of any of the things that I've brought out can become something for ReVeluvs to look back on someday while living their lives,” she said, looking back on this year, which marks the group's 10th anniversary.
“It seems this year has been a truly precious year. I think it will be a memorable year both as a team, as a solo artist, and personally.”
Lastly, she expressed gratitude to her fans around the world for making her solo debut possible. “To our ReVeluvs who have waited so long for my solo album, thank you so much. Thanks to ReVeluvs, I found the courage to release this album. I'm incredibly thankful for all your courage,” she said.