Lovelyz might not have been on the forefront of Ok-pop’s rising recognition as newcomers like IVE and NewJeans dominate right this moment’s airwaves, however they nonetheless held a stable place within the trade for over seven years. With a string of information and hits corresponding to ‘Ah-Choo’ and ‘Future’, the eight-member group constructed a devoted fanbase by way of their vocal skills, cheery girl-next-door ideas and pristine status.
Nevertheless, in 2021, seven members determined to go away their long-time label Woollim Leisure. And although Lovelyz has parted methods with its members now centered on solo careers, together with former lead vocalist Ryu Su-jeong, the singer nonetheless has a number of affection for her previous.
“This was virtually 10 years again, and through that point, psychological well being conversations weren’t as widespread as they’re now,” the 25-year-old shares with NME by way of Zoom from South Korea, reflecting on her time together with her former bandmates. “I like that I went by way of that have with them, being performers collectively.”
Su-jeong has come a great distance since her debut in 2014 when she was on the cusp of turning 17. Impressed by acts like Ladies’ Era and the Marvel Ladies, she had all the time dreamt of stardom since center college. After two years of auditioning, she lastly joined Woollim Leisure in 2012, the place she underwent rigorous coaching that averaged 12 hours of observe every day.
After their debut, Lovelyz had a grueling cycle of selling one album and concurrently engaged on the subsequent, with little or no psychological well being help. Regardless of this environment, Su-jeong attributes her endurance to her sense of ambition and the help of her household, who lived distant, and her mom, who is a good singer too.
But, Su-jeong discovered it difficult to separate her public life as a celeb from her private one. She has since realized to regulate the emotional toll, emphasizing, “That is only a job.”
Nevertheless, the artist nonetheless retains the enjoyment of being a musician. Her newly launched album, ‘Archive of Feelings, is her first solo as an impartial artist after establishing her personal label, Home of Desires, final yr. She co-wrote and composed all of the songs on the album, which she describes as deeply private.
Whereas Lovelyz’s Su-jeong was centered on the group initially, the singer knew that in the future she would have the liberty to specific herself creatively. “On this album, I’m utterly myself,” she says.
Ryu Su-jeong’s ‘Archive of Feelings’ is now obtainable.