After nearly a decade as part of K-pop girl group WJSN, DaYoung is embarking on her solo era, one filled with her voice and stories.
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K-pop idols debuting as soloists is a common occurrence at this point. Sooner or later, a member or two (or more) will drop their solo projects at some point in their career. But an idol’s solo debut is more than just a step to cross off in the K-pop idol career checklist; it is an opportunity to show the world even more of who they are. It’s this creative stamp that DaYoung is ready to put with her long-in-the-works solo debut.
SHE’S A STAR
You may know Im Da-young, also known as DaYoung, as a member of the K-pop girl group WJSN. For nearly a decade, the group has carved out a space for itself as one of K-pop’s most dynamic girl groups, with bops such as As You Wish and UNNATURAL. The way fans are still waiting for any sign of a comeback proves their established legacy. It’s through WJSN that DaYoung developed her artistic sensibilities. Aside from group activities, DaYoung has also been in a sub-unit, acted in dramas, and contributed to OSTs. Now, she’s making her biggest leap yet with the release of her first single album, gonna love me, right?.
“Ever since my debut I’ve always given my all in group activities, but releasing my very first album under my own name carries a completely different meaning,” DaYoung tells NYLON Manila in an interview. “Because I poured both my experience and sincerity into preparing for it, finally being able to share it with fans is the most overwhelming and exciting moment for me.” It’s in this release that DaYoung invites listeners to see her most authentic side yet, one that is confident, raw, and real.
The release is led by body, a pop-dance track where punchy beats lay the groundwork for a message on how emotions and body language can do all the talking when the feelings start kicking in. number one rockstar, a confidence-boosting anthem on owning the spotlight, and marry me, a fun and playful take on a love song, round out the package on self-love and confidence. It’s a body of work that vividly showcases the idol’s story as the artist that she is today.
In line with that mission, DaYoung had a say in every aspect of her solo debut. From the music to the visuals down to the minute details, DaYoung was deeply involved in ensuring that her creative vision was brought to life. “Since it was my very first solo album under my own name, I wanted to give input down to the smallest details. Not just the songs and lyrics, but also the performance, visual concept, even the stage direction—I actively shared my ideas.”
She admits that taking on the task came with big responsibilities, but ultimately, the joy of seeing her hard work come to life was a true reward. “Taking out the stories inside me and expressing them through music and performance felt truly special.”
With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, DaYoung has seen it all: group comebacks, a couple of K-pop generations, and even a health scare in 2021 that she thankfully bounced back from. And yet, the veteran artist still has the fire inside of her to do what she loves, as evidenced by how much of herself she gave to her solo debut.
It’s this spark she credits the fans, called UJUNG, who excitedly wait for each project, whether that be from WJSN or as a solo artist, for keeping it lit. “I want to sincerely thank all the fans who have supported me and WJSN until now. It’s because of UJUNG’s love and patience that I was able to take this first step as a solo artist. This album carries my heart and my stories, so it’s truly music I wanted to share with UJUNG.”
Below, read our full interview with DaYoung as she opens up about her solo debut, her years in the industry, what she hopes to achieve as a solo artist, and more.
People know you as a member of WJSN, but how would you describe soloist DaYoung?
As a member of WJSN, I was loved for my bright and energetic side within the team. But as a solo artist, I want to show deeper and more honest emotions. Through stages filled only with my own voice and stories, I’d like to introduce myself as an artist who is both more musically mature and free in expressing the many colors within me.
How does it feel to be finally dropping your first single album after all these years?
It still feels like a dream. Ever since my debut I’ve always given my all in group activities, but releasing my very first album under my own name carries a completely different meaning. Because I poured both my experience and sincerity into preparing for it, finally being able to share it with fans is the most overwhelming and exciting moment for me.
What was that transition like going from working on group music to making solo music? Does your mindset or creative process change?
In group activities, I always focused on harmony with the members. It was such a joy to bring out each other’s strengths and blend them together. But with my solo work, I had to fill the stage with only my own voice and color, which made me feel a much greater sense of responsibility. In the creative process, I concentrated on looking deeper into my emotions and expressing them, while also making and standing by every little decision myself. It was challenging, but it was also an experience that allowed me to grow as an artist.
You had a lot of input in the creation of your solo debut. As a creative, what was it like being that involved in the project?
Since it was my very first solo album under my own name, I wanted to give input down to the smallest details. Not just the songs and lyrics, but also the performance, visual concept, even the stage direction—I actively shared my ideas. Of course, the responsibility was big, but it was also rewarding to be able to capture my own colors so fully. Taking out the stories inside me and expressing them through music and performance felt truly special.
You have quite a few contributors on your single album from Salem Illese to Eric Nam. What was it like collaborating with them on the project?
It was such an honor. Being able to collaborate directly with artists I’ve admired for a long time was amazing. Sharing ideas throughout the process and watching the music come together was so much fun, and it made me feel like my range of expression had widened. The way their colors naturally blended into my album to create new synergy was the most valuable part of the experience.
From being in a group, sub-unit, and now a soloist, you’ve had a lot of creative outlets over the years. Do you have a personal favorite?
Each type of activity has been precious and special, so it’s hard to choose just one. But solo activities carry a unique meaning for me because I can fill the stage with only my own voice and stories. In a group or sub-unit, the joy comes from creating something together with the members. With solo work, it’s about showing my color in its purest form, so I see it as both a new challenge and a source of great fulfillment.
Where do you get the drive to keep going and do what you do even after a decade in the industry?
The biggest source of strength is my fans. Their support—listening to my music and sharing in it with me—always pushes me forward. The time I’ve shared with my members and the excitement I still feel every time I create new music also keep me going. And I have a strong desire to keep growing as an artist, so that passion itself has become my driving force.
Who would you say is DaYoung today?
I would say that DaYoung today is an artist who is constantly challenging herself and striving to grow. I’ve had countless experiences on stage over the past nine years, but now I feel it’s the right time to express my voice and emotions more honestly as a soloist. I’m someone who always wants to show new sides and sincerity to my fans, while continuing to evolve within music.
What message do you have for your fans who have been there for WJSN and are excited for the solo single album?
I want to sincerely thank all the fans who have supported me and WJSN until now. It’s because of UJUNG’s love and patience that I was able to take this first step as a solo artist. This album carries my heart and my stories, so it’s truly music I wanted to share with UJUNG. I prepared it with gratitude for those who have believed in and waited for me for so long, and I hope you enjoy it together with me. Please continue to look forward to this new journey and send lots of love to DaYoung.
If you could talk to the younger you who competed on K-Pop Star Season 1, what would you like to tell her?
I would tell the younger DaYoung, “You’re someone who will make it, so just keep growing the way you are.” Back then, standing on such a big stage at a young age, I had so many fears and doubts about whether I could do well. But in the end, every one of those experiences shaped who I am today. I’d want her to know that even if it’s hard, if you don’t give up and keep running toward your dream, one day that dream will become reality. And I’d also tell her, “There will be fans who cheer you on in the future.”
Photos courtesy of Starship Entertainment
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