Yeji, the fearless leader of ITZY, is officially stepping into the solo spotlight with Air, a bold, performance-heavy debut that proves she is not just another K-pop idol but an artist in her own right. After dominating the industry for six years with ITZY’s signature high-energy anthems, the 24-year-old powerhouse is now ready to claim her individual space.
The excitement surrounding Yeji’s solo venture has been palpable, with fans speculating for months about what direction she would take. Now that Air is here, one thing is clear: she is not here to play it safe.
A Solo Debut That Feels Like Fate
At a press conference held in Seoul’s Songpa District just hours before the album’s official release, Yeji exuded a mix of nerves and confidence. Dressed in a sleek black mini-dress, she reflected on the journey leading up to this moment.
“Preparing for ‘Air’ was a completely new challenge,” she admitted. “I wanted to showcase a different side of myself beyond ITZY. While I aimed to bring a fresh vibe, I also wanted to retain the powerful essence that fans associate with me. In that sense, ‘Air’ feels like fate.”
This is not just another K-pop solo debut. It is a statement. A declaration that Yeji is not content with coasting on ITZY’s legacy. She is here to push boundaries, experiment, and most importantly, dance her heart out.
The Sound of “Air”: A Sonic Leap
Air is not a typical K-pop single laced with sugary hooks and predictable build-ups. Instead, Yeji plunges into deep, synth-driven basslines, crafting a track that feels just as weightless as it does suffocating, a duality she intended.
Produced under the careful eye of JYP Entertainment’s founder, Park Jin-young, the song fuses elements of synth-pop with a hypnotic, pulsating beat that mirrors Yeji’s obsession with movement. It is raw, intoxicating, and unmistakably her.
Lyrically, the song explores the irresistible pull of passion, the kind that consumes you whole. Yeji likens it to The Red Shoes, Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale about a girl who dances uncontrollably, unable to stop even if she wants to.
“The story behind ‘Air’ reminds me of that,” she explained. “It is about being so consumed by dance that you cannot stop. That uncontrollable urge is captured in the lyrics and the music video.”
A Visual Spectacle: The “Air” Music Video
If the track itself is bold, the music video takes it to another level. Yeji does not just dance, she commands. Every frame is a visual feast, from intricate, fluid movements to an explosive climax where she dominates an entire dance crew with nothing but sheer force.
This is not just a showcase of skill. It is a love letter to movement, precision, and the adrenaline rush that comes with losing yourself in performance. It is also a stark reminder that Yeji is not just one of the best dancers in ITZY, she is one of the best in K-pop, period.
Going Solo but Never Alone
Despite the thrill of carving her own path, Yeji made it clear that she never felt truly alone in this process. Her ITZY members, Ryujin, Lia, Chaeryeong, and Yuna, were right there, cheering her on every step of the way.
“The members joked that I should start calling them seniors now since I am debuting as a rookie all over again,” she said with a laugh. “But they have been so supportive. 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.”
Breaking Out of the Cycle
For an idol who debuted at just 18, the past six years have been a whirlwind of back-to-back comebacks, relentless schedules, and industry pressure. While ITZY’s success has been nothing short of phenomenal, Yeji admitted that at some point, the cycle started to feel monotonous.
“Last year, everything started to feel repetitive. Even preparing new albums felt like just another cycle,” she confessed. “I was not 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.”
This solo debut was not just about music. It was about reigniting that fire, proving to herself that she was not just going through the motions. Judging by the sheer passion radiating from Air, she succeeded.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Yeji?
While Yeji remains humble about her aspirations, there is no denying the weight of this moment. Being the first ITZY member to go solo is no small feat, and the success of Air could set the tone for future projects, not just for her, but for the entire group.
“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.”
If Air is anything to go by, Yeji has more than potential. She has presence, power, and that rare magnetic pull that makes a true star. Whether she is leading ITZY or standing alone in the spotlight, one thing is certain. Yeji is here to stay, and she is just getting started.
