Taeyeon Takes Another Leap with Letter To Myself EP

K-pop queen Taeyeon a member of the Girls’ Generation, came back potent on Monday morning with the release of her sixth extended play Letter To Myself. The six-track album is headlined by a self-named title track, a rock-infused anthem that Taeyeon herself championed as the lead single against her label’s initial preferences.

In a candid YouTube livestream, the 35-year-old artist broke down the creative process of the EP. She said the title track was a high-flying rock song that put her signature high notes center stage. “It had been a while since I belted out high notes,” Taeyeon shared with fans. “If you had waited for the high notes, then this song is for you.”

Working on the title track “Letter to Myself” was challenging. According to Taeyeon, her label, SM Entertainment, had favored another song for the lead single.

However, the artist stood firm in her vision. “This is the song of my taste,” she said. “Everybody in the company, other than me, liked the other song… but I got to sing the song, right? So, I dunno where I got the confidence, but I pushed for this song.”

This album, besides the title track, consists of five other tracks: “Hot Mess,” “Blue Eyes,” “Strangers,” “Blur,” and “Disaster.” The album expresses themes of reflection and strength, which Taeyeon was able to document visually during her time in London.

“I love London,” she said, reflecting on the experience of working in the city. “But going there to work made it different. I had only been there for traveling, so for the first time I went there for work purposes.

The EP is Taeyeon’s first release since her single Heaven in July and is the newest addition to her discography. From the time she debuted with Girls’ Generation in 2007 until now, Taeyeon has marked herself as a K-pop trailblazer as a member of a group and solo artist. Her solo hits include “I,” “Rain,” “11:11,” and “Fine,” showcasing her versatility and vocal prowess.

Letter To Myself cements Taeyeon’s dedication to her craft, sends a touching message to her fans, and shows her growth as an artist. With bold choices and undeniable talent, Taeyeon stays ahead of the curve in pushing what being a K-pop star can be.