ITZY’s Yeji is making waves in the K-pop world with her solo debut, marking a significant milestone in her career as the first member of the group to step into the solo spotlight. Her first mini-album, AIR, released on March 10, has captivated fans with its unique concept and dynamic visuals. Yeji’s promotional materials, including concept photos and short films, showcase her striking versatility and artistic depth. The teasers feature bold contrasts and fluid movements, emphasizing her ability to embody dance as an art form.

The album’s title track, also named Air, is a synth-pop dance anthem infused with deep bass and Yeji’s personal touch through its lyrics. Guided by JYP Entertainment’s founder and producer J.Y. Park, Yeji has poured her heart into the project, expressing moments of overwhelming passion and breathlessness through music and choreography. The music video takes inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes, symbolizing an uncontrollable urge to dance—a theme that resonates deeply with Yeji’s identity as a performer.

At a press event, Yeji reflected on the challenges of preparing for her solo debut. While she admitted feeling lonely during the process, she credited her ITZY members for their unwavering support. From sending coffee trucks to cheering her on at filming locations, their camaraderie remains strong despite her solo venture. Yeji also expressed gratitude for J.Y. Park’s guidance, noting his praise for the music video as one of the best he has seen in years.

Yeji’s solo debut is not just a musical release; it’s a statement of her evolution as an artist. Known for her commanding stage presence and sharp performance skills within ITZY, she aims to carve out her own space in the industry while retaining the powerful essence fans associate with her. With AIR, Yeji hopes to be recognized as an artist with real potential, delivering flawless performances that leave a lasting impression.

As fans worldwide celebrate this new chapter in Yeji’s career, she continues to prove why she is one of K-pop’s most captivating performers of the fourth generation. From ITZY’s fearless leader to a solo artist, Yeji’s journey is one to watch.

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