Girls' Generation's Seohyun fired up for solo debut

By Chang Dong-woo

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Seohyun of Korean idol band Girls' Generation said Monday she was poised to release a solo EP album after a decade-long group career that helped mold modern K-pop.

"It feels emotional making a solo debut on the 10th anniversary of (Girls' Generation)," Seohyun told reporters at a media showcase event held at the SM Town Theater in southern Seoul.

Seohyun is the youngest member of the iconic girl group, arguably one of the leaders in the Asianwide popularity of Korean pop culture. The team debuted in 2007.

The 25-year-old singer will release her first solo EP album "Don't Say No" at 12 a.m. Tuesday.

The new EP "Don't Say No" holds seven new songs. Title track "Don't Say No," a rhythm piano-heavy pop number, was co-written by the group's talent agency S.M. Entertainment's in-house composer Kenzie, Canadian producer Matthew Tishler and American musician Felicia Barton.

Also included are "Hello," a duet collaboration with Eric Nam and synth bass-heavy, slow jam dance track "Magic."

Besides the title track, Seohyun is credited with writing the lyrics for six songs.

"The overall theme of the album is 'love.' I told (the company) that I wanted to write the words for the entire album to show 100 percent of my emotion," Seohyun said.

"I was pleased when one song was approved and I also wanted to work on the next song. I was happy when each of the tracks were approved," Seohyun recollected, citing S.M.'s strict standards on content quality.

Despite the Girls' Generations' brand, Seohyun is expecting a tough battle in the January music charts. Top stars, including S.E.S and AOA have doled out new materials earlier this month. missA's Suzy is also scheduled to release her own solo EP album on the same day as Seohyun.

Seohyun, however, welcomes the competition and even goes as far as thanking the rivalry in promoting the growth of K-pop's "girl power."

"I think I'm thankful and happy that (we're competing in the charts). Through the rivalry, I can see that girl power has grown substantially (in Korea pop)," Seohyun said, adding "the rivalry) can become a catalyst for us to work harder."

Besides music, Seohyun also has enjoyed a prominent acting career, featured in the TV show "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" along with the Korean remake of the hit musical "Mamma Mia!"

She has also wrapped up shooting her new web drama "Ruby Ruby Love" which will be available through streaming on Naver later this month.

odissy@yna.co.kr
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