Dayoung is back—bigger and bolder than ever. True K-pop fans would know of Dayoung, who debuted in 2016 with WJSN, also known as Cosmic Girls. The group blossomed from the start, captivating audiences in Korea and beyond with their otherworldly fantasy concepts that pushed the boundaries of what K-pop could be. Now, as she celebrates 10 years post-debut, the Korean pop star has finally ventured into her solo career.
For her first foray into the music industry as a solo artist, Dayoung presents a side of herself that’s never been seen before. Confident, raw and unapologetically herself, her single album Gonna Love Me, Right? offers fans an inside look into the Dayoung universe. This universe, shaped by her years as part of WJSN, is finally ready and on display—showcased through three songs. The album’s leading track is Body, a high-octane record that strives to inspire self-confidence from the inside out. The vibrant track is accompanied by two other songs—Marry Me and Number One Rockstar—to form the perfect summer album of empowerment.
Ahead, we sit down with the 26-year-old star, as she chats about embarking on this exciting new chapter of her career, her dream collaborators and how her years with WJSN has moulded her as an artist today.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): Tell us more about your first solo album Gonna Love Me, Right?. What was the inspiration behind the album?
Dayoung (D): This album began with a simple but strong desire. I wanted to finally show the world the things I truly love and have been practicing for so long. While creating Gonna Love Me, Right?, songs like Body, Number One Rockstar, and Marry Me naturally came to mind one by one. Listening to them helped me clearly picture who I wanted to be on stage. That’s when I felt, “This is the music I’ve always wanted to do.” My vision for the performance, from the choreography and facial expressions to the emotions, became crystal clear in just one day. This album is about bringing out the “real Dayoung” within me.
GS: How do you think your new music expresses who you are as a solo artist? Do you think your sound will change as you further your career?
D: As a solo artist, I’ve always wanted to be someone who shares emotions and builds connections with people through music. I’m so grateful to hear people say things like, “It felt like my own story,” or “It gave me strength.” Those words were truly the best gift to me. My hope is that the music people love and the music I love will always remain the same. The genre or tone may evolve over time, but my honesty and the stories I want to tell will never change. I want to keep creating music that always feels new but still feels like me.
GS: After being a part of WJSN for so many years, what prompted you to kickstart your solo career now?
D: I learned so much through my time with WJSN. I experienced huge stages that I never could’ve stood on alone, and because of that, I fell in love with the stage itself. One day, a thought crossed my mind: “Maybe I can fill this stage on my own.” That very day, I booked vocal and fundamentals lessons again. I still remember clearly telling my teacher, “I’m going to prepare for a solo debut!” From then on, I went back to basics and practiced every single day. Looking back, that was truly the start of a new chapter in my life.
GS: What have you learnt from your journey so far as a soloist? Did you face any unexpected challenges?
D: The biggest thing I’ve learned is responsibility. When I was with WJSN, I was the youngest, so my members always looked out for me. But now, I’m the one leading my own team. I’ve come to realise just how much effort each staff member puts in, and that makes me want to do even better. My goal is for my team to proudly say, “We made this album together.” I want to repay them through great performances and results. I’m learning what it truly means to take responsibility for the people walking this path with me, and that’s been my biggest area of growth.
GS: You co-wrote the track Marry Me. What was that process like?
D: I wanted to create a song that people could instantly relate to and feel warmth from. So I suggested the theme and idea first, and once that was set, the lyrics came together really quickly. Of course, writing in English wasn’t easy, but my friend Olivia helped me so much. She immediately understood the emotions I wanted to express and naturally polished any awkward sentences. I want to take this moment to sincerely thank her. This song is like a love letter straight from my heart.
GS: What does your dream collaboration look like? Are there any artists you would love to work with in the future?
D: I have so many dream collaborations! I truly admire artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. They express their own stories through their music so perfectly. It would be such an honour to share the stage with them someday.
GS: You shot your Body music video in LA, do you have any fun behind-the-scenes stories from that trip to share?
D: Filming the Body music video was an unforgettable experience. Even though it looks like a simple one-take video, every single movement was carefully planned—from the placement of my steps to my eye movements and even the smallest gestures. I trained with the dancers in LA every day from 9am to 9pm for a week.
When we first rehearsed on location, the space was much bigger than expected, so we had to rework all the formations. After rehearsals, we even practiced again in front of the hotel gym mirror at night. In the end, the final version came together in just one day. It was challenging, but it made me grow so much.
GS: In the Body music video, you show off a sculpted figure. Do you have any wellness tips to share?
D: Honestly, I really love eating! So instead of cutting everything out, I focused on finding a sustainable routine. When I’m busy, I keep it simple with protein shakes, oats, or almond milk. When I have a packed schedule, I actually make sure to fuel my body properly.
For me, it’s about balance. It’s totally okay to have snacks like cookies or chips once in a while. I just eat a little lighter the next day and listen to my body. To me, wellness is all about consistency.
GS: What do you want to say to your fans in Singapore, after all this time?
D: Before my trip, I posted on my Instagram account with the caption reading, “If you see me in Singapore, come say hi!” It wasn’t an official work event, but I really wanted to meet my fans. And I actually got to meet Ujung (my fans’s name) all around the city! Everyone welcomed me so warmly, and it made me so happy.
I really want to come back to Singapore more often. If Ujung keeps calling for me, I’ll make sure to return even sooner. Thank you always, and I love you so much, Singapore Ujung! 🇸🇬💛
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