[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Min Jiwoon Talks Songwriting, Collaborations, and Powerful New Single “If You Were The Rain”

8 hours ago 4

Get to know Min Jiwoon as she takes you behind the scenes of her music, discussing her inspirations, challenges, and the making of “If You Were The Rain.”

Min Jiwoon, the first artist under KRUCIALIZE, SM Entertainment’s contemporary R&B label, has been making a name for herself with her emotional and captivating music. Since her debut in October 2024 with the single “Sentimental Love,” she’s been steadily carving out her space in the R&B scene. Her second single, “Someone,” released in December 2024, further showcased her unique style, blending urban pop and R&B in a way that captivated listeners. With each release, Min Jiwoon’s artistry has continued to evolve, earning her recognition for both her powerful voice and her songwriting skills.

On March 17, 2025, Min Jiwoon released her third single, “If You Were The Rain,” featuring Crush, a heartfelt R&B pop track that explores longing and love through the metaphor of rain. The collaboration between Min Jiwoon and Crush creates a beautiful synergy, with their soulful vocals complementing each other perfectly. Min Jiwoon, once again, contributed to the songwriting and composition, working alongside producer haventseenyou and singer-songwriter Ziyoon to craft a song rich with emotion and depth.

In this exclusive interview, Min Jiwoon shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind “If You Were The Rain,” and how her journey as an artist has shaped her music. She also reveals what’s next for her as she continues to grow and evolve in the music industry, offering fans a deeper connection to the artist behind the songs they’ve come to love.

Hellokpop: Hi Min Jiwoon. Thank you for speaking to Hellokpop. To start off, could you please introduce yourself and share a little about your journey as an artist?

Min Jiwoon: Hello! Nice to meet you. My name is Min Jiwoon, singer-songwriter from Seoul. I started music around middle school. I simply enjoyed singing at first, but I found joy in expressing my own stories through music as time went by. I think that’s what led me to where I am today as an artist.

HKP: Congratulations on your upcoming single, “If You Were The Rain (feat. Crush)”! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track?

Min Jiwoon: Thank you! If You Were The Rain is a song that compares the feeling of longing for someone to spring rain. I think it’s a comfortable track, so I hope you can easily listen to it whenever you need it.

HKP: “If You Were The Rain” is a metaphor for missing someone, but rain can also symbolize healing. How do you see the duality of rain in your own life—does it represent loss, healing, or both?

Min Jiwoon: Actually, I tend to be quite sensitive to the weather and seasons. I usually prefer clear skies over rainy or snowy days, but spring rain hasn’t been something I dislike for some reason. It feels quite atmospheric. There are phrases in the lyrics I wrote saying, “If you were the rain, I’d wait for you, and that it’s always so sudden, but I won’t hide from it.” I think that’s where the duality of the meaning could come in.

HKP: Collaborating with Crush on this track must have been exciting. In what ways did his vocal style complement yours, and how did you both work together to create the emotional depth of the song?

Min Jiwoon: I grew up listening to Crush’s music, so just being able to work with him was a huge inspiration and joy for me. I think his voice suits this song really well. He also wrote his lyrics in a way that matched the arc of my lyrics, and we worked together on the harmonies as well. It was such an amazing time for me.

HKP: The imagery in this track is so vivid. Do you have any particular rituals or sources of inspiration when it comes to writing such emotional lyrics?

Min Jiwoon: I try to stay completely immersed in the emotions of the moment while writing lyrics. Certain words naturally come to mind when I hum melodies, and I develop those into lyrics. I think my process involves shaping words around the melody and putting my personal experiences into them.

HKP: You’ve already shown your ability to craft heartfelt R&B songs. What makes “If You Were The Rain (feat. Crush)” stand out for you compared to your previous singles?

Min Jiwoon: This song was actually written before I even joined the label KRUCIALIZE. I worked on it alone in my room during a time when I was deeply focused on crafting songs. Now, after all this time, I was finally able to release it under my name. I think that makes the song very meaningful and special to me.

HKP: Your music has evolved since your debut with “Sentimental Love.” How do you feel your sound has developed over the past few months?

Min Jiwoon: Since my debut with ‘Sentimental Love,’ my music has definitely evolved. While I’ve always enjoyed writing songs, I feel that I’ve gained a deeper sense of fulfillment in the process as I continue to grow as an artist. With each song, I discover more about what I truly want to express, and that makes the creative process even more rewarding.

HKP: Being the first artist under KRUCIALIZE, you’re part of a new artistic movement. How do you envision shaping the future of contemporary R&B, and what role do you hope to play within it? Do you think your songs speak to specific societal experiences, or do they exist in a more personal, individual space?

Min Jiwoon: I always want to be an artist who tries new things. Looking ahead, I hope my music can contribute to expanding the Korean R&B scene. My music could derive from my personal emotions, or I could try conveying societal messages as well. I think it depends on the moment and what I feel at the time.

HKP: Looking forward, what are your goals for 2025 and beyond?

Min Jiwoon: I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with my fans and the public in person whenever possible. I also hope to deepen my musical expression further and release a full album in the future, offering my listeners a more immersive and complete experience of my artistic journey.

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans reading this.

Min Jiwoon: I’m excited to present my new single, If You Were The Rain (feat. Crush), and I sincerely hope it resonates with all of you. I’m constantly working on new music, and I look forward to sharing more with you all in the near future. Please take care, stay safe, and thank you for your unwavering support.