[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]: RoA Unwraps Her Latest Single “Wrap Up, “Vision for the Future, and More

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Get to know the talented singer-songwriter RoA in this exclusive interview.

RoA is a hidden gem in the K-pop industry, waiting to be discovered by a broader audience. This talented singer-songwriter made her solo debut on April 24, 2017, with the digital single “Red Lips.” Since then, she has been steadily carving out her niche, showcasing her unique sound and lyrical depth with each release. RoA’s self-composed singles, such as “I Know” and “Summer Night,” further established her as a skilled artist with a distinctive voice. Her recent release, the fourth single album “Wrap Up,” in October 2024, highlights her continuous evolution and dedication to her craft, combining catchy hooks with relatable themes that resonate with listeners.

RoA’s music is characterized by its emotional storytelling and a blend of various musical styles, making her a versatile artist who can appeal to a wide range of audiences. As she continues to grow and refine her artistry, fans are eager to see what she has in store. In this exclusive interview, RoA discusses her latest release, “Wrap Up,” the inspiration behind her songs, and her vision for the future of her music, inviting listeners to join her on her artistic journey.

Hellokpop: Congratulations on your fourth digital single, “Wrap Up!” What inspired you to write “Wrap Up,” and what themes does it explore?

RoA: Thank you so much for celebrating and welcoming the release of my fourth digital single, “Wrap Up.” This song holds a very special meaning for me. It signifies the closing of various chapters in my life and the beginning of a new one.

The inspiration for this track came from my experiences over the past few years. After graduating from college, I participated in a girl group, engaged in band activities, joined a songwriting team, and even pursued graduate studies—I’ve had a truly diverse range of experiences. All of these experiences have helped me grow, and I felt it was time to ‘wrap up’ everything and start a new chapter.

The themes addressed in this song are ‘reconciliation with the past’ and ‘new beginnings.’ I poured into the lyrics the difficulties I faced during that time and the lessons I learned from overcoming them. I also expressed the excitement and anticipation of starting anew as my true self.

Additionally, I included a message for my fans. I wanted to convey that we are all growing in our own ways and that the process itself is beautiful. “Wrap Up” is a song that not only signifies my new beginning but also reflects my desire to embark on a new journey together with all of you.

HKP: How does “Wrap Up” reflect your growth as an artist since your debut with “Red Lips”?

RoA: “Red Lips” and “Wrap Up” are two significant milestones in my musical journey. “Red Lips” was my first self-composed song featured on my graduation album. At that time, I had so much I wanted to express, but I was still a naive songwriter full of innocence.

In contrast, “Wrap Up” was created after I gained various experiences in the music industry. From participating in a girl group, engaging in band activities, joining a songwriting team, and pursuing my studies in graduate school. All of these experiences laid the foundation for my musical growth.

While “Red Lips” encapsulated pure passion and dreams, “Wrap Up” showcases a more mature version of myself, preserving that passion. I wanted to demonstrate through this song that I have grown into an artist who can handle all aspects of music creation, from planning and production to promotional strategies.

“Wrap Up” represents how much I have developed as an artist and the direction I plan to take in the future.

HKP: Can you share any interesting stories or moments from the recording process of “Wrap Up”?

RoA: Since I was making the song myself and preparing everything independently at the recording studio, I often stayed up late, which affected my condition. Because of that, I was quite anxious, and during the first recording, my voice was a bit hoarse! However, the songwriters and director who participated in the project encouraged me with warm words and provided me with throat supplements. Thanks to them, I could push through and complete the recording, and the recording engineer was also very supportive, doing their best to help me. Seeing everyone come together as a team to put in effort for this song really touched me, and I finished the recording joyfully.

HKP: What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from this single?

RoA: Through this single, I hope that listeners can let go of their past and gain the courage to embrace new beginnings. This song encapsulates my journey of overcoming the difficulties I’ve faced and the time spent navigating between dreams and reality, leading me to who I am today.

I believe that everyone experiences the pains and struggles of youth. I, too, have grappled with not finding my place while working hard. However, those experiences have shaped who I am now and served as the driving force in discovering my true self.

I hope that as listeners engage with this song, they can reflect on their past, embrace their pain, and find the strength to move forward. I want them to feel that we are all growing in our own ways and that the process itself is beautiful.

HKP: In what ways do you feel “Wrap Up” is a departure from your previous work?

RoA: “Wrap Up” is significantly different from my previous singles in many ways. The biggest difference is that I created this song entirely. While my earlier singles were influenced by my agency or other external factors, “Wrap Up” is a work I produced from start to finish on my own. I led every process, from planning to writing lyrics, composing, and arranging. This marks a new level of growth for me as an artist.

Additionally, I worked hard to enhance the musical quality based on my previous experiences and valuable feedback from my fans. I’ve gone beyond just creating good songs; I’ve also considered promotion and marketing strategies with a CEO mindset.

While my most recent single, “Summer Night,” is a refreshing and light summer song, “Wrap Up” contains deeper stories from my inner self, making it a more serious and mature track. Through this song, I wanted to showcase how much my musical spectrum has broadened.

HKP: Looking back at your career since 2017, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as a singer-songwriter?

RoA: The biggest challenge I faced was finding ‘my true music.’ In the early days of my debut, there was immense pressure to meet public expectations. I often thought, “How can I sing better? What melodies and lyrics would be better?” The burden of needing to create a hit song made me overlook my true feelings. However, I gradually realized that music without authenticity is ultimately hollow. Through various attempts and challenges, I came to understand myself more deeply, and I decided that I wanted to sincerely convey the messages I aim to express through my music.

HKP: How has your songwriting style evolved over the years, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

RoA: The biggest change in my songwriting style has been finding honesty. In the beginning, I focused on trendy sounds and popular melodies, but now I prioritize expressing my story without any embellishments.

For instance, in the past, I hid my true feelings and thoughts out of concern for others’ opinions. Now, I incorporate what I want to say directly into my lyrics. By pouring my innermost thoughts into my songs, I find that more people resonate with my music.

I am also experimenting by crossing genre boundaries. I enjoy K-Pop, Disney, drama, and movie OSTs, so I strive to infuse various styles—from ballads and pop to jazz and hip-hop—into my work in my unique way.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned in this process is the power of authenticity. I’ve realized that the best results come when I focus on creating music that reflects my true feelings rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. Moreover, it is this authentic music that can genuinely touch the hearts of listeners.

HKP: Can you share an experience from your time in the music industry that has shaped you as an artist?

RoA: I have been passionate about the stage since I was young. Watching the performances of dance artists on TV, I always dreamed, “I want to do that too.” I would practice by following along, and during my school years, I even formed a dance club with friends, taking on the role of leader and performing together.

It took me over six years of being a trainee before I successfully debuted, which felt like a long journey. While everyone has their own standards for success, I feel grateful for the situation and environment in which I can create music. I appreciate being able to make the music I want to make. That experience has made me feel alive and is the driving force behind my identity as the artist RoA.

HKP: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of music that help inspire your creativity?

RoA: Watching movies provides me with great inspiration, especially sci-fi and teen movies from the 90s and 2000s. I love spectacular plot developments, so when I see the pains and growth of youth that I’ve experienced reflected on screen, it gives me a new perspective. My latest single, “Wrap Up,” was also inspired by such films.

Another hobby of mine is journaling. I’ve been consistently keeping a journal since high school, and now it serves as an essential source for my songwriting. It allows me to reflect on my past, understand my present self, and envision my future.

Lastly, I gain a lot of inspiration from traveling. Meeting new places and people expands my world. These experiences help me delve deeper into myself and enrich the breadth of my music.

HKP: What’s one thing about you that your fans might be surprised to learn about you?

RoA: If there’s something that might surprise you about me, it’s that I enjoy hobbies that are completely opposite to the person I show on stage or on broadcasts.

You’ve always seen me as bright and energetic, dancing and singing on stage, laughing, and having a great time. But you’d be surprised to know how happy I feel when I take time for personal leisure away from that environment.

First, I really enjoy “imagining.” I often close my eyes for an hour while listening to music and create an imaginary world in my mind. The images that come to me during this time sometimes become the lyrics or melodies of my songs. In that peaceful solitude, I feel my creativity bursting forth.

Second, you might find it hard to believe, but I’m a master of the three-hour bath! Despite my busy schedule, I make sure to take a three-hour bath once a week. It’s a time to focus entirely on myself in a calm space, just listening to the sound of water. The ideas that come to me during this time also inspire my music.

Third, I love going to the movies. I especially enjoy watching films while eating popcorn. The experience of immersing myself in a different world on a large screen is truly special and these moments help enrich my musical world.

Fourth, I engage in activities like drawing, pottery, flower arranging, and reading—things that allow me to focus on just one thing. Sometimes, when I concentrate solely on work or music, my mind gets too cluttered, making it hard to relax. However, focusing on painting, making pottery, arranging flowers, or reading helps me organize my chaotic thoughts, bringing me peace of mind.

Lastly, I enjoy late-night online shopping and exercising at dawn. While everyone else is asleep, I listen to my inner voice, and shopping while contemplating the concept for my next album or stage outfits brings me great joy.

Knowing that I enjoy spending quiet and tranquil time alone might surprise many of you. But for me, these quiet moments are the source of my creativity. I hope you realize that behind my glamorous and loud stage presence, there are times of inspiration in silence. When you listen to my songs in the future, it might be fun to imagine, “This emotional lyric must have come to the artist during a three-hour bath” (laughs). Thank you for always supporting me!

HKP: What can fans expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or aspirations you’re excited about?

RoA: I plan to continue releasing albums steadily and remain active. Starting with “Wrap Up,” my next single, “Clock It,” will be coming out soon, and I intend to showcase more music that reflects my true colors.

Specifically, my goal is to release a full-length album. While I’ve shared glimpses of my musical world through singles, I now want to tell my story in one complete work. The album will include various experiences and emotions I’ve gone through, along with messages I want to share with my fans.

Additionally, I plan to focus more on live performances. I want to have opportunities to communicate directly with my fans. I dream of starting with small concerts and eventually going on a nationwide tour and even an overseas tour someday.

Beyond music, I want to challenge myself in various fields. For example, I’d like to create YouTube content with my fans and am considering writing an essay that captures my musical journey.

Most importantly, through my music, I want to provide comfort and strength to many. I aim to be an artist who grows with you through sincere music. Thank you so much to all my fans for your constant support!

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

RoA: Dear beloved Roaming, thank you so much for your constant support. Because of your encouragement, I’ve been able to grow as RoA and continue my journey in music without giving up. I am still growing, and at times, I’ve felt disappointed in myself due to pressure and my imperfections. However, through you, I’ve learned that I can be loved just as I am.

As much as you love me, I want to communicate with you through sincere music and be a source of strength. I aspire to be a friend-like singer who laughs, cries, and grows together with you.

I believe each of you is becoming a shining princess or prince in your own way. Let’s move forward together towards a wonderful future. I am always grateful and love you all!