[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Satbyeol Talks All Things “Don’t Know Why” and Her Solo Debut

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Get to know Satbyeol as she opens up about her solo debut.

Satbyeol is a dynamic singer and rapper whose journey through the K-pop landscape has been marked by resilience and growth. Before debuting with the girl groups GsA and PIXY, Satbyeol showcased her talent on the competitive survival show MIXNINE, where she gained valuable experience and attention for her unique artistry. Unfortunately, GsA disbanded due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Satbyeol left PIXY in the summer of 2022 for health reasons beyond her control. Throughout these setbacks, her dedication to her craft never wavered, leading her to prepare for a solo career.

After taking time to focus on her artistic identity, Satbyeol made her long-anticipated solo debut on October 13, 2024, with the single “Don’t Know Why.” This release marks a significant milestone, allowing her to express her individuality and explore her musical style.

In this exclusive interview, Satbyeol reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and the creative process behind her debut single, offering fans an intimate look into her aspirations and the music that inspires her.

Hellokpop: Hi Satbyeol! For those who may be getting to know you for the first time, can you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey as an artist?

Satbyeol: Hello, I am Satbyeol, and I debuted as a solo artist on October 13 of this year. Before this, I was a member of the groups Girl’s Alert (GsA) and PIXY. After a two-year break following the conclusion of those activities, I am excited to embrace new challenges.

HKP: Congratulations on your solo debut with “Don’t Know Why”! How does it feel to finally share this song with the world?

Satbyeol: Thank you for your congratulations! I was really excited to share a song featuring only my voice with the world. I also worried that no one would like my solo track. However, I’m so grateful and happy that many people have shown their support and appreciation!

HKP: If you could describe “Don’t Know Why” in three words, what would they be?

Satbyeol: Love, faith, affection.

HKP: What drew you to “Don’t Know Why”? What made you feel that it was the perfect song to introduce your solo career?

Satbyeol: “Don’t Know Why” is a song style that I haven’t had the chance to showcase much, so I wanted to try it out. However, I believe that this one song alone doesn’t fully express who I am. Therefore, I plan to practice and share a wider variety of songs in the future.

HKP: How would you describe the sound and vibe of “Don’t Know Why” to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?

Satbyeol: “Don’t Know Why” combines a dreamy synth sound with a strong beat in the Future Bass genre. The song honestly expresses the emotions one feels for a loved one. It has a calm yet vibrant atmosphere, with catchy lyrics and melodies that are easy to sing along to. I hope you enjoy it and show it some love!

HKP: How did you put your own unique touch on the song while recording it? Were there specific elements that you focused on to make it your own?

Satbyeol: For this solo track, I sang without any fancy vocal techniques! I was concerned that my voice might sound monotonous, so I worked on lightening the endings to make it less dull.

HKP: What do you hope your fans feel or experience when they listen to “Don’t Know Why” for the first time?

Satbyeol: I hope that listening to my song brings my fans feelings of happiness and healing.

HKP: Are there any behind-the-scenes moments from the making of “Don’t Know Why” that you can share with us?

Satbyeol: “Don’t Know Why” originally included a rap part, but I had to remove it because there wasn’t a chance to breathe while performing it solo. If the opportunity arises, I would love to share a version of the song with the rap part with my fans.

HKP: How have your fans reacted to “Don’t Know Why” since its release? Have there been any responses that surprised or touched you?

Satbyeol: I was truly touched by everyone who congratulated me on my solo debut and thanked me for singing again. Some fans are already looking forward to and eagerly anticipating my next album.

HKP: How does this solo debut differ from your previous work in a group setting? What new side of yourself do you hope to show through “Don’t Know Why”?

Satbyeol: I haven’t performed on stage alone yet, so I’m not quite sure what to expect. I think I will feel even more nervous since all eyes will be on me. However, I want to overcome that nervousness and show you an amazing solo performance where I can truly own the stage.

HKP: How did you come to interpret the song uniquely for your solo debut?

Satbyeol: I didn’t interpret the song based on my personal experiences. Instead, I read the lyrics and let my imagination run wild. When I lack experience, using my imagination can be very helpful.

HKP: Now for a fun question: If you could only listen to three songs for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Satbyeol: That’s a tough question! If I could only listen to three songs, I would choose QWER’s “My Name is Malguem,” DAY6’s “Happy”’ and “Rewrite The Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya.

HKP: When you’re not making music, what are some of your favorite ways to relax?

Satbyeol: I really enjoy lying in bed and watching YouTube! I also like going to cafes to eat desserts and taking walks in the evening.

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

Satbyeol: I want to sincerely thank my fans who believed in me and waited for me, even though I hadn’t shared any news for two long years. I truly appreciate your support and for celebrating my solo debut. I promise to work hard to deliver even better music in the future and become a wonderful solo artist who can repay your love. Please continue to watch over me! I love you all dearly!