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Get to know YELO as she opens up about the inspiration behind her bold new single “NAKED” and her evolution as an artist.
YELO is a talented singer-songwriter and composer under MonoTree, known for her distinct sound and emotional depth in the K-pop industry. She made her solo debut on September 18, 2018, with the digital single “Swim In You,” which showcased her ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies. Since then, she has released a series of digital singles, including fan favorites like “Night Sky” (2018), “Question Mark” (2019), and “Red Card” (2021), all of which have solidified her reputation as a rising artist in the music scene. Her music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
In addition to her solo work, YELO has collaborated with various artists, including John Park on “Airplane Mode” (2020) and Mckdaddy on “Bad Thing” (2021). She has also contributed to numerous original soundtracks for popular dramas, with songs like “Another Day” from the One Ordinary Day OST and “Love Me Or Leave Me” from Change Days. Most recently, she released her latest single, “NAKED,” on October 9, 2024, a project that exemplifies her growth as an artist and her willingness to experiment with her sound. In this exclusive interview, YELO shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind “NAKED,” and her journey as an artist, inviting fans to connect with her on a more personal level.
Hellokpop: Hi YELO! Congratulations on your latest release, “NAKED.” Can you start by introducing yourself to our readers?
YELO: Hello. I’m YELO, working as an artist and composer. Nice to meet you!
HKP: Can you tell us about your journey as a musician? What motivated you to pursue a career in music?
YELO: [Growing up] I was a student who attended school festivals and performances every year, fueled by my love and passion for singing. As I transitioned into adulthood, I realized that if I didn’t pursue music, I would regret it when I became a grandmother. So, I began live covers on my YouTube channel, and as my videos gained significant attention, I joined my first company, MonoTree. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to pursuing my dream of becoming an artist and composer.
HKP: What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from “NAKED”?
YELO: I hope you fall into the mood of the song itself. I like songs that can make me heal and chill, so I hope you can also relax like me while listening to “NAKED.”
HKP: Is there a particular line or moment in the song that resonates with you the most? Why?
YELO: I love the first lyric that starts the chorus: “Baby, let’s get naked, but don’t take off your clothes.” It’s a clever reversal of the song title “NAKED,” which caught my attention the moment I first heard it.
HKP: How have fans responded to “NAKED” so far? Have any comments or reactions stood out to you?
YELO: Of course, I appreciated the feedback that the song was good. It had been about three years since my last album, so I changed my styling and concept as well. The positive responses praising it made me feel good!
HKP: Can you share a fun or interesting behind-the-scenes moment from the making of “NAKED?”
YELO: When I was filming the “NAKED” visualizer, there was a scene at the end where it rained. At first, I was worried because it was something I had never tried before, but I like it now because it came out prettier than I expected. I felt once again that no one knows anything until the end.
HKP: You’ve created a number of OST songs for various dramas. How do you feel writing for an OST differs from your solo work? What unique challenges or creative opportunities do you encounter in each?
YELO: When working on an OST, the story is clear, and the music is added to match the characters’ narratives. So, it’s sometimes easier to write lyrics or melodies because the theme is already given. On the other hand, my own album is enjoyable in a different way because it allows me to freely express my thoughts and desires. Both types of work are fun, but one interesting aspect of working on an OST is that I sometimes write songs for others to sing instead of performing them myself. So I think it’s exciting as I can feel the different charm when their voices are added.
HKP: Balancing creativity and the demands of the music industry can be challenging. How do you manage that balance?
YELO: I think that is still difficult for me. I want to insist on my ideas until the end, but realistically, there are limits. However, as time goes by, I think I‘m continuing to learn and grow in the meantime.
HKP: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
YELO: I really want to work with BoA! She’s the one who made me dream of becoming a singer. She’s an all-rounder at singing, dancing, and composing, so I think it would be a glorious opportunity to learn a lot just by watching her.
HKP: What message would you like to send to your fans who have supported you throughout your journey?
YELO: I really can’t say anything other than thank you so much. Thank you for supporting me, as always! I hope “NAKED” will be a good gift to you, KKUMA. I miss you so much!
Connect with YELO on Instagram and YouTube.
Listen to her discography on Spotify, Apple Music, or Melon.
*Special thanks to YELO, MonoTree, and Kustomade for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: MonoTree, Kustomade
English (US) · 