Jo Yuri “I learned various emotions through ‘Squid Game’” [Q&A]
Jo Yuri has returned to the music industry after a long time and expressed her excitement for new activities.
Jo Yuri will release her third mini album ‘Episode 25’ through each music site on the 14th.
The third mini album, ‘Episode 25’, is Jo Yuri’s new album released after about two years, and is an album that contains musical challenges and inner growth.Just as ‘Episode’ in music signifies a new transition, this album is expected to be a turning point for Jo Yuri, containing the moment of change that comes with turning twenty-five.
In addition, the album contains a total of 5 songs including the double title song ‘Dog and Cat Time’, which was pre-released on the 7th and received great response, as well as ‘HICCUP’, ‘Dive’, and ‘Overkill’, foreshadowing Jo Yuri’s wide genre spectrum.Ahead of her comeback, Jo Yuri personally revealed honest stories about her new album and various activities.
● The following is a Q&A with Jo Yuri.
# Singer Jo Yuri returns with ‘Episode 25’
Q You have made a comeback as a singer after about 2 years.How do you feel about returning with your 3rd mini album?
A I’m so excited and happy to be able to greet you with an album after such a long time.I really wanted to quickly let the fans who have been waiting listen to my music! Since this is an album that I’ve worked hard to prepare, I hope that the fans and the public can relate to my music and love it.
Q The album title ‘Episode 25’ is said to contain the turning point at the age of twenty-five.What is the biggest change you feel as an artist, Jo Yuri?
A I’m just starting out as an actor, so it’s a big change to be experiencing a variety of things.And I feel like the stories I want to express as a singer are also changing little by little.And to be honest, the biggest change I feel is that my physical strength isn’t what it used to be(laughs).
Q The keyword ‘challenge’ seems to come to mind.With band music, your song genre has also changed a lot, so I’m curious about what new challenges you took on while preparing this album.
A One of the biggest challenges was trying out the music of a band that I really like, and I tried to change my vocals to match the song.Externally, I also cut my hair short.I think you’ll be able to feel a different charm from the previous album.
Q Is there any adjective you would like to give or any reaction you would like to hear through this album?
A Since this album came out after a lot of thought and preparation, I want to be called ‘Jo Yuri you can trust and listen to’.And I hope that through this album, there will be responses like, “Jo Yuri has this kind of tone?” , and “Band music suits her really well.” In the future, I want to continue to present music that makes people curious and excited no matter when they listen to it.
# Behind the scenes of Jo Yuri’s album, ‘Trust and Listen’
Q What kind of song is the title song ‘Goodbye Now!’ ? How did you feel when you first heard the song?
A ‘Goodbye Now!’ is a PopRock genre song that stands out with its rich band sound, and calmly expresses the flow of emotions in a relationship that is slowly growing apart.When I first heard it, I thought it was a song that went well with summer.I worked hard to show you refreshing vocals, so please listen to it a lot this summer!
Q You also participated in writing the lyrics.It is said that you reflected a lot of your opinions in the album production process?
A This album is one that reflects a lot of my opinions.I participated a lot in coming up with ideas for the entire album, starting with the lyrics, album concept, design, and costumes.The process wasn’t easy, but looking at the finished album, I feel that much more proud.
Q Since the genre of the song has changed, the music video will probably have a new feel as well.How was filming the music video?
A It definitely has a different vibe than before.I think it will be a music video where you can feel a new charm.It has a lot of dramatic elements in it, so it was fun to film.I think fans will also find it interesting.
Q The double title song ‘Dog and Cat Time’ was first revealed through the fan concert and KCON JAPAN 2025.Is there a reason why you decided to pre-release it? How was it working with producer Cloud?
A First of all, I really wanted to share the song with my fans because I liked it so much.I thought my fans would like it too, so I decided to share it with them as a pre-released song.It was even more thrilling and enjoyable because I was working with an artist I really like, Gureum.
Q There are a total of 5 songs included.The songs with different moods are impressive.
A I think my taste is reflected a lot in the songs.I usually listen to a wide range of music genres, so I’m happy that various genres of music fit well together in one album.Each song has a different vibe, so I hope you enjoy all of them.
# Twenty-five years old, breaking boundaries, artist Jo Yuri’s 25 years old
Q You are actively working in acting, music, and other fields, breaking down boundaries.What is the biggest difference between ‘actress Jo Yu-ri’ and ‘singer Jo Yu-ri’ ? Do you want to show a completely different side of yourself?
A I think there is no big difference, although the mood and expression method may be slightly different depending on the genre.Since ‘Jo Yuri’ is one person who expresses herself in various ways, I try not to focus on showing different sides of myself on purpose.I am working hard to challenge myself in the fields that I want to do, both music and acting, and I am happily and satisfactorily working on both!
Q You received a lot of attention as an actor both domestically and internationally through the Netflix series ‘Squid Game’.Did your work as an actor have a big influence on preparing for this album?
A It wasn’t a direct influence because it was an album that was prepared after all the filming was finished, but I think some of the experiences I learned while acting and expressing emotions were incorporated.Since the release dates of ‘Squid Game’ and the album overlapped slightly, I think it was a good opportunity to show various sides of myself.
Q It seems like you are taking on various challenges as an actor and a singer.How do you think Jo Yuri’s 25th year will be remembered? Is there a goal you want to achieve in the remaining 2025?
A I think it will be remembered as a truly meaningful year where I was able to have various experiences.The first solo fan concert I held this year was also such a fun and precious time, and I am happy that I was able to show various sides of myself as an actor and a singer.I want to finish the remaining year of 2025 happily like this!
Q Lastly, a word to your fans.
A GLASSY Thank you for always being by my side and being with me! I think I can work hard thanks to you all.I worked hard to prepare this album so that I can show you good music, so please show me lots of love.I will continue to be a YURI who always shows you good music and a good image!
Hong Se-young, reporter for Donga.com projecthong@donga.com
This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.
