Why YooA's 'Selfish' Shows Her True Artistic Identity

YooA made a bold artistic statement with "Selfish," her second mini-album released in November 2022 after a two-year hiatus since her debut. While her solo debut "Bon Voyage" in 2020 presented a subdued and soothing journey of self-discovery, "Selfish" marks a significant shift toward a more energetic dance sound. Notably, the title track features a catchy hook repeatedly declaring "I want you babe," which has become both its signature and a point of discussion among listeners. The Oh My Girl member's artistic vision extends beyond the music itself, with the music video filmed in Spain and choreography created by renowned dance master Choi Young-joon, who has previously worked with major K-pop acts like BTS and Seventeen. Additionally, the lyrics of "Selfish" reveal surprising depth, metaphorically comparing relationship frustration to a fish in a draining bathtub. This contrast between artistic elements showcases how YooA has evolved while maintaining her unique musical identity.

The concept behind 'Selfish'

In contrast to her debut, YooA's second mini-album represents a deliberate artistic evolution that expands her solo identity beyond her group image. The shift in concept reveals a multifaceted artist capable of embodying different personas through her music.

A shift from nature to city themes

"My previous song 'Bon Voyage' had a very nature-themed concept, but this time I'm showing the chic city-girl side of me," YooA explained during her showcase at Yes24 Live Hall. This transformation from forest to urban imagery marks a significant artistic choice, though not a complete abandonment of her established aesthetic. She cleverly described this transition as moving from being a "child of the forest" to becoming a "child of the sea," referencing the ocean-themed music video. Despite this shift, YooA assured fans that "the fictional universe from 'Bon Voyage' will still continue," with traces visible in her choreography and visual elements.

YooA's intention behind the song

For YooA, "Selfish" arrived "like fate," much as "Bon Voyage" had before it. Rather than forcing her own style onto the track, she chose to "fit myself to the song", allowing its character to guide her artistic direction. This approach reflects her broader goal to establish herself as "YooA the solo artist, not just YooA of girl group Oh My Girl". The result is a more distinct musical identity that branches out both musically and lyrically from her previous work.

The meaning behind the lyrics

At its core, "Selfish" explores the frustration of relationship uncertainty. The lyrics cleverly compare this emotional state to "a fish inside a bathtub that is being drained", creating a vivid metaphor for diminishing patience. Throughout the song, YooA expresses exasperation with an indecisive love interest who refuses to provide closure. As she plainly states, "If you're unsure if you like me or not, just say it!". The hook's repetitive "I want you babe, I want you" underscores her directness, making it clear that keeping someone emotionally "on the hook" is ultimately a selfish act.

Breaking down the sound of 'Selfish'

Musically distinctive and daringly minimal, "Selfish" presents a sonic signature that initially divided listeners yet gradually captivated many through its persistent hooks.

The repetitive hook and its impact

The song's most defining characteristic is undoubtedly its repetitive hook—"I want you babe, I want you"—which appears prominently throughout the track. Placed upfront and repeated consistently, this hook fundamentally shapes the listener's experience. Initially, many found it overwhelming, with some critics describing it as "grating from the start." However, others experienced what might be called the "Carly Rae Effect," where initial resistance gave way to the hook becoming irresistibly catchy. As one reviewer noted, "even if it's a cheap way to win, she still won" when the initially problematic hook transformed into the very element they couldn't shake from their minds.

Use of chant and monotone delivery

YooA employs a distinctive monotone delivery throughout much of "Selfish," particularly noticeable in the chorus sections. This flat vocal approach serves as a deliberate contrast to the more energetic elements. The second half of the choruses features a shouty, chant-style delivery that brings "life and body" to the song. This cheerleader-like chanting is especially noteworthy as it ties conceptually to the theme of selfishness—cheerleaders being "often stereotyped as selfish." Moreover, YooA's lower-range vocals create a "smooth and rich performance" that effectively counterbalances the aggressive instrumental elements.

Bridge and vocal highlights

Perhaps the most unconventional element appears in the bridge, where YooA repeatedly chants "Zom zom zom." Critics described this section as everything from "weird" to "hilarious" to "charming." The wispy delivery at the ends of these lines adds a distinctive touch that many found appealing "relative to everything else in the song." Following this unusual bridge, YooA delivers what many consider her strongest vocals in the track, showcasing her range beyond the monotone delivery used elsewhere.

Production by Dem Jointz

Producer Dem Jointz crafted a minimalist instrumental backdrop for "Selfish," described as "bare bones drum and bass." The production evokes a marching band feeling, especially when paired with the cheerleader-style chants. Although some reviewers wished for "tighter" instrumentation with "more meat to it," others praised the producer's work, drawing comparisons to his other K-pop productions like "Hush Rush."

Visuals and performance: more than just a music video

The visual dimension of "Selfish" extends far beyond the standard K-pop music video format, combining international filming locations with intricate choreography to create a multifaceted artistic experience.

Filming in Spain and its aesthetic

YooA's team chose the picturesque coastal town of Tossa de Mar on Spain's Costa Brava as the primary filming location for the project. "We filmed the videos for 'Selfish' and 'Lay Low' in Spain," YooA explained in an interview. The location boasts rich historical significance dating back to Roman times, with its medieval wall-enclosed old town (Vila Vella) serving as a distinctive backdrop. One memorable moment occurred after filming wrapped: "After I shouted 'cut' while filming this music video in Spain, all the tourists and locals started clapping for me," YooA recalled. "It was a tourist spot, so I was a bit shy that all these people were watching me, but so happy that they enjoyed it."

Choreography by Choi Young-joon

The dance routine for "Selfish" bears the signature of acclaimed choreographer Choi Young-joon, who gained additional recognition through Mnet's dance competition "Street Man Fighter." Often referred to as the 'father of Seventeen,' Choi has created routines for numerous K-pop stars including BTS, Twice, and Wanna One. His confidence in YooA was evident: "He told me, 'If it's you, YooA, I can trust you to do this dance well,'" she shared. The choreography proves particularly demanding, with YooA herself acknowledging, "The routine is really rigorous."

Stage presence and styling choices

On stage, YooA's performance reveals carefully crafted elements that elevate the song's impact. The choreography incorporates male dancers performing on-the-spot break dance moves alongside female dancers executing the signature twist move. Furthermore, the bridge section introduces a "somewhat sensual energy," particularly noticeable when YooA and her dancers bend backwards on their knees. The performance balances bright, colorful aesthetics reminiscent of Oh My Girl's visual identity with distinctive elements that help establish YooA's solo presence. As she proudly stated, "I really want to keep showing YooA the solo artist, not just YooA of girl group Oh My Girl."

How 'Selfish' compares to YooA’s past work

YooA's artistic evolution between her first and second mini-albums represents a carefully crafted journey of musical self-discovery. The shift illustrates her versatility as a performer while preserving elements that make her distinctly recognizable as a soloist.

From 'Bon Voyage' to 'Selfish'

The transition from "Bon Voyage" to "Selfish" marked a deliberate pivot in YooA's sonic landscape. Her debut album embraced ethereal sounds complemented by nature-inspired visuals and dreamy vocal delivery. Comparatively, "Selfish" trades these elements for urban sophistication and musical boldness. The production itself shifted from the orchestral arrangements of "Bon Voyage" to the minimalist, drum-and-bass approach of "Selfish." Nevertheless, both works showcase her exceptional dance abilities, essentially using different visual languages to express her artistic vision. "Bon Voyage" employed flowing, graceful movements mimicking natural elements, whereas "Selfish" embraces sharper, more contemporary choreography.

Maintaining her unique identity

Throughout her solo ventures, YooA has successfully preserved core elements of her artistic identity. Her exceptional dancing capabilities remain a cornerstone across both projects, albeit expressed through different stylistic approaches. Her vocal tone—sweet yet distinct—continues to serve as her signature, regardless of whether she's delivering dreamy, nature-inspired lyrics or the more assertive messaging of "Selfish." Indeed, YooA explained this balance: "Even though I'm trying different concepts, I want people to still recognize me." This statement reflects her conscious effort to evolve without abandoning what makes her uniquely recognizable.

Public and fan reception

Fan response to YooA's artistic evolution generated mixed initial reactions. Many Oh My Girl enthusiasts expressed surprise at the dramatic shift from the ethereal forest child to the confident city girl aesthetic. Certainly, the repetitive hook and minimalist production of "Selfish" created polarizing opinions. Yet as time passed, appreciation grew for her willingness to experiment beyond the comfortable boundaries of her established image. Music critics acknowledged her artistic growth, noting how "Selfish" demonstrated greater confidence and willingness to take creative risks. Ultimately, the contrast between her two solo projects has cemented YooA's reputation as a multifaceted artist unafraid to explore different dimensions of her artistic identity.