수진 (SOOJIN) 'Agassy'

In a significant turn of events, Soojin, formerly a member of the popular K-pop group (G)I-DLE, has embarked on a new chapter in her music career with a solo debut. Following her departure from the group in August 2021 due to controversy, Soojin took a hiatus from her professional activities. During this period, she maintained communication with her fans through personal social media platforms. In October 2023, it was officially announced that Soojin had signed an exclusive contract with BRD Communications, marking her re-entry into the music industry .

Her solo debut, marked by the release of the mini-album titled "AGASSY," represents a pivotal moment in her career. The album not only showcases her vocal abilities but also highlights her deep connection with her cultural roots, as evidenced by the incorporation of traditional Korean motifs and music in her work . This solo venture is a bold step for Soojin, aiming to redefine her image and artistic identity beyond the group dynamics of (G)I-DLE.

Type

EP

Artist

Soojin

Released

November 8, 2023

Format(s)

CD, download, streaming

Recorded

2023

Genre

R&B, ballad, dance, DNB

Length

14:42

Label(s)

BRD Communications

Distributor(s)

Genie Music

Stone Music Entertainment

Track list

"Flowering (개화) (開花)" - 1:03

"Agassy (아가씨)" - 2:45

"Sunflower" - 2:50

"TyTy" - 2:32

"Sunset" - 2:45

"Bloodredroses" - 2:47

In March 2021, Cube Entertainment announced that Soojin would temporarily halt all activities with (G)I-DLE due to allegations of bullying, which were later found to be false. By August 2021, the singer officially withdrew from the group and the label.

Nearly two years after her departure, Soojin signaled a potential return to the entertainment industry by opening a personal Instagram account on June 30, 2023. This move hinted at her readiness to reconnect with the public and her fans.

On October 16, 2023, it was reported that Soojin signed an exclusive contract with BRD Communications. Following this, she announced that she was quietly preparing for a solo comeback, indicating a strategic shift in her career towards independent artistry.

Soojin's debut EP "AGASSY" is a showcase of her desire to reintroduce herself to the world, reflecting her personal identity through music. The album opens with a track that captures the essence of AGASSY, offering the first significant glimpse of Soojin's delicate voice post her departure from (G)I-DLE . The project is noted for its blend of softness and brightness, with each track contributing to a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.

The album weaves significant themes of cultural heritage and the interplay between the past and the present. Soojin integrates traditional Korean musical elements, which resonate with the broader theme of cultural preservation and the power of music to bridge divides. This thematic exploration is evident in the lyrical content, where she describes dancing amongst red flowers, a metaphor that aligns with her creative expression and personal resonance.

"AGASSY" stands out for its seamless integration of traditional and contemporary musical styles. The use of traditional Korean instruments alongside modern production techniques exemplifies Soojin's innovative approach to music. Tracks like "Sunflower" and "SUNSET" illustrate this blend, utilizing light piano and ambient production to create a sound that is both modern and deeply rooted in traditional influences. The album's creative direction, therefore, reflects a harmonious blend of Soojin's cultural roots and her contemporary artistic vision.

The opening song, "Flowering," depicts flowers blooming in warm sunlight with a guitar and string melody that creates a sense of tension. The title track combines Soojin's unique style with an oriental sound, representing the crossing of past and present. "Sunflower" expresses falling in love and developing deep emotions, comparing it to a blooming sunflower. "TyTy" is a bright and catchy track that expresses gratitude towards someone who protects the singer without saying a word, featuring twinkling synths and wispy falsettos.

During the production of "AGASSY," Soojin collaborated with a team of dancers and production crew to create a visually compelling music video. The collaboration involved intricate choreography performed in challenging environments such as water and uneven terrain, demanding high levels of coordination and effort from everyone involved.

The recording of the music video for "AGASSY" presented unique challenges, particularly during scenes shot in water and on slanted ground. Soojin described the experience of dancing in ankle-deep water as quite difficult, especially while wearing heels. Despite these challenges, she noted the beauty of the scenes, particularly those set in a flower field, which were enhanced by the natural setting and the floral arrangements.

Soojin's involvement in the creative process extended to the lyrical composition of "AGASSY." The song's lyrics poetically depict a dancer moving mysteriously to Oriental sounds, reflecting her deep engagement with the theme and narrative of the track. This lyrical focus is consistent with her intent to convey personal and artistic expressions through her music.

In the lead-up to the release of "AGASSY," a series of promotional teasers were strategically released to build anticipation. These included the "AGASSY Concept Trailer," "Mood Film," and multiple teaser videos, each showcasing unique aspects of the upcoming music video. These teasers were pivotal in setting the tone and visual aesthetics for Soojin's solo debut, providing glimpses of the thematic and stylistic elements of the project.

Soojin's promotional strategy for "AGASSY" was heavily reliant on social media, where she engaged with fans directly and maximized her reach. The campaign was multifaceted, involving organic posts, paid promotions, and interactive content like contests and giveaways. Notably, the campaign did not include appearances on traditional music broadcasts but focused on social media and overseas activities to connect with a global audience. This approach was part of a broader marketing strategy designed to harness the power of digital platforms to spread the word and engage with the target audience effectively.

A significant highlight of the promotional activities was the filming of a dance performance video for M2's program, STUDIO CHOOM. This performance video was not just a display of Soojin's dance skills but also a critical element of the album's promotion, helping to showcase her artistic identity post-departure from (G)I-DLE. The strategic release of this video on platforms like YouTube helped maintain visibility and engage viewers, further amplifying the impact of the promotional campaign.

"Flowering" opens the album with a brief yet impactful presence, lasting only 1 minute and 3 seconds. The song combines echoey vocal effects with a sparse string instrumental, evoking the imagery of being bathed in early morning sunlight. This track sets a serene tone for the album, reflecting themes of natural beauty and renewal.

The title track, "AGASSY," features oriental sound instruments and portrays a vivid scene of a woman dancing amidst red flowers, blending Soojin's past and present artistic expressions. The music video enhances this track by showcasing Soojin's precise and elegant dance movements, making it a visual and auditory spectacle.

"Sunflower" is a lively track that captures the essence of a burgeoning romance, likened to a sunflower growing in the singer's heart. Its catchy melody and light-hearted lyrics make it a standout piece, resonating well with pop music enthusiasts.

"TyTy" expresses gratitude and reliance on a protective figure in Soojin's life. Musically, it features twinkling synths and layered falsettos, creating an earworm chorus that remains memorable long after the song ends.

"SUNSET," a favorite of Soojin, is a hazy R&B track set over a bossanova rhythm. It explores themes of connection and reflection, with lyrics that poetically depict watching the sunset. Despite its calm demeanor, the song establishes Soojin's solo sound effectively.

Concluding the album, "Bloodredroses" is a gentle ballad that delves into the pain of a past relationship's end. It also metaphorically addresses Soojin's personal trials, marking her resilience and growth as an artist. The song's emotional depth is enhanced by its lyrical content and Soojin's soft vocal delivery.

"AGASSY" made a notable entry on the Circle Album Chart, debuting at number eight with impressive initial sales of 66,463 units within the first five days of its release. This strong start highlighted the anticipation and support for Soojin's solo debut.

The album's popularity continued to rise, reaching a new peak at number seven on the Circle Album Chart for the week of December 3–9, 2023. Such performance indicates a sustained interest and positive reception from the market.

"AGASSY" surpassed significant milestones quickly, exceeding 100,000 copies sold on the Hanteo Chart by December 13, 2023. This achievement not only reflects the album's commercial success but also marks it as a significant accomplishment in Soojin's career. The album was officially certified for 100,000 units sold in South Korea, underscoring its widespread acclaim and robust demand.