ITZY Yeji's "AIR": The Unexpected Story Behind Her Solo Journey

ITZY Yeji finally made history on March 10, 2025, becoming the first member of the popular K-pop group to launch a solo career with her debut EP "Air". The synth-pop release wasted no time making an impact, characterized by strong bass lines and an addictive hook that showcased her distinctive artistic vision. When JYP Entertainment first announced Yeji's solo plans in January 2025, social media platforms erupted with unprecedented excitement, leading to record-breaking pre-orders for a female soloist debut from the company.

Beyond merely performing, Yeji also participated in writing lyrics for the title track, aiming to express the intense immersion she feels while on stage. "The message of 'Air' is about showcasing my presence, my aura, through my first solo debut," she explained about the concept behind her work. This personal touch evidently resonated with audiences, as the EP subsequently earned platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association after surpassing 250,000 album sales. Throughout the release, listeners can experience how Yeji's skills as a dancer influenced the upbeat retro sound that builds to a satisfying climax.

From ITZY Leader to Solo Artist

Hwang Yeji's journey to becoming a soloist began long before her official announcement. Born in Jeonju, South Korea, on May 26, 2000, she harbored entertainment dreams from an early age, despite initially disliking dance. Her path took a decisive turn when she passed a JYP Entertainment audition in 2016, becoming an official trainee.

Yeji's early years with ITZY

Before ITZY's formation, Yeji competed on SBS TV's "The Fan" in 2018, where 2PM's Junho described her as "JYP's secret weapon". Though eliminated in episode five, this exposure helped her gain public attention. On January 20, 2019, JYP Entertainment revealed Yeji as ITZY's leader, and the group officially debuted on February 12, 2019, with their first single album "It'z Different" and its lead single "Dalla Dalla".

Throughout ITZY's journey, Yeji established herself as a versatile performer with exceptional stage presence. In March 2021, she was chosen as Studio Choom's "Artist of the Month," where she covered Bishop Briggs' "River" and shared insights into her dance journey. Her powerful performances and calm expressions quickly earned her recognition as a "K-pop representative performance queen".

Building anticipation for a solo debut

The first glimpse of Yeji's solo potential came in December 2023 when she released "Crown On My Head," her first solo track featured in ITZY's eighth EP "Born To Be". This track showcased her capabilities as an individual artist, especially during ITZY's second world tour where her solo performance elicited thunderous applause.

In December 2024, Yeji further expanded her solo repertoire by releasing her first OST, "Think about you," for the romantic comedy series "Love Your Enemy". These projects set the stage for what was to come.

Why Yeji was chosen as the first soloist

On January 17, 2025, JYP Entertainment officially confirmed that Yeji would become the first ITZY member to make her solo debut. During her debut showcase in Seoul, Yeji candidly shared her thoughts on being chosen: "I believe I was chosen as the first soloist because I'm the eldest and the leader of the team. I think the company trusted me to take on this challenge first".

Furthermore, the timing of her solo debut proved significant. After six years with ITZY, Yeji admitted that she "felt like falling into a rut, repeating the same schedule". The solo proposal came at the perfect moment, reigniting her passion and providing a fresh challenge that allowed her to rediscover her love for performing.

The Road to 'Air': Planning and Preparation

The official countdown to Yeji's solo career began on February 10, 2025, when JYP Entertainment unveiled an intriguing trailer for her debut album "AIR" and announced its release date of March 10. This marked the beginning of a meticulously planned month-long promotional campaign designed to build maximum anticipation.

Initial announcement and teaser rollout

Following the initial January confirmation of her solo plans, JYP Entertainment crafted a comprehensive rollout schedule that strategically released content throughout February and early March. The schedule revealed key dates: tracklist on February 14, concept photos and short films on February 24, 26, and 28, an album spoiler on March 3, and music video teasers on March 5 and 7.

The debut trailer itself set a distinctive tone—featuring glitchy, galactic soundscapes and thought-provoking scenes of Yeji walking through a mysterious laboratory, establishing an avant-garde aesthetic for the project. As the campaign progressed, additional short films and concept photos were released according to schedule, each revealing new dimensions of Yeji's artistic vision.

Fan reactions and social media buzz

From the moment the first teaser dropped, social media platforms exploded with excitement. "Finding out Yeji was about to make her solo debut was enough to have everyone at the edge of their seat," noted one publication, adding that "with just that, she had everyone in a chokehold".

The anticipation only intensified with each new release. Korean netizens expressed overwhelming approval, with comments like "It's been so long since we've seen JYP pick such a good song" and "Honestly I didn't expect much, but this was the best" flooding online forums. The visual teasers particularly resonated with fans, many describing Yeji as looking "luxurious" and "like a Hollywood actress".

Visual concept and photoshoot direction

The visual direction for "AIR" balanced futuristic elements with refined elegance. Concept photos showcased Yeji in a modern layout with dynamic effects, striking a balance between wild energy and sophistication within a muted, abstract palette. In one striking short film, her silhouette was captured with her hair flowing gracefully, highlighting the contrast between motion and stillness.

Yeji herself was deeply involved in the visual direction, particularly regarding fashion choices. "I put a lot of thought into the fashion for the trailer. I wanted to highlight my strengths and create an artistic mood while making sure the outfits would catch people's interest," she explained, noting that she intentionally varied the styling to showcase versatility.

The physical albums reflected this experimental theme, featuring hyper-stylish, 3D-generated visuals that complemented the project's futuristic essence, alongside a "MYSTERY BOX" version offering more candid, unfiltered glimpses of Yeji.

Inside the Making of 'Air'

Yeji's debut mini-album "AIR" emerges as a carefully crafted artistic statement, reflecting her musical vision and personal experiences. Released on March 10, 2025, the four-track EP showcases her versatility as both performer and creator.

The meaning behind the title

The title "AIR" carries profound significance for Yeji, representing more than just a catchy name. "To me, the title AIR evokes freedom and space," she explained, noting that one version of the physical album is even called "OXYGEN". The concept embodies Yeji's desire to create her perfect environment—"a space where I can embrace it, meet myself, and experience new feelings". Moreover, the title connects directly to her performance experience, as she revealed, "There's a lyric that says, 'You take my breath away', and when I think about those overwhelming moments, they were always on stage".

Yeji's role in songwriting and lyrics

Notably, Yeji participated in writing lyrics for the title track, adding authentic personal expression to her debut. This creative involvement allowed her to capture the sensation of "intense immersion felt while performing on stage". Her lyrics include evocative lines such as "Don't know where we're goin'," "Every last step moves us closer to transcend," and "You take my breath away", effectively conveying the exhilarating rush of emotions that come with losing control.

Collaborators and producers involved

The album's quality was enhanced through collaboration with industry veterans. Renowned K-pop producer J.Y. Park participated in the title track's production, lending his expertise to elevate the project. Additionally, the album features contributions from an impressive lineup of songwriters including danke (who has worked with IU and TWICE), Lee Woo-min "collapsedone," Noday, and Ryan Jhun. This star-studded production team ensured a diverse musical experience across the EP.

Tracklist overview and genre influences

"AIR" contains four distinct tracks that showcase different facets of Yeji's artistry. The title track "Air" is characterized as synth-pop with strong bass sound and an addictive hook. "Invasion," the second track, features "a soaring chorus that gives listeners the sensation of flying". The third track, "Can't Slow Me, No," delivers energetic, impactful vibes. Completing the collection is "258," described as "a dynamic and explosive piece". Together, these tracks create what Chyenne Tatum of Grammy described as "some of the most tantalizing electronica and dance-pop sounds K-pop has heard in a long while".

Performance, Visuals, and Choreography

Beyond the music itself, Yeji's "Air" comes alive through its striking visual elements and dynamic performances. The synth-pop track finds its perfect expression through carefully crafted visuals and choreography that highlight her strengths as a performer.

Music video symbolism and direction

The "Air" music video expertly balances refined aesthetics with playful elements. One standout symbolic moment features Yeji laying on a car bonnet in a crash scene, effectively representing how breath is taken away by the song's subject. Indeed, this visual metaphor directly connects to the lyrics "You take my breath away" that appear throughout the track. The video also incorporates unexpected elements, including Yeji's wacky poses at the beginning and end, alongside her memorable trip over a log while walking from a couch. These unconventional choices create a refreshing visual experience that complements the song's energetic nature.

Choreography highlights and Yeji's dance style

As ITZY's main dancer, Yeji delivers a masterclass in performance through "Air." The choreography showcases her exceptional skills with a striking back-bending move near the song's conclusion and a sensual hand drag across her body that immediately captivates viewers. On March 13, she released the official dance practice video, giving fans a full view of her impressive movements and the razor-sharp formations created with her backup dancers. Correspondingly, this routine demonstrates why she's considered a "fourth-generation top performer" with movements that unfold over the song's captivating tone.

Stage performances and live showcases

Yeji debuted her solo performance at a press conference held in the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel on March 10, 2025. Dressed in a stunning black off-shoulder mini dress, she showcased her sultry charm while performing the title track. Nonetheless, she admitted feeling nervous about performing alone: "As a solo artist, since I'm performing alone, I think my personal color will be more clearly visible than in group activities." Simultaneously, this vulnerability only enhanced her charisma on stage, with her confidence and refined energy shining throughout her performances, confirming her status as one of K-pop's most compelling dancers.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Upon release, "AIR" ignited an immediate wave of critical acclaim, positioning Yeji as a formidable solo force in the K-pop landscape. The EP rapidly accumulated both commercial success and critical recognition that extended far beyond ITZY's established fanbase.

Critical reviews and media coverage

Chyenne Tatum of Grammy magazine praised the mini-album as venturing into "some of the most tantalizing electronica and dance-pop sounds K-pop has heard in a long while". This sentiment echoed across multiple platforms, with TheHoneyPop declaring it "a perfect pop mini-album" with "refreshing and infectious tracks". Reviewers consistently awarded the project high scores, with KpopReviewed giving "Air" a 9/10 rating across song, music video, and performance categories.

Critics particularly highlighted Yeji's confident vocal delivery, with AsianJunkie noting that while her "quality as a performer was never in doubt," her solo debut demonstrated "a solid range of emoting, from vulnerability to defiance". Consequently, many reviewers emphasized that "Air" effectively established her unique identity as a soloist, distinct from her group persona.

Chart performance and certifications

Commercially, "AIR" achieved remarkable success across multiple markets. The EP debuted at number 3 on South Korea's Circle Album Chart and secured impressive international positions, including number 6 on Billboard's World Albums chart and number 17 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.

Even more impressively, by May 9, 2025, "Air" received Platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association after selling 250,000 copies on Circle Chart. In addition, the album reached number one on iTunes top album charts in countries including Chile, Malaysia, and Russia, demonstrating Yeji's global appeal.

Why 'Air' is a turning point in K-pop solo debuts

"Air" represents a significant milestone in K-pop solo debuts, essentially establishing a new benchmark for group members venturing into solo territory. Unlike many previous solo efforts that relied heavily on established group sounds, Yeji crafted a distinctive musical identity while maintaining her recognizable performance style.

In comparison with other 2024-2025 solo debuts, "Air" stands out for its commercial performance. Although Mark's debut album "The FirstFruit" sold an impressive 544,470 copies in its first week, Yeji's achievement of 250,000 sales and Platinum certification remains extraordinary for a female soloist from a girl group.

Above all, "Air" demonstrated that ITZY members could successfully pursue individual artistic visions while maintaining the group's momentum, potentially opening doors for other members to explore solo projects in the future.