YEJI of ITZY steps into a new realm with her solo debut, defined by sonic sophistication and fearless reinvention.

There’s a moment in YEJI’s cinematic trailer for AIR where she stands, bathed in an otherworldly glow, short-cropped hair framing her face. The transformation—YEJI is classically known for her signature long locks—is a striking image, a visual metaphor for shedding the old and embracing the new. This is YEJI as we’ve never seen her before: not just as the magnetic one-fifth of ITZY, but as a solo artist stepping into her own, ready to define herself on her own terms.

AIR, her debut solo project, is a sophisticated blend of retro and futuristic sounds, anchored by YEJI’s dynamic vocal colours and a palpable sense of freedom. The title track, “Air,” is a shimmering ode to self-discovery; its 80s-inspired sharp bass rhythms, crisp hand claps, and glittering synths create a soundscape that feels luxurious and expansive. “You keep taking all of my air,” she bellows, in a way that’s impossible to ignore; capturing the compelling confidence of her artistry.

The freedom YEJI speaks of is not just a lyrical theme, but a reflection of her creative process. With only four tracks, AIR is deliberate in its sparseness and YEJI’s shrewd choice to keep it succinct feels intentional, giving space for each track to breathe in a meticulously crafted exhale of confidence and vulnerability. Sitting down with Wonderland, YEJI mentions that all of the songs could have been a title track, which isn’t an overstatement in the slightest. There’s no room for fillers, and the decision to prioritise quality over quantity pays off. 

Much like the bold freedom she exudes in her music, YEJI has shown an equal willingness to experiment with fashion, making daring choices that reinforce her evolving artistic identity. Most notably, her much-discussed Milan Fashion Week look at Dolce & Gabbana’s show saw her sensationally channel old Hollywood glamour with a peaked leather cap, dramatic veil and rouge lips. A viral hit and a stark contrast to her previous image, the moment took its place as part of a wider narrative affirming YEJI as an unpredictable fashionista. AIR is a continuation of that, playing into her angular features with a variety of conceptual fashion cohesively interlinked to an elevated offering: figure-hugging suits, a gorgeous hooded gown, thigh-high stiletto boots. 

The physical albums of AIR, teased with hyper-stylish, 3D-generated visuals, nod to those experimental, futuristic themes of the project, while the “MYSTERY BOX” version offers a more candid, unfiltered look at YEJI, capturing her in moments of quiet confidence. It’s an enhancement to the wider storytelling here, pulling us deeper into the forward-thinking world YEJI has crafted around her first solo project. 

The debut trailer—with its glitchy, galactic soundtrack and thought-provoking scenes of YEJI strutting through a mysterious laboratory—comes together like an avant-garde retelling of the journey she’s embarked on. In ITZY’s debut 2019 video “DALLA DALLA,” YEJI and her bandmates famously emerge from an elevator to mark their arrival. It’s boisterous, vivid, and loud in its deliverance. This time, YEJI emerges alone from the smoke, draped only in feathery monochrome high-fashion. It’s a subtle homage to her past but also an artistic rebirth, a visual reminder of where she’s been—and a taste of where she’s heading next.

Speaking on a video call live from Seoul, YEJI shared her thoughts on the themes of her solo work, her focus on fashion, and how her solo project is influencing her contributions to ITZY’s forthcoming material.

You’re the first member of ITZY to make your solo debut—how does the experience of creating music as a solo artist differ from working as part of a group?

There’s definitely a clear difference. When I was promoting as part of the group, we would gather our opinions together and shape our own collective perspective. But this time, I participated in the album entirely based on my own thoughts. Because of that, I felt a greater sense of responsibility, and I had to be more careful when making decisions or considering my choices. At the same time, I think I was able to focus more, which was a good thing.

To me, the title AIR evokes freedom and space, and one version of the physical album is called ‘OXYGEN.’ So, what kind of message or feeling do you hope to convey to your listeners with this concept?

The title track ‘Air’ has themes of freedom and self-discovery, and I think the message we’re trying to convey is about creating my perfect ‘air’—a space where I can embrace it, meet myself, and experience new feelings. It captures various sides of me. If you watch the trailer that was recently released, you can see this concept reflected. I believe the message of the song ‘Air’ also carries the same meaning, so I hope it will allow people to see a new side of me.

Branching from that, another version of the album is called the ‘MYSTERY BOX.’ What new versions of YEJI can fans expect from these different versions?

It’s like a photo album concept. There are a lot of photos that came out really naturally, without trying to make them look like a specific puzzle. I think there are some really interesting shots in the Mystery Box too and you’ll be able to see many images of me posing very naturally and confidently, so it’ll be exciting for fans to see those.

Let’s talk about the creation of AIR. What would you say was the biggest challenge during the creative process?

During the creative process, I think the most difficult part was reflecting on what I’m good at and taking the time to think about what the audience might expect from me. It was a period of contemplation, trying to find that balance. I spent a lot of time discussing with the staff around me, and I believe that’s how we ended up with an album that truly reflects my best self, both in terms of the songs and the overall outcome.

There are only four songs on AIR. Did you find the process of choosing those four songs difficult, or did you feel quite certain when making those choices?

When it came to choosing the four tracks for the album, there were a lot of great songs; all the B-side tracks were considered as the title track. I personally selected the ones I thought both the fans would love and I would connect with. That’s how we put the album together.

MIDZY has been loving the fashion and creative direction of AIR, especially in the official trailer. How do you think the styling choices reflect the music and the overall concept of the album?

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 fashion would catch people’s interest. The outfits weren’t all in the same mood, I wanted to show variety. Personally, I think my hairstyle also stood out since I tried a short haircut for the first time. I believe that drew a lot of attention, and it was something I found really interesting as well.

You had your solo track “Crown On My Head” as part of ITZY’s BORN TO BE album last year, which you also performed live during ITZY’s world tour. How did this experience help you prepare for making your solo debut?

The tour and my solo songs really helped me a lot. Being able to perform songs I participated in writing and composing on my own was a huge opportunity. I think it was such an essential experience leading up to preparing for this solo album. It gave me the confidence to approach this solo album with a strong sense of self.

We spoke earlier about your confidence, which many fans admire you for, but there’s also a side of vulnerability in your work. How do you balance these two aspects of yourself in your music?

These days, I try to make sure I take proper breaks. I used to not completely disconnect from work, even when I was resting. But after being active for so long, I’ve realized that I wasn’t truly resting. So now, when I do take breaks, I try to think more about what I enjoy and make time for those things. Work is something I really love, so sometimes, doing my job itself helps me relieve stress and brings me joy.

What do you hope audiences learn about you as a solo artist after listening to AIR? 

I don’t expect anything too big. I would just be really grateful if fans enjoyed the songs I worked hard to prepare. I know they’re excited to see this side of me, and I don’t want to disappoint them. So, I’m working really hard to make sure it meets their expectations and that they enjoy it.

Now that you’ve made your solo debut, what kinds of future projects are you most excited about exploring?

Every time I prepare an album, it feels like a new experience—receiving new songs, new choreography, and working on a new album. This solo album has been a big motivation for me, and I’m thrilled to show this side of myself. It’s exciting. I’ll approach every album with that same feeling—whether it’s for my solo work or for ITZY. I’m ready to give my all and prepare the best I can for everything ahead.

AIR by YEJI is out now.

Words – Hasan Beyaz
Photography – JYP Entertainment