HANHEE talks 마요네즈 (MAYO!), her passion for music, and what makes her debut album truly special in this exclusive interview.
On January 9, 2025, HANHEE officially made her long-awaited debut with the release of her album 마요네즈 (MAYO!), a project that blends raw emotion and bold creativity. Having spent the past few years as a trainee, HANHEE's journey to this moment has been marked by her dedication and passion for music. 마요네즈 (MAYO!) introduces listeners to her unique sound, while her pre-release track "What We Loved," which dropped on October 1, 2024, set the stage, giving fans a glimpse of what was to come. With the album's release, HANHEE proves that her passion, kindness, and humility shine not only in her personality but also in her music.
Known for her deep connection with her fans, HANHEE has been transparent about her journey, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at her preparation for the debut album project through a daily vlog that began releasing in late-November 2024. This connection has only deepened her relationship with her growing fanbase, who have eagerly awaited her first full release. 마요네즈 (MAYO!) represents a fresh start for HANHEE, showing off her versatile talents and sincere voice as she steps into the spotlight.
In an exclusive interview with HANHEE, she opens up about the creative process behind 마요네즈 (MAYO!) and the inspirations that guided her through its creation. She also shares insights into how her experiences have shaped her debut sound and what fans can expect from her in the future. Plus, HANHEE gives us a fun hint about her MBTI type, adding a personal touch that will leave fans even more excited to support her on this journey.
Congratulations on the release of your debut solo album 마요네즈 (MAYO!)! How does it feel to finally share this project with the world?
HANHEE: Thank you so much. I still can't believe I debuted. I feel like I'm dreaming. I just really hope that the fans will like this album.
For those who may be discovering you for the first time, please introduce yourself and share a bit about how you got into music.
HANHEE: Hello, I'm Hanhee. I'm really happy to connect with you through this album. I was a K-pop trainee for five years, and I created this solo debut project for the fans who have been waiting for me. I released this album, especially for you. The reason I continue to make music is because of my fans—I want to bring happiness to them through my music. I also plan to prepare another album for my fans in the future.
If you could describe 마요네즈 (MAYO!) in three words, what would they be?
HANHEE: My fans, love, bliss.
마요네즈 (MAYO!) is such a unique title for an album! Can you tell us the story behind the name and its concept?
HANHEE: It's the story of a girl in love—mayonnaise that makes every food sweet and creamy! Fall in love with someone who resembles "mayonnaise." The mayonnaise mentioned in this song also represents my fans.
What inspired the overall theme and sound of 마요네즈 (MAYO!)?
HANHEE: Among the games I played when I was young, one was a pixel game about saving a princess, which inspired me. Drawing from that memory, I created a music video with a pixel game theme. While thinking about how to express love in cute words, the idea of mayonnaise came to mind.
The title track has been teased as a catchy yet heartfelt song. What message do you hope listeners take away from it?
HANHEE: If you realize you are loved, you can overcome any difficulties, as if the fans have become my hope.
Which song on the album do you feel represents you the most, and why?
HANHEE: “사랑이 몰까 (what we loved).” I created this song during one of the most challenging moments in my life, after quitting as a trainee. It tells the story of a girl who struggles to love herself. The song captures the journey of overcoming hardships and finding growth through the meaning of love. I believe it marked the beginning of this album.
Were there any personal experiences or moments that influenced the songwriting or production of this album?
HANHEE: In my most difficult moment, I realized I was loved and made a pledge to create this album.
Did you face any challenges while working on 마요네즈 (MAYO!)? How did you overcome them?
HANHEE: There were challenges with the concept and genre. I spent a lot of time thinking and worrying about what kind of concept the fans would enjoy. Then, I saw fans who loved me regardless of how I presented myself. That gave me the strength to overcome those difficulties by deciding to focus on the genre I felt most confident in.
Have any particular artists or genres influenced your sound over the years?
HANHEE: Blackpink and PinkPantheress—I really admire them!
How do you see your music evolving in the future? Are there any new styles or projects you’d like to explore?
HANHEE: I want to try rock or pop genres, but I think I'll keep challenging this genre for a while. I'm also preparing for my second album, which I plan to release this summer.
If you could perform one of your songs anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
HANHEE: I want to perform in Paris or the United States! Both Paris and the United States have always been my dream locations. That would be fantastic! I also dream of meeting international fans, and I pray hard that it will come true someday.
What’s one thing fans might not know about you that you’d love to share?
HANHEE: Unlike my image, I have a very quiet personality. When I take the MBTI test, my ‘I’ score is over 90%. This is my TMI (laughs).
When you’re not working on music, what do you enjoy doing to relax and recharge?
HANHEE: I don’t like to stay still. I’m someone who can’t remain still for even a moment. I feel anxious when I’m not working. These days, I’ve been busy preparing for my second album! Please look forward to it!
Finally, please leave a message for the fans reading this article.
HANHEE: Thank you so much for always waiting and supporting me! It took a while for the album to be released to the world, but I promise to keep growing. Thank you for always being my hope! I love you always! Let's be together for a long time!
Connect with HANHEE on Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and Soundcloud.
Listen to her discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to HANHEE for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: HANHEE