Get to know Hyunjung in this exclusive interview.
Meet Hyunjung, also known by her stage name Eseo, an emerging soloist captivating audiences with her enchanting blend of R&B melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Formerly a rapper in a girl group that disbanded in 2022, Hyunjung has since embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth, continuously pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. As a singer-songwriter, Hyunjung brings a unique charm to her music, weaving her personal experiences and emotions into every track she creates.
Recently, Hyunjung has undergone a transformation, embracing a more vocal-centric style that resonates deeply with her audience. Her sound has evolved, now characterized by soulful melodies and captivating rhythms, making her songs a pleasure to listen to. With digital singles like "Fade Out," "Doll," "Yellow," "Insomnia," and "I," Hyunjung takes listeners on a journey through her innermost thoughts and feelings, each song offering a glimpse into her artistic soul.
In an exclusive interview with Hyunjung, I dive deep into her creative process, her aspirations for the future, the messages she hopes to convey through her music, and more. Join me as I explore the world of Hyunjung and discover the passion and dedication behind her captivating sound.
Hello Hyunjung! Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and journey in the music industry?
Hello! This is Hyunjing, who used to be the leader of the girl group LUNARSOLAR. Now that I'm done with my girl group activities, I'm taking on various challenges, such as writing my own songs or collaborating with others to promote myself as a solo artist.
Your music has been described as having an alluring R&B sound that draws listeners in. What do you believe are your unique charms as an artist?
I think my charm is the expression of the lyrics and vocals. I've been getting a lot of feedback that my voice is too husky and dark to be an idol, so I've practiced a lot to reduce my own characteristics. Now, as a solo artist, I can express my own charm without hiding it, so I'm thinking about various vocal expressions more freely when writing my own songs. I think I have the power to make listeners feel greater empathy through vocal expressions that match the lyrics.
As a lyricist and composer, you are deeply involved in the creative process of every track. How does this shape your approach to music production?
I've never learned how to compose or write lyrics. Actually, I think that's why I'm lacking a lot. I write down sentences that come to mind suddenly in a notepad or record the emotions I feel in the lyrics before using them to make a song When creating a track, I first record the entire line as chords based on what comes to mind, then mix various instruments that go well with it to create one. To put it simply, I transfer everything I have in my head to the computer one by one to create one song. There is no right answer, so I'm just doing whatever I want! (laughs)
Your sound has shifted from a rapper to a more vocal-centric style. What inspired this development in your music, and how do you think it reflects your personal growth as an artist?
(laughs) Many people still think that I have grown from a rapper to a vocalist, but it is actually the opposite. From the beginning, I was a vocalist and only sang, but as I was preparing to debut as a girl group, I was put in charge of the rap part of the song we were practicing as a team. Among the members, I took on the rap part at the suggestion of many staff members who thought my voice was best suited for rap. This was my first rap in my life. After writing the rap part for “Lonely,” which was included in Luna Solar's album, I became more interested in rap and thought that I wanted to become a vocalist who could also rap. So, from then on, I started including rap parts in my own songs, and I'm glad that I was able to express the songs in more diverse ways as a result. I think I will continue to take on the challenge of rapping in the future.
Your digital singles, "Fade Out," "Doll," "Yellow," "Insomnia," and "I," each have a distinct feel. Can you share the inspiration behind each of these songs?
First, “Fade Out” and “Doll” are songs composed using free beats.
Sometimes, when life is too difficult, people want to disappear. “Fade Out” is a song I made to capture those feelings. With the title and lyrics, I tried to express my desire to disappear.
"Doll" is the story of a person who lives without a goal. There are often moments in life when we have to hide our feelings. The song compares a person who hides his feelings amid other people's opinions and evaluations of his/her life and lives with a smile to a doll.
“Yellow,” “Insomnia,” and “I” are songs I wrote and composed myself. These three songs were all made quite a long time ago.
“Yellow” is a song written with yellow as the main character, the color that symbolizes me among my fans. This may not be the case for everyone, but yellow usually has positive images, such as brightness and joy. One day, a thought occurred to me: ‘Wouldn’t yellow always be bright?’ and ‘Wouldn’t yellow make you want to cry sometimes?’ There are many people in this world who are trying hard to show their bright side, and I wrote this song because I wanted to write a song that would comfort and empathize with them.
“Insomnia” is a song I wrote during a night when I couldn’t sleep due to insomnia. Like the lyrics of the song, I wanted to say goodbye to this dark night and wait for a better tomorrow than today.
The last “I” has a double meaning! It's a little difficult to explain. ‘I’ is a word that refers to me, but if you pronounce the same sound in Korean, it becomes a word that means 'child.' In this song, I express myself as a ‘child.’ When I was having a really difficult time, I was able to endure it thanks to the support and comfort of my fans. So, I wrote this song with the intention of telling the person I was at that time not to give up and to cheer up.
Although all the songs have different themes, they were written with the hope that listeners would empathize with them.
In addition to music, you regularly upload cover songs to YouTube. What inspired you to cover a particular song, and do you have a favorite cover that you've ever performed?
I started covering songs because I wanted to show a variety of sides. There are various criteria for choosing a song to cover. Usually, I find a song that suits me and cover it among the most popular songs or newly released songs. However, sometimes, I cover songs that are opposite to my voice because I want to challenge myself. An example would be "Plot Twist" by TWS.
Among my covers, my favorite is “My Bag" by (G)I-DLE, which I posted first. It was my first attempt at recording on my own, and it was a lot of fun.
Where do you usually get inspiration for your songs and creative process?
I usually get inspiration from conversations with fans and from my daily life, as well as from webtoons, animations, dramas, and movies.
Your songs have the power to evoke emotions and resonate deeply with listeners. What do you hope people take away from your music?
From the time I started making music until now, I think there's only one thing I've wanted. Sometimes, the fact that there is someone next to me who is going through the same situation and thinking the same thing is more comforting than any other comfort. I want to convey the message, “No matter what you experience or feel, I am by your side.” I don't want anyone to be lonely.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not making music?
I am a big soccer fan. When I don't have a schedule, I go to watch games or watch games on TV at home. Or, I like to go to a quiet cafe and spend time. If you come to a soccer stadium or a famous cafe, you might spot me. (laughs)
What are some of your aspirations or goals for the future, both personally and professionally?
I want to hold a private concert, even on a very small scale, for those who love me and my music. If there is just one person who waits for my music, my dream is to sing for that person for the rest of my life.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in terms of new music, collaborations, or other projects?
I plan to write and release songs in more diverse genres. Collaboration with others is also possible.
What's something about you that might surprise your fans?
I joined a band team a few months ago and have been working as a member. When the weather gets warmer in April, I'll be busking with a variety of people. I hope many people in Korea will come and listen to my songs.
Lastly, please leave a message to share with your fans.
To my beloved fans and IAMRAEIAM readers! It seems like it's been a really long time since I gave you this official greeting. The reason I have been able to make music until now is thanks to all of you who always show me unwavering love. I will never forget the love you gave me, I will always be grateful for everything, and I will become a singer who sings more stories. I love you. Have a Yellow Day!
Lastly, I would like to thank you for creating this opportunity.
You can connect with Hyunjung on Instagram.
Listen to her solo work on YouTube and SoundCloud.
*Special thanks to Hyunjung for this exclusive interview.