"I'm looking forward to your 30s," Oh Yu-jin, taking on a new challenge beyond trot [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Oh Yu-jin expressed her unwavering affection for trot while also declaring her ambition to cross genre boundaries and take on diverse musical challenges. Through her new synth-pop track "What Are You Doing, Fox?", she showcased a fresh side of herself, aiming to gradually expand her musical repertoire from ballads to self-composed songs and carve out her own unique style.

Released on the 21st of last month, "What Are You Doing, Fox?" is a synth-pop track inspired by the traditional Korean children's song "Fox, Fox, What Are You Doing?". The song features an addictive melody and lyrics enhanced by Oh Yu-jin's signature clear vocals, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Producer Ddol-i Park, known for producing numerous hit songs including SISTAR's "Alone", contributed to the production, elevating the track's quality.

For Oh Yu-jin, who released her new single after nine months, this promotional campaign was a series of new experiences. She said, "Preparing the new song brought many new experiences. It's been nine months since my last album, and this time I appeared on music shows and released a music video, making it even more meaningful."

Especially for Oh Yu-jin, who has been active as a trot singer, performing on music shows alongside idol groups was a unique experience. She remarked, "Performing on music shows with idols created a very different atmosphere from trot, so I tried to adapt. We did many challenges. Since we also had to prepare the stage, I had to split my time for challenges and became completely overwhelmed."

Alongside musical changes, she also put significant effort into her appearance. Oh Yu-jin stated, "In the past, I mostly maintained a neat style, but this time I wanted to show an idol-like image, so I bleached my hair nine times. I also dieted and managed my health diligently, losing about 4-5 kilograms and even deleting food delivery apps. I put tremendous effort into everything that would be visible."

Taking on a new genre came with considerable pressure. She admitted, "When I first received the song, I doubted myself, thinking 'Can I really do this?' I was scared and afraid. However, as I recorded the track and prepared the album, my confidence gradually grew. Through preparation, I became convinced that 'I am someone who can do this.'"

Thus, a challenge begun amidst worries returned to her as confidence through the positive response from fans and the public. Oh Yu-jin shared, "It was an album I worried about a lot, but many people liked it, so I feel happy that it concluded well. I feel relieved having successfully completed this new challenge."

Having experienced a new genre through "What Are You Doing, Fox?", Oh Yu-jin announced her plan to continue expanding her musical horizons. She said, "After this song, there are many genres I want to try. I want to incorporate things that suit me beautifully one by one."

Among these, the genre she is currently most interested in is ballads. Oh Yu-jin explained, "Through numerous competitions, I have accumulated experience and learned how to sing properly. As I've gradually developed a sense of what music the public enjoys, I want to utilize this well and challenge myself with ballads."

To achieve this, she has been broadening her listening range. She explained, "These days, I listen to a variety of music without discrimination—K-pop, trot, and ballads. Since I have mostly performed fast-paced songs with high tempos, I am trying to learn the breathing techniques and skills of ballads by listening to other singers' songs and making them my own."

Her musical role models include Jang Yoon-jung, Hong Jin-young, and IU. She said, "Seniors Jang Yoon-jung and Hong Jin-young are established pioneers who have succeeded in the trot industry. They show versatility by crossing between trot and K-pop, so I want to emulate those aspects. As for Senior IU, I have listened to her music a lot since I was young because I loved singing."

However, expanding into other genres does not mean severing ties with trot. Oh Yu-jin emphasized, "While trying different genres like 'What Are You Doing, Fox?', my affection for authentic trot remains strong. I do not intend to let go of authentic trot."

Beyond expanding genres, Oh Yu-jin's long-term goal is to express her own stories through music. She is steadily preparing to create music herself by discussing music with friends who play instruments and learning how to use composition software.

Oh Yu-jin stated, "I haven't officially started yet, but I want to develop toward my dream by accumulating knowledge step by step. I am looking forward to my 30s. Although I am still in my teens, thinking about my 30s ahead of my 20s brings anticipation. I hope to one day express through song the things I will learn as I live my life fully."

Having taken a step beyond her starting point in trot, Oh Yu-jin now looks toward a broader musical world. "What Are You Doing, Fox?" served not only as confirmation of new possibilities for her but also as another starting point for her future musical journey. So, what is Oh Yu-jin's ultimate goal? Without hesitation, she named "a singer with many hit songs."

Oh Yu-jin said, "First and foremost, I want to become a singer with many hit songs. Creating hits means proving that the genres I challenge have become 'Oh Yu-jin's Genre' and achieved success, which I believe is the most definitive way. It feels good in itself that many people know my songs."

She continued, "These days, while cover songs are often loved, it seems difficult to be loved by the public through new songs. Therefore, if I can become a singer with hit songs loved by many through my own original music, I think that would be truly wonderful."

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*This content was translated by AI.