Having amassed over 5 years of experience in the K-Pop scene, the multi-talented solo act Jo Yu Ri, signed under WAKEONE, has displayed remarkable growth since her debut in the beloved girl group IZ*ONE, formed through Produce 48. In October of the same year after bidding farewell to her group, Yu Ri embarked on an exciting new chapter as a solo artist.

Yu Ri made her solo debut with the release of her single album 'GLASSY,' which featured the catchy dance track of the same name. Since then, she has captivated audiences with the release of a mini-album, a single album, collaborations, and original soundtracks. Now, she reveals a new side of herself with her anticipated second mini-album, 'LOVE ALL,' following the release of 'Op.22 Y-Waltz : in Major' in 2022.

'LOVE ALL' marks Yu Ri's first album release of 2023, offering a vivid exploration of the many colorful aspects of a romantic relationship as two lovers dive deeper into one another. The album showcases the hybrid dance pop title track, "TAXI," along with captivating B-sides titled "Lemon Black Tea," "Bitter Taste," "Hang On," and "Bruise."

To commemorate her return, allkpop had the privilege of speaking with Jo Yu Ri about the message and significance behind 'LOVE ALL' and "TAXI" as well as her upcoming role in 'Squid Game 2,' her acting and singing career, and much more. Get an exclusive insight into the world of this talented solo artist by reading our interview below!

allkpop: Hi, Jo Yu Ri! First of all, congratulations on your comeback with 'LOVE ALL'! What is your album all about? How does it feel to show everyone your new songs?

Jo Yu Ri: Hello, everyone! I'm absolutely thrilled to be making a comeback with my brand-new mini-album, 'LOVE ALL’. It feels like it's been quite some time since my last music release, so I'm really nervous and excited at the same time. 'LOVE ALL,' my second mini album, is all about the intricate moments and emotions that revolve around the theme of love. The title track, "TAXI," serves as a ‘confession song,’ embodying my unwavering determination to dash straight toward my loved one. Blending dance and pop elements, the track exudes an undeniable energy! I can't wait for you to witness the more mature side of me through this album! 

allkpop: I watched the MV for "TAXI," and there, you failed your driver's license exam. It seems interesting! Are there any funny or memorable behind-the-scenes stories from the MV shooting?  

Jo Yu Ri: That's right! In the music video, you'll see me taking a taxi to get to my beloved 'you,' all because I don't have a driver's license. And funnily enough, this parallels my real-life situation, where I'm also without a driver's license, an aspect that actually helped me immerse myself into the required emotions for the role. (laughs) I took on the role and starred in the music video personally. I put a lot of effort into really getting across the feelings of being in love, so I hope you like it!

allkpop: The album's name is 'LOVE ALL,' but the title song is "TAXI." How are the two connected? Could you tell us more about the message you'd like to deliver with "TAXI"?

Jo Yu Ri: "Love All" is a phrase that referees use to kick off sports games like table tennis or tennis. Inspired by this, I set out to interpret all moments of love including the beginning, just like the commencement of a game, in my own colors. Interestingly, the title track "TAXI" was the original title from the outset and I genuinely resonated with it. And since the album revolves around the theme of love, I decided to amplify the title's significance by interweaving the song's narrative with it. This led to the creation of "TAXI," a 'confession song' that aligns perfectly with the album's theme.  

allkpop: 'LOVE ALL' consists of 5 new songs. Do you have your personal favorite track from the album? Also, how was your experience working and recording the songs?  

Jo Yu Ri: I put in a lot of effort to bring out a vocal tone that harmonizes with each song, which is why I hold all 5 tracks on the album close to my heart. If I were to single out just one, I'd undoubtedly choose the final track, "Bruise." From the instant I heard it, I was instantaneously captivated – it just clicked with me. While many of my previous songs have leaned towards performance, "Bruise" provided me the opportunity to unveil my identity as a vocalist. When I first encountered the song, my focus wasn't on whether I could handle it, but rather, "I truly want to master this beautifully!" It's a song that has been meticulously crafted. 

allkpop: Now that it's been 2 years since your solo debut with 'GLASSY,' do you feel more confident and relaxed now whenever you're preparing, working, and promoting alone? What do you usually do to overcome challenges?   

Jo Yu Ri: One difference from my time in a group might be that I no longer share the waiting room with the members. (laughs) When I'm working as a solo artist, I find myself contemplating the path that resonates most with my essence. It's a journey where I need to fill the stage by myself. When facing challenges, I tend to embrace them willingly. However, I strive not to be stuck there but to move forward. I believe that challenges can be conquered by acknowledging and understanding them. 

allkpop: You've been cast in the well-known series, 'Squid Game' for its Season 2! That's a huge feat! How does it feel to be able to take part in the drama? What thoughts went through your mind when you received the news that you've been cast? 

Jo Yu Ri: I was fortunate to have the opportunity to audition for this role, and being able to participate in such an incredible project alongside respected seniors is truly an honor. I'm fully committed to giving my utmost to deliver my best, so I kindly ask for your ongoing support throughout the journey! 

allkpop: You've achieved so much already at a young age. From your debut to now, you've been performing on stages, releasing solo music, doing acting projects, and more. What's your next big goal, and how do you work toward achieving it? 

Jo Yu Ri: To start off, with the release of my new album 'LOVE ALL,' I want to show my best as the artist Jo Yu Ri. Naturally, I'm also deeply engaged in my pursuits as an actress. My aspiration is to establish myself as a dependable actress and singer, someone who resonates with the audience ensuring both a strong appreciation for my acting abilities and a genuine enjoyment whenever they witness me on stage or in a production. With this in mind, I intend to keep progressing in both arenas without missing a beat. 

allkpop: Being a singer and an actress are two different kinds of fields. For you, is it difficult to switch between these two industries at times?   

Jo Yu Ri: My affection for both singing and acting runs deep, so I consistently find joy in both pursuits. Especially as I'm in the early stages of my journey, there's a lot more to learn and look forward to. Engaging with diverse aspects of both domains really helps my progression. I'm currently in a phase of contentment, being able to pursue what I love as my profession. 

allkpop: What do you love most about singing and acting?  

Jo Yu Ri: As a singer, I find immense joy in filling the stage with the songs and performances I've meticulously prepared. When it comes to acting, I relish the challenge of stepping into different characters' shoes and unveiling new dimensions of myself. In essence, my passion for both singing and acting is profound. 

allkpop: Is there someone in the industry, in or out of K-pop, you'd like to work with, maybe for new music or just a stage collaboration?

Jo Yu Ri: I'm truly grateful that DAY6's Young K contributed to writing the lyrics for my album's track "Lemon Black Tea." Given this, a collaborative stage with Young K would be wonderful. The opportunity to perform together, bringing to life the beautiful lyrics he has crafted, would hold even more significance. 

allkpop: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! To wrap up this interview, would you like to say anything to everyone who is reading this article?   

Jo Yu Ri: First and foremost, heartfelt gratitude to GLASSY who always supports me. I hope this interview has helped satisfy your curiosity about me. Please stay tuned for my new album 'LOVE ALL' and the title track "TAXI." Your ongoing support is invaluable to me as I continue on this journey. Thank you! 

Follow Jo Yu Ri:

On X (Twitter): JO YURI

On Instagram: JO YURI / JO YURI (Personal Account)

On YouTube: JO YURI