Following the release of her second mini-album 'O' in March, former GFriend member and solo singer YUJU, who is currently signed to Konnect Entertainment, has returned with a new digital single titled "DALALA." 

This marks a new chapter for the artist as this release is the first song YUJU has ever taken the role of being the main composer and sole lyricist. The artist was not only involved musically but also artistically as she closely worked with the director for the music video.

"DALALA" is a youthful song that blends influences from J-Pop and Pop, driven by a funky bassline, percussion, and synths to give the listener a nostalgic vibe. The song also has a hint of jazz due to the presence of the Rhodes, electric guitar, and piano. 

In celebration of YUJU's return, the solo act chatted with allkpop to discuss what it was like working on the song and music video, the importance of finding fun amidst challenges, and more. Keep reading to know more about YUJU!

Shout-out video from YUJU to allkpop readers:

allkpop: Hi, YUJU! First and foremost, congratulations on your new single, "DALALA"! Could you please tell us how you prepared for it? Did it take time for you to choose the perfect single to come back with?

YUJU: Thank you for the congratulations! I worked on this song almost right after the mini album ‘O’ era, and after discussions with my label, ‘DALALA’ was chosen to be released in September. 

allkpop: "DALALA" is the first song you've been credited to as the composer and lyricist. You said that you conducted the recording process alone — that's impressive! How did your day in the recording studio or your room look like when you were working on this song? When you heard the final version of the song, did it satisfy you enough? 

YUJU: I had a lot of concerns as to what mood I’ll be putting into this track. Singing skillfully or not was the No. 2 concern. I tried to put focus on acting not too excited, but also not too sunken while singing. I had a lot of fun. 

allkpop: What messages do you want to deliver with "DALALA"? What are the ideas or thoughts you want the listeners to get while listening to your single? 

YUJU: This song started with the desire to lift off complicated thoughts, so I hope listeners feel truly free during the 3 minutes of listening to this track!

allkpop: I read in an interview that you worked closely with the director to put your ideas into it. You're involved not only musically but also artistically being creative for the music video! How was your experience filming it and were there any fun or memorable behind-the-scenes stories you'd like to share with us?

YUJU: I really wanted to create a good music video. I didn’t want it to be too obvious or cliché, and rather than being just pretty, I wanted to bring out all the emotions I wanted to express through this song. So during the meeting with the director, I suggested a lot of ideas. I gave out opinions for the elevator scene at the beginning of the 2nd verse — it felt great because the scene came out very natural and nice!

allkpop: You said that as a solo artist, you hope to be independent in making your own music. You're on the right path now. It seems like "DALALA" is just the beginning. Maybe we'll be seeing composer and lyricist YUJU for your upcoming full or mini-album! 

YUJU: I don't think I should write and produce all songs. But every time I get inspired and think of a good idea, I will do my best to melt it into my work!

allkpop: You've been part of GFriend for 6 years, preparing alongside your members. Then you embarked on your new journey as a solo artist. Did you find it difficult at first, that now, you're doing everything solo? Has it gotten more comfortable and easier now? 

YUJU: Of course, it wasn’t all easy. I can’t say that it’s become very easy right now, but I believe it’s important to find fun despite any kind of difficulties. Instead of being wrapped up in too many concerns, I feel like I want to get through while having fun. I have my LUVU!

allkpop: You said that there were ups and downs, which is totally normal. You also said you struggled to keep your balance. With all those difficulties, what mindset did you have to be able to successfully produce this great song of yours? What are the things that helped you out with this release? 

YUJU: Every time I encountered such situations, I tried to return and look back to my emotions when I first began to write the song. It’s a song that I started with a light and fun heart, so if I become too serious in the middle, the song’s color will become altered. So I put effort into protecting this song, so that the original quality of this song doesn’t change. When things got too serious, I relieved my stress by eating delicious things!

allkpop: You were the main vocalist of GFriend, and you're continuing to prove that you're a great vocalist. You said in a recent interview that you could sing in whatever way you want, but you're worried you might get swept away by emotions. How did you work on that, on balancing your vocal skills but also putting emotions into the song? 

YUJU: At times like that, I think help from people around you is needed. I cannot do everything alone. I think I tried to have other people listen to how I sang. Receiving feedback was a part of my process.  

allkpop: You recently celebrated your birthday — Happy birthday! Do you have any birthday wishes, or maybe just goals you want to achieve as a person or as a singer? 

YUJU: I had a really happy birthday! Firstly, a wish I can think of now is I want ‘DALALA’ to receive much love and hope to have more days I can spend with our LUVU. 

allkpop: Any final message?

YUJU: Thank you so much for reading this interview! Thank you LUVU for always supporting me! Love you always.

Socials:

Instagram (Personal): yuuzth

Instagram (Official): yuju_konnectent
Twitter: konnect_YUJU
YouTube: 유주 YUJU