Former LOONA member Yves has returned as a solo artist, proclaiming herself as the 'girl of the year' to light up this year. She held her first solo EP showcase for 'LOOP' at Ilji Art Hall in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, hosted by announcer Jo Jeong Sik. This marks her debut solo EP, released six years and six months after her initial debut. 'LOOP' encapsulates her journey of breaking free from the cyclical constraints she faced and exploring her identity anew.

During the showcase, Yves shared, "I was incredibly nervous even in the dressing room since it's my solo debut under my own name after six years and six months. It's daunting but also exciting, and I've worked hard to repay the anticipation." She explained her move to solo work was sparked during a break, allowing her to focus on more personal and honest musical expressions. She has since engaged in deep discussions with her members, who have supported her solo endeavors.

The title track 'LOOP (feat. Lil Cherry)' expresses a desire to break free from the monotony of daily life, set to a rhythmic alternative beat. The head of her new label, PAIX PER MIL, MILLIC, was directly involved in the production, with rapper Lil Cherry adding strength through her feature.

Yves shared insights into her decision to join PAIX PER MIL, highlighting her desire to transform and the synergy she anticipates between her past idol music and MILLIC's alternative sounds. She expressed her gratitude towards Lil Cherry, noting how the rapper greatly enhanced the song and even suggested they meet up for a meal.

Additionally, the EP features diverse genres with four songs including 'DIORAMA', a mechanical R&B rhythm exploring the emotions of encountering an ideal version of oneself, 'Afterglow', about the subtle feelings when meeting a former lover, and 'Goldfish', a warm confession to her fans who always keep an eye on her like goldfish in a tank.

Yves described her latest album as a "lotus-like album," a phrase that reflects her experiences during an extended period away from the spotlight. She explained, "If I were to pick just one word, it would be 'lotus.' I had a long hiatus during which I felt a deep need for something to stabilize my spirit. At one point, I saw a beautifully blooming lotus and immediately felt drawn to see it up close. When I looked beneath, I noticed it was flourishing right in the middle of muddy water. Seeing this, I realized that even such beautiful flowers could bloom amidst the mud, and that gave me the strength to reach where I am now." This metaphor highlights the resilience and beauty she found in herself amidst challenging conditions, themes that resonate deeply within her new work.

Yves, recognized for her powerful performances during her time with LOONA, discussed incorporating a variety of dance genres in her debut track 'LOOP'. She utilized waacking to highlight her performance's lines, offering a new viewing angle for fans.

In anticipation of her solo debut, Yves also released a documentary-style interview clip, drawing parallels between her journey as a solo artist and underwater scenes, adding a touch of artistic flair to her storytelling. She humorously differentiated between her persona as 'Artist Yves' and her personal self, highlighting her resilience and aspirations. As she steps into solo activities among prominent female artists this summer, Yves remains committed to exploring and showcasing her unique charm to the public.

This summer, Yves joins a lineup of powerhouse female solo artists, including Sunmi, TWICE’s Nayeon, and Kwon Eunbi, all competing for the title of 'Summer Queen.' Yves expressed her excitement and honor at participating alongside such esteemed peers. "It might sound cliché, but I am truly honored to perform alongside these incredible seniors. Watching their performances on music shows teaches me a lot, and I am eager to discover and showcase my own unique charm now that I am standing on my own," she stated confidently.

Yves also shared her ambitious goals and the accolades she aspires to earn. "When I was part of a group, we were recognized both domestically and internationally, and we even charted on Billboard. I would love to take on those heights again," she remarked with a hopeful smile. "While making it on Billboard is great, I dream of filling an entire handball stadium as a solo artist. It's good to dream big, and I am determined to achieve that." Moreover, she added, "I want to evolve from being a member of LOONA to become the 'girl of the year'—an upgraded version of myself. I aim to shine bright as a solo artist this year."

SEE ALSO: Yves makes her escape in solo debut MV for 'LOOP' feat. Lil Cherry