All-rounder Jo Yuri expressed excitement about returning to the music scene after a long time.
Jo Yuri will release her mini album 'Episode 25' on the 14th at 6 p.m. through various online music sites.
This mini album 'Episode 25' is Jo Yuri's long-awaited new release, marking about two years since her last, and it showcases musical challenges and personal growth. Like how 'Episode' signifies a new transition in music, this album is anticipated to be a turning point for Jo Yuri, encapsulating the moment of change at twenty-five.
The title track 'Now Goodbye!' is a pop rock genre that highlights rich band sounds and Jo Yuri's refreshing vocals. The lyrics delicately capture moments of nostalgia and farewell, while Jo Yuri's compelling voice and the sensuous band sound harmonize to showcase her musical capabilities.
Additionally, the double title tracks 'Time of Dogs and Cats' and 'HICCUP', along with 'Diving', and 'Overkill', all of which have been received positively since their pre-release on the 7th, indicate Jo Yuri's broad genre spectrum. Before her comeback, Jo Yuri shared candid stories about her new release and various activities.
Below is a Q&A with Jo Yuri
# Singer Jo Yuri returns with 'Episode 25'
Q. You are making a comeback as a singer after about 2 years. What are your feelings about returning with a mini album?
A. I am so thrilled and happy to be able to greet everyone with an album after a long time. I have really wanted to share my music quickly with the fans who have waited for me! Since this album is something I worked hard to prepare, I hope the fans and the public can relate to and love my music.
Q. The album title 'Episode 25' is said to capture a turning point at twenty-five. What is the biggest change you feel as an artist, Jo Yuri?
A. A big change is that I just started acting and am experiencing various things. I feel that the stories I want to express as a singer are also gradually changing. To be honest, the biggest change I feel is that my physical strength isn't like it used to be (laughs).
Q. The keyword 'challenge' comes to mind. The genre of your music has shifted to band music. What new challenges did you undertake while preparing for this album?
A. Trying out band music, which I really love, is one of the biggest challenges. I tried to give changes to the vocal aspect to fit the song. I also cut my hair short externally. You will feel a different charm from this album compared to previous ones.
Q. Is there a description you want to gain or a response you hope to hear from this album?
A. Since this album came out after a lot of thought and preparation, I want to be described as 'Jo Yuri that you can trust and listen to.' I hope to hear reactions like "Did Jo Yuri have this vocal color?" or "She fits band music really well." I want to continue sharing music that remains intriguing and exciting to listen to, no matter when.
# Behind the scenes of 'the Jo Yuri you can trust and listen to' album
Q. What kind of song is the title track 'Now Goodbye!'? How did you feel when you first heard it?
A. 'Now Goodbye!' is a pop rock genre that prominently features rich band sounds and gently unravels the emotional flow regarding a relationship that is gradually fading away. When I first heard it, I thought it was a song that suited summer well. I worked hard to showcase my refreshing vocals, so please listen to it a lot this summer!
Q. You also participated in the songwriting. You’ve reflected many of your opinions in the album's production process.
A. This album contains a lot of my opinions. From songwriting to the overall album concept, design, and outfits, I have contributed many ideas and participated throughout the album. Although that process was not easy, seeing the completed album makes me feel even prouder.
Q. Given that the genre of the song has changed, the music video must have a new feel as well. How was the music video shoot?
A. It definitely has a different atmosphere from before. I think it will be a music video that allows you to feel new charms. There are many dramatic elements included, making the shoot enjoyable. I believe fans will find it interesting to watch.
Q. The double title track 'Time of Dogs and Cats' was first showcased at the fan concert and KCON JAPAN 2025. Was there a reason for choosing it as a pre-release track? How was the collaboration with Producer Cloud?
A. First of all, I really liked the song and wanted to share it with the fans quickly. I thought fans would enjoy it, so I decided to present it as a pre-release track. Since it was with Producer Cloud, who is my favorite artist, it was even more exciting and enjoyable.
Q. There are a total of 5 songs included, and the various atmospheres of these songs are impressive.
A. I think my preferences have been well reflected in the included songs. I usually listen to a wide range of music genres, and I feel that various genres blend well together in this album. I hope everyone enjoys all the different atmospheres of each track.
# Breaking boundaries at twenty-five, the artist Jo Yuri at 25
Q. Actively engaging in both acting and music, what do you think is the biggest difference between 'Actress Jo Yuri' and 'Singer Jo Yuri'? Do you want to show completely different sides of yourself?
A. While the atmosphere and expression methods may differ slightly depending on the genre, I believe there isn't a significant difference. It’s about how one person, 'Jo Yuri', expresses herself in various ways, so I try not to focus on deliberately showing different sides. I am actively challenging myself in fields of both music and acting, and I enjoy and am satisfied with both!
Q. You have gained much attention as an actress through the Netflix series 'Squid Game', both domestically and globally. Has your acting influenced the preparation for this album?
A. Since the album was prepared after completing all filming, it didn’t directly influence me. However, I think the experiences and emotional expressions I learned while acting might be incorporated in some way. The timings of 'Squid Game' and the album release slightly overlap, which provided a great opportunity to showcase a variety of sides.
Q. It seems you are taking on various challenges both as an actress and a singer. How do you think your 25 will be remembered? If you have goals you want to achieve during the remaining year of 2025?
A. I believe it will be remembered as a truly meaningful year with a lot of experiences. This year’s first solo fan concert was also such a joyful and precious time, and I’m happy to be able to showcase various sides as both an actress and a singer. I want to finish the rest of 2025 happily like now!
Q. Lastly, a word for your fans.
A. Thank you GLASSY for always being by my side and for being with me! Thanks to you, I feel empowered to pursue my activities. I have worked hard to prepare this album to deliver good music, so please love it a lot. Moving forward, I will continue to be Jo Yuri, who presents good music and a good image!
[Photo] Wakeone
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