Interview: K-pop artist Niel on new album 'SHE'
K-pop artist Niel of boy band Teen Top cemented his position as a solo vocalist with mini-album “A to Z.”
After two and a half years, Niel returned with his fourth mini-album “SHE,” a bold reinvention that marked a departure from his previous musical style.
Leaving behind traditional Korean R&B, “SHE” embraces the rich textures of neo-soul and groove pop, delivering a collection of deeply evocative tracks that unravel the complexities of love with raw honesty.
It captures emotions so intense they feel almost uncontrollable—like a sudden flash of light breaking through the darkness, illuminating every feeling in its purest form.
“SHE” was executive produced by Doko, one of South Korea’s most acclaimed hitmakers.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Niel discussed his new album.
“SHE” is the first mini-album released under Niel’s own label, EL&D Entertainment.
“It was an album born amidst lots of consideration and decisions, and fans and the general audience love it much more than I anticipated so I am grateful and happy. Now that this album is finally released to the world, I feel more excited and hopeful about what’s next in my musical journey,” said Niel.
The main track of the album is also titled “SHE,” which Niel described as “a track that features an intense guitar sound based on neo soul and groove pop, and expresses the longing right after parting ways with a loved one. If you listen to this song while thinking of your loved one, you will be able to feel an even stronger emotion.”’
Niel said he took part in every step in making “SHE.”
“Yes, as it is the first album after founding my own label, I participated in every step of the production process. Having every single step of the process go through my process was not easy and I had to pay attention to so many things, but I had a great staff and creatives who worked together with me, which resulted in a great album in the end,” he said.
Niel is touring to hold album signing events and fan meetings.
“These days I am touring with album sign events, overseas fan meetings, and concerts. I am also singing and acting in two musicals at the same time. N-LISS [NIEL’s fandom name] often worry about me, asking how many bodies I have haha,” he said.
Niel added, “Of course it is a busy schedule, but I enjoy the fact that I get to meet N-LISS more often and communicate with them closely. I’m motivated by their support to continue pushing forward.”
For overseas activities, Niel said, “I have a lot more future schedules that are being finalized, so I think I’ll be able to appear in many different places this year.”
This year, he said, “I want to show Niel who is still singing, still performing well on stage with my fans. And I plan on doing a variety of things to show a new side of myself, the Niel that can sing this way, dance like this, do these kinds of promotions, and so on. With your continued love and support, I will always show my best side haha.”