K-pop star Soyou unveils the story behind 'Off Hours'
K-pop artist Soyou returns with a new album that showcases a broader musical palette and a more introspective sensibility.
Released on April 29, her third mini-album, "Off Hours," features five tracks, including the lead single "Girl."
“Off Hours” explores the many facets of everyday life, from quiet moments of solitude to love shared with friends or a partner, as well as the subtle details that reflect personal taste. The album presents an image of a woman who is poised and self-assured, expressing a refined sensibility through music that feels natural, sophisticated, urban, and sincere.
Soyou debuted in 2010 as a member of the K-pop girl group SISTAR. Beginning in 2012, she went on to establish herself as a solo artist, taking part in various musical projects.
She was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “10 K-pop Artists Most Likely to Break in America,” while four of her releases reached the top 10 of the Billboard World Albums Chart. She has also earned recognition at the Golden Disc Awards and the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
According to her Spotify profile, she currently has 1.31 million monthly listeners.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin Entertainment, Soyou discussed her new music and the key to her longevity in the industry.
“'Off Hours' captures those ‘after-work hours,’ the moments when we’re most honest and at ease,” she said.
“It reflects the excitement of being in love, as well as the occasional emptiness and hazy, languid feelings that come with it, all expressed in my own unique color. The tracks are put together to be perfect for unwinding—whether you’re on your way home or spending a quiet night alone,” she added.
She described "Girl," the album’s title track, as “a song that shows a different side of me from what I’ve presented before.”
“It expresses the feeling of falling in love in a very stylish and sensory way. With its rhythmic, beat-driven sound layered with my vocals, it has an addictive quality that draws you in. From the very first line, you might find yourself thinking, ‘Oh? Soyou can pull off this kind of vibe too?’” she said.
She added that “Girl” “is probably a genre no one would expect from me.”
“Rather than asking listeners to anticipate a specific genre, I’d say this EP showcases a range of different sides of me, so I hope you can just enjoy it as it is,” she said.
Soyou admitted she feels both nervous and excited about releasing new music.
“I do feel nervous, but more than anything, I’m just really excited to share it with everyone. I put a lot of effort into this album, so I can’t wait to start promoting it and let people hear it as soon as possible,” she said.
Soyou previously released the mini-album "Summer Recipe" in 2023 and has contributed to several original soundtracks for Korean dramas. These include “Only You” for "The Golden Spoon," “Good Bye” for "Love Is for Suckers," and “Take Me Back in Time” for "Joseon Attorney."
Comparing "Off Hours" with her previous release, Soyou said the new album marks a clear shift in tone and direction.
“The overall mood and musical style are completely different this time. More than anything, it’s my first album where every track is centered around a single theme—love—which makes it especially meaningful to me,” she said.
Following the release, she expressed interest in performing at more live events, particularly band festivals.
“I’d love to perform more on stages where I can connect closely with the audience, like band festivals. More than anything, I want to show that I’m still an artist who doesn’t stay in one genre, but continues to challenge myself and evolve,” she said.
Soyou, who has been in the entertainment industry for nearly 16 years since debuting with SISTAR, attributed her longevity to her mindset.
“It may sound simple, but I think it really comes down to mindset. Above all, I genuinely love my music. By not staying in one genre and continuing to embrace change, I’ve been able to bring freshness and enjoyment to both my fans and the general audience,” she said.
She also thanked fans and encouraged them to support her latest release.
“Please show lots of love and support for my new EP, ‘Off Hours.’ While the pre-release track ‘See Through’ and the title track ‘Girl’ are both highlights, every song on the album stands out in its own way. I recommend listening from the first track to the last in order. I will continue to do my best to show better sides of myself as an artist. Thank you,” she said.
“Off Hours” is now available on major streaming platforms.