Jiyeon at her solo debut press conference on May 19th

On the 19th, Jiyeon held a press conference in Gangnamgu at Core Contents Media ahead of the release of her first solo mini-album. At the conference, she revealed her feelings of satisfaction and burden of being the first T-ara member to promote as a solo artist.

“Because I’m the maknae, do I have to be the first [to have a solo debut]?” Jiyeon joked at the beginning of the press conference. Regarding her upcoming solo debut, Jiyeon said that, “The first time I was offered a solo debut I could was hesitant. I worried a lot about having to do everything by myself and it was a burden to me so much that I trembled and couldn’t sleep at night. ”

“I’ve practiced a lot and I’m getting a lot of support now from fans,” Jiyeon said. “I also received support from the T-ara unnies and Duble Sidekick sunbaes.” She continued with, “It wouldn’t be true to say I don’t still feel burdened, but I think it’s a good image for me to overcome the challenges I’m faced with.”

It’s also very troublesome for Jiyeon to have to stand alone when in the past, she was used to standing on stage along side five unnies. But Jiyeon won’t be staying true to T-ara’s colors. “I have a lot greed. We have prepared a different style of song and choreography. I want to show charms that are unique to me,” she said.

Jiyeon’s title song “1MIN1SEC” was composed by the team Duble Sidekick and shows off a unique charm of poetic lyrics and melody in a mid-tempo beat. The lyrics are in the view of an honest woman who cannot ever give up on the man she loves.

The concept of “1MIN1SEC” is sexy. Jiyeon said that, “It was not my idea to have a sexy concept. I wanted to have an androygnous concept, with some feminine and masculine aspects.” But when she was asked what sexy meant to her, Jiyeon replied, “I never thought of myself as sexy, but now when I go up on stage, I feel like my gaze is slowly changing. I am becoming more confident.”

Jiyeon at her solo debut press conference on May 19th

At the same time as Jiyeon, G.NA and Jeon Hyosung have came back as solo artists. Inevitably, they all have been compared because of their songs all being composed by Duble Sidekick but because they also all have sexy concepts.

Jiyeon said, “I worried in the beginning about this, but after watching their songs and music videos, I realized we all have different concepts. So I think that we can all have a win-win situation.”

She continued, “In reality, I’m not close with many celebrities, but I hope I can use this opportunity to be closer with them. I am competitive, but not right now.”

When she was asked how she would stand out, she said, “I actually don’t have any weapon. I would only say I’m trying to do my best.” She also stated, “Honestly, I just want to show that T-ara has not given up.”

In conclusion, Jiyeon revealed her future expectations: “This is not the last time I will make a solo album,” she said, “I hope to take on the challenge again.”

Jiyeon’s “Never Ever” mini-album will be released at noon today (May 2oth) and her first stage performance will be on the May 22nd episode of M!Countdown. Make sure you have purchased her album via YesAsia if you haven’t already!

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Source: Newsen / BNT News
Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem