Music

The interview with Korean singer Yulee Choi

She recently released her new single "Where do we go", we are talking about Yulee, one of the most loved Korean singers of the moment.

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Her second single, “Where do we go” - 4.5 million views on YouTube in three months - explores «the difficulties that sooner or later naturally arise before each of us». Before being a singer-songwriter - she debuts in 2024 with the stage name YULEE -, Yulee Choi is the CEO of SRP Entertainment , a record label with which she has managed the female group Rocking Doll - Roa, Ahri, Juri and Rena since 2021 - , rising star of K-pop. «It's fascinating», she says of this genre whose members crowd the front rows of the Milan and Paris fashion shows, thrilling millions of fans, «to see how it has gained such great interest around the world». Born in Busan, Korea , she studied Oriental languages ​​but has always been passionate about music. «As a child I loved singing and dancing performing in front of my family. More or less around the age of eight I started to take a more serious interest in music." In 2021 she was in Italy for the Venice Film Festival, where on the red carpet she is dressed for the occasion by Dolce&Gabbana. “I'm up to date on trends , but I'm not an inveterate fashionista,” she says. Today a star of glossy magazines, she would say to her young self: "Keep fighting for your goals, embrace challenges, transforming them into opportunities."


L'OFFICIEL: Do you remember the first song you listened to?

YULEE CHOI: Yes! A song by a boy band famous in the 90s in Korea, “I Know” by Seo Taiji and Boy.

LO: What genres did you listen to as a girl?

YC: I loved variety, from K-pop to Western pop music. As a teenager I was obsessed with Beyoncé.

LO: What role do women play in the Korean music industry?

YC: Singers, songwriters, producers, managers. Women play crucial roles, challenging a historical male predominance.

LO: You are a mother of two children, has Korean society been able to help you not have to choose between career and motherhood?

YC: Supportive policies have been essential for balancing career and parenting, including flexible working hours, parental leave and help with childcare. But continuous efforts are needed to make society more and more inclusive.

One-shoulder dress, CPLUS SERIES; hat, art director's own.

"Love is my guiding force, it inspires me, it gives me certainties that I otherwise wouldn't have."

LO: Speaking of family, the Rocking Dolls are now an integral part of your life. How did the adventure with them begin?

YC: I have had a very strong relationship since 2018, when they formed. They are talented women and I try to support them in their growth.

LO: When you compose for them, what musical references do you draw on?

YC: Almost exclusively from Pop or Rap.

LO: And how is one of your songs born?

YC: On a typical day I evaluate ideas, compose and record music, refine lyrics and melodies, seek feedback, set goals, take breaks, and seek inspiration from the world.

LO: What inspired your first single “Back to the Unknown”?

YC: I wanted to capture a mix of emotions: fear, excitement, hope and resilience in facing the uncertainty of a love that no longer exists.

LO: What role does love play in your life?

YC: It's my guiding force, it inspires me, it gives me certainties that I wouldn't otherwise have.

LO: When will the album “Atmosphere in Heart” be released?

YC: Very soon. In July 2024. It will be a five-track mini-album.

LO: A quality you recognise in yourself?

YC: I adapt quickly to new environments and I'm super curious. It is important to be patient, open-minded and positive.

LO: On the contrary, something you don't like?

YC: I tend to overthink. This causes me stress, I don't like being indecisive.

LO: A dream you would like to realize?

YC: Bringing my music to an increasingly wider audience.

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Bustier dress with sequin roses and shoes, M ESSENTIAL.

Team credits:

HAIR Xiang Zi;

MAKE UP Ming Yang;

PRODUCER Xuan Zhan Zhan.

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