Yuju from GFRIEND returns solo after 2.5 years with 'In Bloom', featuring diverse emotions and a heartfelt message for fans.

Former GFRIEND's Yuju has made a solo comeback after about 2 years and 5 months. On August 12, Yuju released her 3rd mini-album 'In Bloom' through various music distribution sites. 'In Bloom' is an album that sings about the many emotions that bloom and scatter every day. Since it is the first album released after moving to AT AREA, it contains highly completed music that maximizes Yuju's charm. Including the title track 'REPLY', she showcased a more expanded musical world through six tracks that depict diverse moods, such as 'Orion', 'The Incident of That Day (Feat. Jung Se-woon)', 'moonstruck love', 'No Matter (Feat. GEMINI)', and 'Like the Evening Sun Covered by Clouds'. Yuju, who credited her name on all songs, shared the behind-the-scenes story of 'In Bloom'. -- This is your first solo album in about 2 years and 5 months and your first comeback after moving agencies. How do you feel now? Yuju: I feel that this moment is very important. I am most grateful to the fans who waited for the new album to be completed. I hope this album can fill the gap in the hearts of all the fans. I started working with AT AREA, and the producers from Groovyroom have led the way, and all the staff are very perceptive and passionate. I am happy that an attractive album has been born. -- Please tell us the meaning behind the album name 'In Bloom' and the message you want to convey with this album. Yuju: Just like flowers bloom beautifully, emotions that spread in dark and damp places like mold are all part of this work, which is why I named it 'In Bloom'. I produced this album with the heartfelt wish that those who listen to it can bloom their emotions that scatter every day without hating any of them, regardless of their shape or scent, and live each day fully. -- What kind of song is the title track? Also, please tell us the reason for choosing this song as the title track and what to listen for. Yuju: The title track 'REPLY' started from the thought, 'If I could write just one line in a letter to someone I cherished, what would I write?' The producer recommended this song after hearing the demo, and I think it is a song that can show the sensibility and atmosphere I can express now. At first, it sounds like a hopeful song, but it is actually a sad song because that letter might not reach that person. I want to convey that emotion well. -- Please tell us about a track other than the title track that you are particularly attached to and the reason. Yuju: All the songs are really important and I have affection for them, so I think I can only choose based on my mood that day. Today, I will choose 'The Incident of That Day'. I wanted to call that painful love, which suddenly and intensely hit someone and disappeared without a trace, not love but an 'incident'. I like the lyrics in the intro and outro. -- Since this is an album released after a long time, I believe there are many parts you focused on. What was the most important part during the production process? Yuju: I think it was the message. There are already so many wonderful songs in the world, and many new songs are released every day. In order to protect what is truly 'mine' without losing it, I believe that even if a song has a cool atmosphere, my soul must be blended into it. Only then will I be curious about the next one, and I will continue to have a thirst for music. I practiced expressing myself diversely in singing as well. -- Please tell us about any special episodes or memorable moments during the preparation process for the album, such as recording or shooting the music video. Yuju: There was a day when I had a deep conversation about the lyrics with producer Lee Hyemin from Groovyroom during the album preparation process. At that time, there was a somewhat awkward atmosphere between us, but while talking about the lyrics, we both ended up crying and laughing, which was a fun memory. During the music video shoot, there was a scene where I had to act crying, and I was very worried about whether I could do it properly. However, strangely enough, tears came out so much that my body shook, and I got an okay on the first try. That moment remains in my memory. -- Do you have any goals or adjectives you want to hear through this activity? Yuju: It may be simple, but the most sincere thing is that I want this album to be loved a lot. If I were to list adjectives I want to hear, I think it would be 'someone who does music seriously'. -- Lastly, please say something to the fans who have been waiting for your comeback. Yuju: I don't know how to express my gratitude, but I am just very thankful. I want to fill the void of the past so much that it can be forgotten. I also want to grow further and become a singer who inspires all of you. If I could meet each one of you directly, I would really want to tell you that I love you.