Red Velvet's Irene Makes Her Solo Debut with 'Like A Flower'

Irene of Red Velvet (레드벨벳) is set to make her solo debut today, November 26, 2024, with her first mini-album titled 'Like A Flower' (라이크 어 플라워). The album will be available on various music platforms at 6 PM KST, and fans can also watch the music video for the title track 'Like A Flower' on the SMTOWN YouTube channel.

The mini-album features a total of eight tracks, showcasing a variety of genres including pop dance, ballad, R&B, and acoustic, with the title track 'Like A Flower' being a captivating pop dance song that combines a poignant and addictive melody.

Having established her strong vocal and performance skills through her work with Red Velvet and the sub-unit Red Velvet-Irene & Seulgi, Irene's solo project has garnered significant attention for its unique charm and musical direction. In a recent interview, Irene shared her thoughts on her debut album.

**Q: How do you feel about releasing your first solo album after 10 years in the industry?**

A: This album is the result of deep contemplation about the stories I want to tell, and I hope it can be shared with the world soon. While I do feel a sense of regret, I have prepared it to the best of my ability.

**Q: Can you introduce your first mini-album 'Like A Flower'?**

A: As my first solo album, I aimed to showcase my diverse musical colors. I hope listeners can discover new aspects of me in each track. It’s also special because I can finally share 'Ka-Ching' (카-칭) and 'I Feel Pretty' (아이 필 프리티) with my fans, who have waited so long for these songs.

**Q: What can you tell us about the title track 'Like A Flower'? What should we pay attention to?**

A: The title track 'Like A Flower' conveys a message of finding the courage to bloom beautifully, much like a flower full of life. The performance is a key highlight, so I hope everyone pays attention to the energy created between the dancers and me.

**Q: You explored various genres in this album. Which track is your favorite?**

A: I particularly love 'Summer Rain' (서머 레인). The bittersweet emotions I felt when I first heard it have stayed with me. I hope my fans will enjoy it as much as I do.

**Q: You took on different styles for the album jacket and music video. Which outfit did you like the most? Any memorable moments during the shoot?**

A: I loved the outfit I wore by the water, and the moments when I was in the water are particularly memorable. It required a lot of courage to do it alone, and I had to keep a strong mindset of 'Let’s do this!'.

**Q: Performance is a significant aspect of your artistry. What did you focus on while preparing for this album's performances?**

A: I paid close attention to the synergy with my dancers. They help elevate my performances, and I wanted us to feel like a team sharing the same emotions, energy, and thoughts.

**Q: How did your Red Velvet members support you during your solo preparations?**

A: Most of the members have gone solo before, so they were very understanding and supportive of my concerns. I felt grateful for their insights and was impressed by how they managed their solo careers.

**Q: What are your plans for promoting this album, and what goals do you hope to achieve?**

A: My immediate goal is to successfully complete music show promotions. More than having a specific target, I hope that whatever I present can be something my fans can cherish and revisit in the future.

**Q: This year marks the 10th anniversary of Red Velvet's debut, and you are also releasing your first solo album. What does 2024 mean for you?**

A: I believe 2024 will be a precious year for me. It will be memorable both as a team and as a solo artist, as well as personally.

**Q: Finally, do you have a message for your global fans who have been waiting for your solo debut?**

A: Thank you so much to my fans, Lovies (러비), for waiting so long for my solo album. Your support gave me the courage to release this album. I am truly grateful for your encouragement!