Former LOONA member Heejin has reflected on her idol career as she embarked on a new endeavor as a solo artist. 

On October 31, Heejin released his first solo mini-album K, which carries the title track “Algorithm.” 

Notably, this new solo music from the idol has been a long-awaited moment for her fans. Since Heejin’s last solo offering was around seven years ago, with the solo song “ViViD” that was released in October 2016. At the time, she became the first member to be introduced in the “Monthly Girls” project that marked the start of K-pop girl group LOONA. 

Moreover, K also served as Heejin’s first official release after moving to Modhaus in March 2023. In November 2022, she filed her injunction against former label BLOCKBERRY Creative. Together with fellow LOONA members Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Cheorry, she won their injunctions in January 2023. 

Under Modhaus, the ARTMS project was formed to feature the activities of the LOONA members under the agency. 

Heejin on her solo debut 

Given how significant K is in her career, it’s unsurprising that the singer has a lot to say about her idol journey and solo venture. 

In a press conference with Korean media, Heejin opened up how she has blossomed as a solo artist with the album. “As I bloom once again and flourish, I wish to present myself to an even wider audience,” she said.

For her solo debut, she made sure to have deep involvement in the album’s production. For instance, she took part in writing lyrics for “Algorithm,” “Video Games,” “Nokia” and “Addiction.”

Aside from that, she also had a hands-on approach in terms of the album’s production. “I made suggestions for the album’s cover art, I asked the team to edit the font of the teaser image. And even suggested the clothes that I would wear in the album,” she shared. 

With this, Heejin declared that she now feels like a “real artist.” “I believe I now have the power to truly stand on my own two feet,” she asserted. “I’ve learned to give my own opinion and even disagree with the agency if necessary.” 

LOONA reunion?

Apart from her solo sting, she also dabbled on the recent legal battle that the LOONA members went through.

Despite what happened, she said that the dream of a full LOONA reunion with all 12 members is still very much alive. Especially that all members themselves share a positive outlook on the possibility of reuniting with their fans.

As of now though, Heejin said that it’s more feasible for fans to expect a release from the ARTMS project. “While we haven’t started any official preparation for our debut, I think we will be able to present ourselves [as ARTMS] with all five members next year,” she said. 

Featured image: Heejin poses for her solo album ‘K.’ Credit: Twitter/ARTMS