A new chapter unfolds for K-Pop idol Chung Ha with the release of her introspective and assertive mini-album, ‘Alivio’—her first since ‘Bare&Rare, Pt.1’ in 2022.
The past three years have been challenging for the former I.O.I member, even leading her to contemplate leaving the music scene and studying psychology overseas.
However, it was only after signing with Jay Park’s More Vision label that she reignited her passion for music, gaining complete control over her artistry and “releasing the burden of stress, fear, and all the accumulated expectations.”
This newfound freedom is captured in her latest mini-album, Alivio, which translates to ‘relief’ in Spanish. With this release, Chung Ha opens up, offering fans a personal glimpse into her life as she reflects on recent years.
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How eager are you to embark on this new chapter with your fans?
I'm truly excited to begin this new chapter with my fans. This EP marks my first in quite some time, and it feels like a refreshing start for me. ‘Alivio’ is deeply personal; it encapsulates my experiences, and I feel ready to share this aspect of myself with those who’ve supported me. My fans have shown incredible patience, and I wanted to ensure this comeback was worth their wait. It’s not merely about releasing music, but about reconnecting and evolving together. I’m prepared and really excited to take this next step with them!
What do you aim to convey with ‘Alivio’? Can you elaborate on the album?
‘Alivio’ translates to “relief” in Spanish, which perfectly represents what I wanted to convey in this album. It’s about shedding the burdens of stress, fear, and accumulated expectations. I’ve navigated a lot emotionally over the past few years, and creating this album was my way of working through it all.
Musically, it encompasses everything I adore. There are emotional and reflective moments, alongside tracks that make you want to dance and release. I aimed for the album to mirror the various facets of who I am—my struggles, confidence, and sense of freedom. It’s an emotional journey, and I hope listeners can also experience that sense of release. Whatever they require, I wish this album provides that for them.
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In the album teaser, you mentioned: “Face the most terrifying and traumatic memories to overcome new challenges.” Was this your most challenging album as you reflect on those experiences?
It’s definitely the most personal album I’ve created, but I wouldn’t classify it as difficult because of the memories. In fact, making ‘Alivio’ brought me closure. The real challenge was having full creative control for the first time—starting anew without knowing where things would lead. But that process pushed me to take risks and delve deeper into my artistry. That made all the difference.
Can you tell us about ‘Stress’? Why did you select this as your title track?
From the moment I heard ‘Stress’, I knew it had to be the title track. It’s been a while since my team and I agreed on one so easily, and I trusted our choice. Previously, I couldn’t promote tracks I loved, like ‘I’m Ready,’ ‘Stay Tonight,’ and ‘Dream Of You’—all those house genre songs. I know my fans were disappointed by that. With ‘Stress’, I wanted to choose a track that carries depth but is also upbeat. While the title is ‘Stress’, the song itself is fun and helps you forget your worries. It’s the kind of track that makes you feel lighter and free, even in overwhelming times.
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Do you find that you have more creative freedom as a solo artist in K-Pop?
As a solo artist, I have more freedom to take creative risks, but it also comes with significant responsibility. In the past, I followed the label's directions and trusted their decisions. With ‘Alivio’, I wanted to oversee everything—from the concept to the production to the visuals. It was thrilling but also sometimes overwhelming. This time, I concentrated on creating something authentic to me. I had more input in the songwriting, explored different sounds, and challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone. To me, true freedom in music is about creating something that genuinely reflects who I am.
K-Pop is thriving globally. What does it feel like for you, as someone with experience in the industry, to witness its growth to such heights?
It’s astonishing how much K-Pop has progressed. When I began, performing internationally felt like a monumental achievement; now, artists are undertaking massive world tours, collaborating with global icons, and even acting in Hollywood—something I never envisioned. What stands out to me is how K-Pop has opened countless doors for all of us as artists. I never thought that my music could resonate with such a diverse audience. It feels
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An album that conveys a sense of immediacy while also being timeless.
Its effects will remain long after the final notes have faded away.
A new chapter unfolds for K-Pop idol Chung Ha with the release of her reflective and bold mini-album, ‘Alivio’ - her first since ‘Bare&Rare, Pt.1’.