Former Gavy NJ member Darae debuts solo after 12 years

Former Gavy NJ member Darae (Jenny) is making her solo debut 12 years after her initial debut in the music industry. On February 6th at 6 PM, Darae will release her digital single 'To You, Who Was My Movie'. With this release, Darae aims to showcase the depth of emotional ballads through her soft vocal tones and explosive singing ability.

Darae, who debuted in 2012 as Jenny with Gavy NJ, has produced hit songs like 'Love Story', 'It Wasn't There', and 'Came to Sinchon'. Transitioning to a solo career, she has decided to use her real name, Darae, as her stage name. 

Below is a Q&A session with Darae.

• You're releasing your first solo song as Darae after 12 years of debut. How do you feel? "I've gotten used to being with my members through 10 years of team activities, but now that I have to fill all the roles alone, I feel a great sense of responsibility. I've been directly involved in the album-making process, and I feel precious and grateful for even the smallest things."

• Can you give a brief introduction to your single 'To You, Who Was My Movie' and its listening points? "It's like a letter to my past self. It contains my reflections on my activities as a singer and my determination for a new start. I hope everyone can recall their precious moments and reminisce about those movie-like times while listening to this song."

• You participated in writing the lyrics for 'To You, Who Was My Movie'. What story did you want to tell? "I worked with lyricist Min Yeon-jae, and we wanted to focus on a theme that clearly portrays a specific situation. Initially, we focused on a lover's story, but since it's my first solo song, I felt it needed to include 'my story', so we revised the lyrics. I wanted to convey my gratitude to the fans who supported me, Jenny, in the past. I'm very satisfied with how the lyrics turned out."

• Your husband and producer Kim Soo-bin, who has created numerous hit songs, participated in composing your first solo song. How was the musical synergy, and what has changed from your group activities? "The synergy with Producer Kim Soo-bin was really great. He definitely brings out the artist's strengths and provides support, which was a big help. He reflected all the musical colors I wanted to pursue in creating a wonderful song, and we had no difficulties in discussing and creating the music. The difference from before is that, unlike considering the balance with members, I had to lead the entire song alone, which made me more attentive to the overall harmony and detailed expressions."

• As a solo artist and starting anew with a new agency, do you have any plans or goals for this year after releasing your single? "My goals for this year are to release many albums as a solo artist, hold a year-end concert, and get closer to my fans. I thought I needed a break from singing, so I took my first long hiatus. I needed time to recharge as I prepared to stand alone and focus on the future. I plan to pour my passion into music that has been dormant for about two years."

• If you could recommend a movie that goes well with 'To You, Who Was My Movie', what would it be? "'The Notebook'. It's a movie that starts with an elderly gentleman reading a book to his wife, which turns out to be a diary he wrote to preserve memories with his wife who is gradually losing her memory. The gentleman reads the book to his wife every day, and when she briefly regains her memory, they rejoice. I think it fits perfectly with 'To You, Who Was My Movie' because it's music you can listen to while reminiscing about those passionately loved, radiant moments."

• What would you like to say to the listeners who will hear 'To You, Who Was My Movie'? "It's an honor to share and reminisce about your movie-like moments together. I hope to provide comfort with my voice on your happy days, sad days, and days of longing. Thank you."