WJSN's Exy reflects on producing hits for IVE, ILLIT, CRAVITY, and The Boyz amid fierce competition in blind selection process

Exy (Choo So Jung) is showcasing her influence not only as the leader of WJSN and an actress but also as a music producer.

As reported, Exy has become a 'copyright powerhouse' alongside figures such as G-Dragon and (G)I-DLE's Soyeon as an idol songwriter-producer. 

Even before her debut in February 2016, she displayed bold ambition by appearing on 'Unpretty Rapstar 2' and has since continued her passionate journey in the entertainment industry.

Under Exy's leadership, WJSN demonstrated their strength by winning 'Queendom 2' in 2022 after fierce competition. While Exy has been active across various fields, she has recently shifted focus to acting under her real name, Choo So Jung. 

Last year, she made a memorable special appearance in 'Marry YOU,' and she is now awaiting the release of the drama 'Heo’s Diner' and the film '18 Youth,' while also filming 'Divorce Insurance.'

As a music producer, Exy has not only contributed to multiple WJSN tracks but also co-wrote "Pimple" for ILLIT, released last October. One of her most memorable works is IVE’s "HEYA," released in April last year. 

She shared, "I put a lot of thought into creating a rich story based on the tale of the sun and moon. It was even more meaningful because it reflected IVE’s unique color and received such a positive response." 

She added with a smile, "I didn’t expect it to become a title track, so it was even more exciting when it did."

When asked about the behind-the-scenes process of working with various artists, Exy revealed, "You need to go through an audition process to become a producer. Many producers receive assignments and submit their work. Even for in-house artists, the selection process is blind." 

She explained, "The competition is incredibly fierce. It’s a tough challenge. Just like landing a role in an audition, you have to be chosen to have your name credited. That’s why seeing my name listed is such an incredible feeling of accomplishment."

Exy also shared her thoughts on her Starship juniors, CRAVITY. She reflected, "Producing 'My Turn' and 'Bad Habits' was deeply meaningful as they were the first tracks I worked on. They marked an important start for me." She also noted that The Boyz’s "PRISM" was selected after intense competition.

Discussing producing for male idols, she remarked, "It was relatively easier to approach in terms of accessibility. Since I’ve done a lot of rap and hip-hop, I found it more enjoyable than challenging. It also brought back memories of my 'Unpretty Rapstar 2' days."

As she begins her 30s, Exy admitted her outlook on life has significantly changed. "In the past, I focused more on results, but now I value the process much more. I place greater importance on input rather than output."

She elaborated, "Whether it’s completing an album as a singer or bringing a character to life as an actress, I’ve realized the priceless lessons that come from the process. Big or small, playing my given role and creating something together with my team has shown me how precious it is. It’s in those moments I feel truly alive. While the achievements and recognition from the outside world are also great, the process is what stays with me the most as time passes."

When asked about her goals for the new year, Exy said, "Instead of setting big goals, I aim to maintain my physical and mental health and focus on doing my best in the tasks at hand. Ambitious plans can easily change or fall short of expectations, leading to disappointment. That’s why I’m concentrating on faithfully preserving the things I love each day." 

She added with a smile, "2025 will be a year when the projects I finished filming last year are finally released, so I’m looking forward to that."