TWICE's Nayeon Back with a Bang: Second Solo Album 'NA' Drops

TWICE Nayeon's Mini Album 'NA' Press Conference

(MHNSports Reporter Sun Shin) TWICE's Nayeon has hinted at a new look, raising the question of whether her second solo comeback will once again land her on the Billboard charts.

On the afternoon of June 13th, a press conference for TWICE Nayeon's second mini album 'NA' was held at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Grand Ballroom in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by broadcaster Shin Ayoung.

After releasing her first mini album 'IM NAYEON' in June 2022 and making her solo debut, Nayeon is returning solo after about two years.

Reflecting on her comeback, Nayeon said, "I spent the past two years busy with group activities and touring. It's been a while since I greeted you as a solo artist, so I feel excited and nervous."

This new album features a somewhat different atmosphere compared to her previous "pop-pop" vibrant album.

Regarding this, Nayeon explained, "Since I'm not an artist who only performs solo, I wanted to create an impactful album when I come out. While the previous album was fitting for the image many associate with TWICE Nayeon, this album started from a desire to show a cool and grown version of myself."

As the teaser suggested, the new album features a sound reminiscent of early 2000s pop divas.

Nayeon mentioned, "I wanted to capture the early 2000s style well. I tried to bring a trendy touch to the choreography and costume styling. Although there were parts of that era I didn't understand well because I was young, I think I was greatly influenced by the videos of pop artists that producer Park Jinyoung recommended."

The album title 'NA' signifies Nayeon's name and also means "Me! Only me!" While her first mini album 'IM NAYEON' expressed her presence as "I am Nayeon," this album conveys her determination to show herself exclusively.

The album contains seven tracks, including the title track 'ABCD', 'Butterflies', 'Heaven (Feat. Sam Kim)', 'Magic (Feat. Julie of KISS OF LIFE)', 'HalliGalli (Prod. by Lee Chanhyuk of AKMU)', 'Something', and 'Count It'.

Regarding the title track, Nayeon said, "As I listened to the songs I wanted to include in this album, I chose this one because I wanted to perform and show the stage with this song."

Nayeon's comeback involved collaboration with many artists, including JYP producer Park Jinyoung, Big Hit Music's exclusive producer Pdogg, singer-songwriter Sam Kim, Sole, AKMU's Lee Chanhyuk, and Julie from KISS OF LIFE.

Sharing her thoughts on the collaborations, Nayeon said, "I have always liked Sam Kim's voice and songs, so I requested his participation as I thought it would fit well. I wanted to work with Julie and Lee Chanhyuk on this album, so I reached out to them. Composer Pdogg naturally collaborated with us by writing the song 'ABCD'. It was my first time meeting him during recording, and his detailed direction made me feel we had good chemistry, which I think led to a successful recording."

Nayeon made a significant impact when she ranked 7th on the Billboard 200 main chart during her solo debut, achieving the highest ranking for a K-pop solo artist as of July 2022.

Reflecting on her successful debut, Nayeon said, "When preparing for my first mini album, I felt the pressure as it was TWICE's first solo activity, but it received much more love than I expected. Although I was anxious about whether this solo activity would receive the same level of love due to the pressure, I tried to enjoy the short preparation period for my solo activities as much as possible."

When asked about a nickname she would like to earn, Nayeon said, "I like the summer image, so I would like to be known as an artist who suits summer."

As a goal for this activity, she expressed her regret from her previous solo activities, "Last time, I couldn't enjoy winning first place on music shows with fans. If I get first place this time, I want to enjoy it with them."

Nayeon also shared that the TWICE members, despite their busy solo and unit activities, have been supportive.

"The members are very busy with their solo and unit activities, but they sent a coffee truck to the music video shoot to support me. We exchange compliments about the choreography and songs. These days, the members are so busy that I haven't been able to talk about challenges, but Tzuyu came over and was practicing the choreography. Thanks to her, I was able to upload a challenge video," she shared.

TWICE is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Reflecting on this, Nayeon said, "It feels like time has passed in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, when I look back at our debut days, it's hard to believe 10 years have passed. I think having a fan meeting to celebrate our 10th anniversary with fans and members will make it feel real. All nine members have a lot of love and cherish TWICE as a group. Our desire and passion for the stage are also strong, which I think is why we can continue to perform together for a long time."

Nayeon is also scheduled to appear in the Waterbomb lineup. Speaking about her upcoming performance at Waterbomb, she said, "As a solo artist, it's rare to have the opportunity to perform at festivals or hold a solo stage. I've always wanted to decorate a solo stage, and I'm looking forward to it," adding, "The outfit is not yet prepared."

Meanwhile, Nayeon's second mini album 'NA' as a solo artist will be released on June 14 at 1 PM.