How DAYOUNG found 'confidence' as a solo artist
The WJSN member opens up about her hit single "body", the divas that inspire her and why it was time for her to branch out as a soloist
(Photo credit: Starship Entertainment)
DAYOUNG is betting on herself these days.
Although it’s been nearly a decade since she came onto the music scene as a member of WJSN, the singer only made the decision to debut as a soloist in 2025. That choice has since paid off immensely.
On September 5, the singer released her debut single album gonna love me, right? to rave reviews. With her lead single, “body”, DAYOUNG scored her very first South Korean music show win. And earlier this month, DAYOUNG received nominations for this year’s MAMA Awards (one of South Korea’s most prestigious awards shows) for “Best Dance Performance Female Solo” and “Song of the Year.”
Despite its September release, I consider DAYOUNG’s “body” one of the best K-pop songs of the summer. The dance pop track embodies confidence, fearlessness and sensuality—with its accompanying music video perfectly capturing what it feels like to flirt and have fun on a summer’s day.
For DAYOUNG though, confidence hasn’t always come easily. Though with years in the industry, she tells bunni pop that performing with WJSN helped give her the strength to “take the stage on my own.”
“Being in WJSN taught me so much—not just about teamwork and stage presence, but also about how to truly respect and connect with music,” she tells me.
“It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone. I just had a stronger desire to grow as an artist and as a person. And that’s why this timing felt right. Everything just aligned with where my heart was.”
Below, DAYOUNG chats about her solo era, scoring her first music show win and what she’s manifesting for herself moving forward.
Conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
(Photo credit: Starship Entertainment)
Congratulations on scoring your first music show win! What was it like to achieve this milestone?
It still feels unreal, to be honest. When I first performed “body,” I told myself, “I believe in this song.” But deep down, I was nervous. I kept wondering if people would love it as much as I do. So when the win was announced, it wasn’t just joy, it was pure gratitude. I thought of my team who worked so hard, and my fans, who supported me every step of the way. That moment will stay with me forever.
How did you celebrate the win?
It was actually a very quiet celebration. I had a super early schedule the next day, so I barely slept for two hours and couldn’t go out that night. Later, when things calmed down, I went out with my members. We had duck barbecue and a few drinks. We laughed so much that night. It wasn’t anything fancy, but celebrating with my “family” made me realize how lucky I am. It was one of the warmest nights ever.
Can you take me back to the first time you were approached with the song “body?” What was it about the track that really made you feel it was special?
It just felt so honest and full of confidence—a completely new side of me I’d been wanting to show. As soon as the melody started playing, I could already picture the whole stage: how I’d move, how I’d look, and how it would feel. “Body” wasn’t just another track to perform. It was a story that truly represented what I do best.
You were very involved in the creation of the track from the choreography, the music video and the styling. What vibe did you want to capture?
I wanted everything—the song, the choreography, the visuals—to feel like one continuous story within three minutes. That’s why I didn’t want the dance to be just powerful, but emotional and fluid too. I discussed every detail with my team, from lighting to camera movement to styling. In the end, it truly felt like our story, not just mine, and that’s what made it so special.
What story did you really want to tell people about yourself at this point in your life and career?
I wanted to tell people, “This is who I am right now.” I loved the bright, cute version of myself that people saw before. That was real too. But this time, I wanted to show the part of me that’s grown—braver, more honest, and more in control of my emotions. I think this album captures the feeling of becoming an adult, step by step. It’s about connection and showing my most authentic self.
I think people have described this new era as mature and sexy! I think it’s also a song about confidence. How would you describe your journey to finding that confidence in yourself when you look back at your career?
Confidence didn’t come naturally to me. In the beginning, I used to think, “You can’t mess up. You have to be perfect.” But over time, I realized confidence isn’t something others give you. It’s something you build when you accept yourself. Through countless rehearsals, performances, and even mistakes, I learned. Every time I failed, I analyzed why—replaying videos, studying my own patterns. Each correction built a small piece of confidence. Now, my confidence comes from showing my real emotions on stage, not hiding them.
Many have also described you as a diva, with callbacks to pop icons of the 2000s and 1990s. Who are the artists that are inspiring you these days?
There are so many. It’s hard to choose just one. I grew up watching pop icons like Beyoncé and Britney Spears, and these days I’m inspired by artists like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doja Cat. They keep evolving but never lose their identity. That’s the kind of artist I want to be — unafraid of change, but always true to myself.
Eric Nam co-wrote all the tracks on this album. What was the process like, working with him?
Eric is such a thoughtful and sincere artist. From the very first meeting, he genuinely listened to my stories and what I wanted to express. Making the songs together felt less like a project and more like an ongoing conversation. He helped me translate emotions into sound in the most natural way. Because of that, I think my true feelings really came through in this album.
What did you learn from him as an artist and songwriter?
He taught me that real music carries a story, not perfection. Eric always said, “Whatever feels right to you is the best take. It’s your art.” He pushed me to explore what I truly love and to sing with sincerity, not just technique. His advice changed how I approach my work. Now, I focus less on outcomes and more on the process, emotion, and connection.
What was the decision behind releasing an all English project?
It might sound a little unexpected, but I actually learned how to sing through pop songs back when I was a trainee. I used to cover one song a day — Alicia Keys’ “Brand New Me,” Jessica Sanchez’s “Stuttering,” Monica’s “Before You Walk Out of My Life.” Maybe that’s why, even though speaking English still feels hard for me, singing in English just feels natural. My vocal tone and colours really shine the most when I sing in English. So this time, I thought, “Why not put together everything I do best?” and decided to sing in English to express my honest feelings. Eric helped me so much during the recording, and I’m really grateful for that.
You co-wrote “marry me.” Can you tell me about the story behind that track?
I wanted to create something that people could easily relate to and feel warm listening to. When I shared the idea, the lyrics just started flowing naturally. It’s a love song, but not about the “perfect” kind of love. It’s about the kind that feels comforting and real. My friend Olivia Knox, who co-wrote the song with me, completely understood my heart. I just want to say thank you to her again. This song is really special to me.
I also wanted to ask about “number one rockstar” which really reminds me a lot of the pop-rock songs from the 2000s. What was it like channeling a more rock-heavy song?
It was so much fun! I grew up listening to pop-rock from the 2000s, so recording this song felt nostalgic in the best way. It reminded me of the raw energy of those days — loud, free, and unfiltered. I love that wild, expressive side of it. Every time I perform “number one rockstar,” it feels like releasing a new kind of power.
(Photo credit: Starship Entertainment)
How has your time at WJSN prepared you for this moment?
Everything I experienced as part of WJSN has helped me get to this point. Through group activities, I learned teamwork, patience, and the true value of being in it together. I also saw how much effort goes into even the smallest details — every rehearsal, every camera movement, every staff member. Now that I’m leading my own team, I carry that same mindset with me. Even though I’m standing on stage alone, none of this happens alone. It’s something we create together, and I’m always deeply grateful for that.
How have the members supported you through this release, and win?
EXY, BONA, and YEONJUNG cheered me on so much. Before my first stage, they sent me messages like, “You’ve got this!” and “You’re the best!” And when I won 1st place, they actually ran up to the stage. I couldn’t believe it. The moment I looked into their eyes, I just burst into tears. I was so happy. We’re not just teammates — we’re truly like family. When one of us shines, it feels like we all shine together.
You have a hit song and a music show win with your solo debut. What are you manifesting and hoping for yourself now?
My biggest goal right now is consistency — to keep going with honesty and passion. Of course, numbers and results matter, but more than anything, I want to create music that people can love for a long time. If even one of my songs can comfort someone or give them strength, that would be the greatest gift. I also really want to meet my overseas fans in person. I miss them, and I want to give back all the love they’ve shown me through my music. Above all, I want to keep walking this path sincerely, with gratitude in my heart.
Follow DAYOUNG on Instagram and listen to her on Spotify!
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