BoA reveals feminine side in ‘Kiss My Lips’

Twenty-eight years old and in the industry for nearly 15 years now, BoA reveals her true personality and musical styles in her latest album “Kiss My Lips.”

In her eighth full-length album, released Tuesday, the pop diva sings smooth, pop-ballad songs with her signature soft-spoken vocals and bubble-gum love heartbreak lyrics and not so much of the heavy, upbeat dance tracks and hardcore choreography repertoire that she became known for early in her career.

All 12 tracks on the album are her own work. 

“Everything about this album represents a part of me,” said the starlet during a press showcase on Monday at the SMTOWN@coexartium Theater in Gangnam, southern Seoul.

This is BoA’s first entirely self-written, self-produced album.

“From writing all the lyrics to helping out with the composition and production of the tracks, I was completely hands-on for the first time for any for my albums,” she said.

“There were times during the production that were very difficult and I thought about just releasing an EP. ... This album was a huge undertaking for me and I’m very proud of it. I’m truly anxious to see what kind of response I will receive from the public.”

BoA revealed that her decision to write all of the album’s songs was actually a slip of the tongue ―something that, in hindsight, she admitted to have mildly regretted.

“Our company was having a meeting with our fellow artists where we were discussing our future music plans and goals, and without putting much thought into it I casually mentioned that I would like to write my own lyrics for my next album. And then, right then and there, it was decided that I would write songs for the whole album,” she explained.

“I cannot begin to explain how difficult the entire process was in creating this album. ... There were a lot of sleepless nights. Although I would agree that this album is a definite dream come true for me and a great way for me to celebrate my 15th year in the industry, I think for my next release, I will for sure include songs from other composers,” BoA said with a smile.

Although the starlet is certainly no stranger to the top of the charts ― to the point where it is almost expected ― having to battle against mega K-pop boy band Big Bang and the members’ first release in nearly three years, BoA was stopped short from snatching the top seed crown on most online music charts and had to settle for Top Ten.

BoA will begin her upcoming string of promotions starting with performing on KBS’ “Music Bank” on Friday, followed by MBC and SBS music programs on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)