[Today’s K-pop] Jessi discusses pressure to outdo herself

Jessi held an online showcase to mark the release of a digital single, “What Type of X,” Wednesday.

There wasn’t much time to produce the song and it took a toll on the singer, she confided, acknowledging with a bashful smile that she was trying not to get her hopes too high.

“We only had two days to shoot the music video, and it was the longest two days,” she went on, expressing her gratitude for Psy, the head of her label and collaborator on the song, for staying by her side throughout the shoot. Everyone cried after filming it, and she was so grateful to the whole crew, she added.

The performer exudes confidence through the lyrics she wrote with Psy and recommended the song -- complete with thumping beat and catchy chorus -- for exercise or when feeling angry.

As her previous song, “Nunu Nana,” was such a big hit, she’d been under pressure to outdo herself. But since the new music is finally out, “doing my best and putting on the best performance is what I’m going to do,” she said.

Mirae hosts debut showcase 

Mirae, a rookie band consisting of seven members, announced its debut with an online showcase Wednesday.

The boy band came out with its first EP, “Killa – Mirae 1st Mini Album,” the same day and started the showcase with “We Are Future.”

That’s also the title of its biweekly original content series, which shows the bandmates pouring themselves into preparations for their debut.

“My heart is beating so fast and I cannot wait to get on the stage I’ve been dreaming of,” said Lee Jun-hyuk, the leader. The name of the band -- “future” in Korean -- shows how the musicians want to go forward with everyone, explained Park Siyoung. After their debut, meeting their fans in person is at the top of their wish list, said Son Dongpyo, adding that he hoped they would be able to hold a fan meet event and a concert as soon as possible.

The band’s management company, DSP Media, has built great expectations for the septet, having introduced its members one by one since February.

Blackpink’s Lisa publishes 2nd photo book 

Lisa of Blackpink released her second book of photography, which became available for preorder Wednesday.

The 216-page “Lisa Photobook [0327] Vol. 2 – Second Edition” records moments she captured with her camera.

Despite her hectic schedule she took part in every step of its creation, from planning to curation and design -- just as she had for the first volume, which came out last year on the same day. The number 0327 stands for her birthday.

The book comes with a bookmark and a set of stickers featuring the idol’s portraits, and there is a batch of special-edition copies bearing her autograph.

Lisa is appearing as a mentor on an audition program for China’s largest streaming platform, iQIYI, and was named as one of the guest judges for a fashion award co-hosted by the French Ministry of Culture and a fashion organization.

She also is preparing for a solo gig, including shooting a music video, following in the footsteps of bandmates Jennie and Rose.

Former iKON member BI attempts return 

BI, formerly of iKON, is putting out an EP, his agency, 131 Label, said Wednesday.

Titled “Midnight Blue,” it is a rearrangement of work he has posted on SoundCloud before. All the proceeds from the sales, as well as the royalties, will be donated to the international charity organization World Vision.

Through the project, BI wishes to play whatever small part he can to make the world a better place while regretting his wrong choices in the past, added the company he established.

He was the leader of iKON but left the band and the label YG Entertainment in 2019, when he was suspected of having purchased and smoked marijuana in 2016.

In January he ended his hiatus, teaming up with Epik High in singing and writing its “Acceptance Speech.” Earlier this month, he resumed posting on social media. The police investigation is still ongoing.

By Hwang You-mee 
(glamazon@heraldcorp.com)