Solo artist YENA, who is releasing her fifth mini album "LOVE CATCHER", shared how it felt to team up musically with comedian Jung Hyung-don as a “successful "Infinite Challenge" kid.”
At a press conference held at a theater in Gangnam, Seoul, at 2 p.m. on the 11th, YENA introduced the title track ""Catch Catch"" and the B-sides, revealing behind-the-scenes stories in person.
Speaking about "Catch Catch", YENA said, “The moment I heard it, my body moved before my brain did. I even told the producer, ‘Thank you for giving me a song that lets me spread my wings.’ I wanted to make my comeback right away.”
The title track "Catch Catch" lays a playful, high-energy spin on the tension of a push-and-pull romance over an electro-pop sound. Its addictive melody and bouncy energy channel that love-game vibe through YENA’s signature charm.
Leaning into retro flair, YENA looked to second-gen idol stages for inspiration. “We did a challenge with T-ara because there’s a connection through my brother’s former agency,” she said. “I also kept studying by watching T-ARA fancams and videos of Orange Caramel.”
YENA teamed up with DIN DIN and Jung Hyung-don on the B-side ‘Spring Fever (Feat. DIN DIN, Jung Hyung-don).’
A self-professed fan of "Infinite Challenge", she said, “I had a special connection with Hyung-don from the first variety show where I was a regular. We laughed so hard in the recording studio our stomachs hurt. It was my first time meeting DIN DIN, but he fit the song perfectly. As a fan of 'Infinite Challenge', I felt like a ‘successful fan.’”
YENA picked Yoo Jae-suk as the next person she hopes to collaborate with. “Last time, I did a video with Park Myung-soo. If this flow continues and I get to do a duet with Yoo Jae-suk, I think it would be such a beautiful picture,” she said. “That would make me a truly successful ‘"Infinite Challenge" kid.’”
She also worked with MRCH on ‘Sticker (Feat. MRCH),’ teamed up with sentimental balladeer Paul Kim on the final track ‘Question Marks (Feat. Paul Kim),’ and rounded out the album with ‘April's Cat,’ which features lyrics by rising Gen Z singer-songwriter Hanroro.
Marking her eighth year since debuting as a soloist, YENA reflected on what keeps her going: “Thanks to my fans’ support, every time I perform, instead of thinking ‘this is hard’ or ‘I’m tired,’ I feel happy. I want to be on stage for a long, long time. Wherever there’s a stage, I want to remain a steady seller.”
YENA’s fifth mini album "LOVE CATCHER" drops at 6 p.m. on the 11th across major music platforms. An hour before release, she’ll celebrate her comeback with a live countdown alongside fans.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)