Plus Magazine

YENA has returned as a morning angel full of positivity with her third mini album [GOOD MORNING]! Her title track ‘Good Morning’ on the ＜M COUNTDOWN＞ stage was full of joy and excitement, reminiscent of watching an animated cartoon. On stage, she was seen spreading bright energy not only to her lovely fandom JIGUMI but also to many people and even to herself. Through this album, YENA is determined to deliver stories filled with hope, a spectrum of performances, and deeply moving emotions. Discover more about her in-depth story in M Countdown Magazine!

Hello! Could you greet the readers of M Countdown Magazine?

Hello, I'm YENA, back as your Morning Angel!

This marks your comeback after 7 months! How do you feel about meeting your fandom JIGUMI after such a long time?

I'm always so grateful to my JIGUMI for waiting. I hope this time, too, we can all enjoy and have a great time together!

You've come back with your third mini-album [GOOD MORNING]. Could you briefly describe the theme of this album?

In this album, I focused on weaving personal and truthful narratives. It's an album filled with messages of hope and solace for those who listen.

Your new title track ‘Good Morning’ stands out for its optimistic message and vibrant vibe. What inspired you while preparing this track?

With ‘Good Morning,’ I wanted to share its inherent positive vibes with everyone, including myself. So, I put a lot of effort into making this track resonate with that uplifting spirit.

Since ‘Good Morning’ is your title track, we’re curious about your real-life morning routine. Could you tell us about it?

In reality, I require at least three alarms to wake up! To start my morning positively, the first thing I do is play a mobile game I really enjoy!

Like the theme of ‘Good Morning,’ what's YENA's special tip for shaking off worries and concerns?

I'm quite simple in that regard; eating delicious food helps me forget worries and concerns quickly. It feels like a small blessing! When you're feeling burdened, I recommend treating yourself to your favorite food.
 

What is a notable highlight of your ＜M COUNTDOWN＞ comeback stage? Is there any specific aspect you'd like to emphasize?

The intro of my stage is as cool as a scene from a music video. It has an animated feel to it, which is a surprising element and something to look out for in my comeback stage! It makes me happy every time I see it!

The ‘Good Morning’ music video is filled with spooky and fantasy-like scenes, showing dual images of an angel and a warrior. Could you give us a glimpse into the story depicted in the video?

The music video portrays us battling the monsters that torment us in the nightmares of our monotonous and tiring daily life, suggesting that we should take charge of our lives and move forward. I incorporated cute elements of animation that I adore to express these ideas.

Meanwhile, the tracks in your album like ‘Good Girls in the Dark’ and ‘Damn U’ have a different vibe from ‘Good Morning’. Could you introduce these songs to us?

‘Good Girls in the Dark’ is a dreamy and mystical track that allows me to showcase my unique performance. ‘Damn U’ is a song that expresses the longing desire to ‘show everything of myself to the one I love’.

‘The Ugly Duckling,’ an autobiographical song, reflects your personal life experiences. We also know that 'duck' is even your nickname. Does this song hold a special meaning for you personally?

This song is particularly dear to me since I was involved in every aspect of it, from the theme to the melody. My nickname actually is ‘duck,’ and I was deeply inspired by the story of ‘The Ugly Duckling’. I aimed to create a song that resonates with and offers empathy to a wide audience. It’s particularly meaningful as it carries messages and encouragement for people of my age and those who are just starting in their careers.

Your recent album showcases a prominent rock sound. While ‘Good Morning’ is refreshing, ‘The Ugly Duckling’ impresses with its emotional depth. Is this indicative of your preference for rock? Could you share your vision for your musical journey?

Ever since my debut, I've enjoyed including rock music in my albums. Performing rock on stage always felt like an electric connection with the fans, and I’ve longed to make it a title track. Finally doing so in this album has been a joyous experience, and I believe in the powerful essence that rock music holds.

Do you have any goals you want to achieve through this album?

I hope to travel to various countries and meet all the JIGUMIs around the world whom I haven't met yet, through fan meetings or concerts. Love you all!

How do you want to be remembered as an artist ‘YENA’  in the future?

The feedback I get from people, saying my songs and performances uplift them and provide energy, is my driving force. I aspire to always be an artist who brings positive and joyful energy to as many people as possible.

Is there something special you would like to say to JIGUMI, who have been eagerly anticipating YENA's performance?

To my JIGUMI, I'm deeply grateful for the strength you give me through your constant support. Let's keep building beautiful memories together, filled with joy! I love you all~