WTK recently had the pleasure of being able to sit down and speak with Chu Hwa Jeong, the girl-group member turned solo artist! The lovely star was a member of the girl group D.Holic, a group that debuted in 2015. Now, however, The EYECONTACT COMPANY artist has debuted as a soloist and is ready to make her mark on the K-pop world! On January 1st of this year, she released her first solo single entitled “실컷” (pronounced silgeot).
As we chatted with the young singer, it’s easy to fall for her easy-going, friendly personality. Her love of singing and performing really shines through as she talks about music. In addition, the lively and upbeat nature that she shows on stage carries over into her everyday life as well.
Check out our interview with Hwajeong below!
WTK: Could you please give our readers a brief introduction?
HJ: Hello, my name is Chu Hwajeong. I used to be a member of the girl group D.Holic. I have recently started my solo career. I hope everyone can watch me and have a good time.
WTK: You got your start on the program “I Can See Your Voice.” What was it like being on the program and what did you learn from your experience there?
HJ: That was the first time that I was ever able to be on TV or even on stage! I went in with the hope that people would see me and like my singing. It worked, because only a few months later, I was able to debut in a group. Being on the show gave me a lot of opportunities and I am grateful.
WTK: You have mentioned before that you were originally not interested in becoming a singer. What was the moment that changed your mind?
HJ: I have liked singing ever since I was a child. Originally, I went to China to study. I didn’t know many people, so I would always go to the karaoke rooms to sing. When I came back to Korea, I thought that maybe I would like to try singing more. So, instead of going back to China, I stayed in Korea and signed up for singing classes to improve my skills.
WTK: When you first started your career, you were part of a group. How was your experience and are you still close with any of your former members?
HJ: Yes! We are all still very close with each other. We meet as often as we can. When I started at my company, I was a singer only, but they said that I should try learning how to sing and dance at the same time— which at the time was different for me. I saw that fans really liked watching these performances and I wanted to become better.
WTK: What is the biggest difference between performing in a group and performing as a solo artist?
HJ: The schedules are very different— just the feeling when you are alone. When I was with my group, we could talk to each other about how we felt and our concerns, but I cannot do that when attending my schedules alone. Also, when you are performing, a group can cover for one member’s weakness. Let’s say one member isn’t as good at dancing then the other members can help make up for that. But alone it is only me. After the group broke up, I still wanted to sing. So, I will work on being a better performer so I can overcome this.
WTK: What has been your biggest struggle as a solo artist?
HJ: Honestly, nothing for now. If I had to say something, it would be not being satisfied. In a group, we are able to talk about our feelings, but being alone, I don’t have anyone to talk with about my feelings.
WTK: Can you tell us about your current project(s)?
HJ: On January 1st, I released my first solo album, and I performed by myself on TV for the first time as well. If I can, I would like to be on a singing program. I will be in Taiwan to perform soon, and in April, I will be releasing a second album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M35mP3ePbFU
WTK: You have your own YouTube channel where you also do song covers. What message do you want your fans to get from your own songs?
HJ: When I see my sunbaes’ songs, i feel various emotions. I want to give that [same] reaction to those who listen to my songs as well. I want my fans to know that I am singing from my heart.
WTK: What advice would you give to anyone who would like to become a singer?
HJ: I think that they shouldn’t give up. If you don’t give up, you can do it. Even though there are many people who want to be singers, I believe that everyone has a different charm when they sing. So, if you really want to be a singer and don’t give up, I believe that you can do it!
WTK: Finally, outside of singing, what are some other hobbies you enjoy?
HJ: I like to watch western things like musicals and movies. I exercise a lot because I also like to eat a lot [laughs]. I think I need to start a diet soon. What I like to do is look up famous places to eat and go there later so I can try everything! That is why I walk a lot.
After the interview was over, WTK was able to hold a short photoshoot with Hwajeong. Even throughout the shoot, she never lost her bright smile and friendly attitude. She is very personable and charming, giving off a real “best friend” vibe that endears her to all around her.
With her great voice, musical talent, friendly behavior, and fun personality, we know this young singer has a lot to offer K-pop fans! Make sure to check out her YouTube account here or follow her Instagram here.
In the meantime, check out our gallery of photos below! You can click on each photo to enlarge it, then scroll through the photos of the entire gallery.
Many thanks to Chu Hwajeong and her team for the interview!
Media: Len for What The Kpop