THE ALL ROUNDER

Seulgi may be the busiest Kpop star you’ll ever meet. While she was preparing the release of an album and a world tour with her iconic group Red Velvet she still found the time to deliver an EP with SM Entertainment’s supergroup GOT the beat and shake the industry with a groundbreaking solo debut ‘28 Reasons’. They don’t call her the strongest female all rounder of the 3rd generation for nothing. Having been a part of the industry since 2007, Seulgi has had the time to explore multiple concepts and develop her chameleon-like identity. Although it seems like she never stops, the idol reveals that she still makes time for necessary small vacations to recharge her energy in between her hectic schedules. While her career may make many envious, she advises younger idols of the industry to preserve their youth and not rush through their experiences as the entertainment industry is a tough place to grow up in.

Full looks **Zadig&Voltaire**, necklace **KVK, SENTIMENT**

Tell us about your debut? How did it feel to debut as a soloist?

It definitely felt different from being in a group. There were times I was overwhelmed to handle everything by myself, but that made me proud and helped me to grow more. It was a good experience.

Your mini-album delves into the contrast of good and evil, which seems to be a common theme in your work, something that we have also seen Red Velvet explore through the years with their soft and dark concepts. Why do you think you’re drawn to showing duality in your performances as an artist?

As I continue with my career, I often have the opportunity to try various concepts, and the concept of having two sides was the most charming to me. I think I was drawn to the idea of having another version of myself inside me. It’s intriguing and fun!

What are you inspired by in your song-writing?

For ‘Dead Man Runnin’, the feeling that the song conveyed was so heavily tied to its character and I felt like I couldn’t just tell my own story thorough it. I watched a lot of movies with villain protagonists and imagined a story for it. I wrote the lyrics like a novel as I thought it’d be interesting to write in a villain’s perspective and that it’ll suit the song, and I was able to finish it quite quickly.

Full looks **Zadig&Voltaire**, Earring, brooch **KVK**

Left Jacket **Miu Miu**
Right Dress **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

For your solo work you took control of the decision making, how did that compare to working with your members and did you miss them in this journey?

I felt I had to align and match the overall concept and/or image of Red Velvet since the group has a strong concept and a worldview, but that worried me the most since I had to build an image for myself as a soloist. As my ambition to become better grew over time, my judgments became clouded and I realized I was under a lot more pressure than I initially thought. That’s why I relied on my team or the members. Seeking advice from members who already had a solo debut, and receiving encouragement from them, helped me endure through these times. If I release another album in the future, I think I will be able to let go of the pressure and enjoy the process more.

You are an all rounder idol, who has the ability to perform solo, as a duo, with your group and with a supergroup like GoT, how do you maintain your drive and versatility as an artist ?

I take great pride in being able to show various performances and concepts through various groups. Whenever I am able to pull off a concept, I feel a sense of pleasure. I prefer taking on new challenges rather than doing the same things repeatedly, so I was able to enjoy it.

Full looks **Zadig&Voltaire**, necklace **KVK**

What are your projects for this year both with Red Velvet and solo?

Red Velvet is holding a concert after 3 years. I can’t believe how fast three years have passed, but we’re putting all our energy into this concert as we weren’t able to meet our fans in a long time and we hope they’ll enjoy it with us. I think we’ll be holding a world tour after the concert in Korea.

How do you feel returning after more than 3 years since your last concert “La Rouge”?

I’m so nervous, but it’s filled with a pleasant tension and anticipation. But honestly speaking, I’m mostly worried about my strength for the concert. It’s been 3 years since we performed for 2 and a half hours on stage, so the members and I are doing our best to manage our strength and health.

And you’ve just released the schedule for your world tour, where you’ll be travelling quite a lot! What is your favourite thing to do while on tour?

Experiencing the food and the culture of the region! Even if I’m on a tight schedule, I always explore the area. Since I can come back and travel again in the future if I find a city that I like, I try to enjoy and relax for short getaways.

You’ve been in the industry for more than a decade, and have grown up with your members and other 3rd generation idols, what advice would you give to 4th generation rookies of today?

I was surprised at how talented they are. I wasn’t as talented as them when I was young, and I felt that these young artists are maturing quickly. However, it makes me sad upon wishing they’d enjoy their age and youth. Growing up too fast isn’t always the best, and I hope they have a healthy career in this industry.