Apink's Jeong Eunji Shows Growth Once More with 5th Mini Album "Summer, I" — "I Already Feel Like I Have It All"
Apink's Jeong Eunji is showing growth once again through her new album. Having taken part not only in writing and composing but in producing every track, Jeong Eunji candidly shared everything—from the happiness she felt while preparing this album to the challenge embedded in the title track, and the reactions of the Apink members she's spent 15 years with. A Media Listening Session for the Release of "Summer, I" Jeong Eunji held a media listening session for the release of her 5th mini album "Summer, I" at Spigen Hall on Bongeunsa-ro in Seoul's Gangnam district, sharing various stories about the new record. "Summer, I" is an album that depicts the emotions of love through music of various genres resembling summer. Jeong Eunji took part not only in her own songwriting but in producing the entire album, completing its direction and message. Skilled musicians including 10CM, Jukjae, and So Soobin joined in, adding musical color. The album holds seven tracks in total: the title track "Pado (i love LOVE)," along with "NO FIGHT," "Linguine," "Following the Wind," "I Don't Think We'll Meet Again," "Romance Party," and "Where Love Passed By." "I Already Feel Like I Have It All" — The Happiness the Process Gave The very process of preparing this album was great happiness for Jeong Eunji. Asked about a goal she wants to achieve, she said, "I'm not sure whether it's alright to say this before the album is even out, but I already feel like I have it all." She recalled, "When I said, 'I want to work on this kind of song,' 'Could you try it with me,' everyone gave their all in every way, and the work proceeded swiftly. I was so glad I even thought, 'Am I really someone who deserves to be this moved by these people?' and 'I guess I haven't lived too badly after all.'" She added, "I was so happy working on this album. During the tour I even worked via video call from abroad, and the process itself was so enjoyable." The Challenge in the Title Track "Pado" The title track "Pado (i love LOVE)" began from the thought, "What kind of person am I when it comes to love?" Looking back on every moment where love once stayed, it holds her wish to love music, the world, and even herself a day's worth more. Jeong Eunji took part in the writing and composing herself, and guitarist Jukjae lent his strength with his playing. Jeong Eunji admitted she agonized a lot over choosing the title track. "There's a high-note point the public enjoys. I thought a lot about what kind of song I'd need to do to satisfy that," she said, adding, "When I thought about what song I could keep doing for a long time without tiring easily, I added summer's signature refreshing quality to the band genre I usually love." She continued, "Honestly, I wanted to make a song that gives the feeling of 'just how high are you going?' There's a clear intention to give a thrill. I started with the mindset of 'let's take on the challenge,' and I hope it doesn't turn into a misstep." A Solo Album After About Three Years and Nine Months As a solo album released after a long while, there was pressure too. "Summer, I" is a solo album released about three years and nine months after the remake album "log," released in November 2022. Jeong Eunji confided, "It was daunting to dare make a song of my own the title. What started as 'shall we try making this genre with the kids' became the title. I was dazed." She then wished, "I hope this song makes the summer feel cooler." Jeong Eunji said the Apink members' support was a great strength. "When I did the guide, it was during the tour, so I let the members hear it then," she said. "They said you can tell I put enormous care into every single one. There were many other songs they'd ask 'this is the title?' about, so it felt good." "I'm Someone Always in the Middle of Growing" — The "Growth Character" She Calls Herself Through this album, Jeong Eunji spoke of "growth." "I always feel that I'm growing. I think I keep doing it little by little, even if ever so slightly," she said. She candidly confided, "Honestly, my throat wasn't in great condition today either. I'm someone who can sing much better, so I felt it was a shame." Still, she said the experience gained on stage is the driving force of growth. "Even so, when I do my best within that, I develop a knack for it. Even when I'm thinking 'this is a bit hard, what do I do?' I end up learning by going 'then let's try it this way,'" she explained. She also described herself as a "growth character." "I think of myself as someone always in the middle of growing. I tell my fans I'm a 'growth character' too," she emphasized. "I'm growing even in this moment, and I think I'll keep learning to the very end." Lastly, Jeong Eunji conveyed a heartfelt request: "Since I've released an album after a long while, I'm still in an adjustment period. Doing a listening session like this, it's only now sinking in," she said, adding, "Please give it lots of love." Jeong Eunji's fifth mini album "Summer, I" releases at 6 p.m. on the 11th through various online music sites.
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