Yena’s New Single ‘Nemo Nemo’ Explores the Complexities of Love Through Clever Metaphor
Sharon Jung / Published October 2, 2024 10:14 PM
Sharon Jung
Courtesy of Yue Hua Entertainment Korea
K-pop singer Yena returns to the spotlight with her third single album, “Nemo Nemo,” eight months after the release of “Good Morning” in January. During a press conference held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Yena shared the unique concept behind her new album, which uses a square—derived from the Korean word “Nemo”—as a metaphor to represent the multifaceted emotions of love.
“Everyone experiences and expresses love differently, and this album uses a square as a metaphor for those complex feelings,” Yena explained. The title track, also named “Nemo Nemo,” is an upbeat electronic dance song with playful and quirky lyrics that capture both the joys and challenges of love. Yena emphasized how love, much like a square, can have sharp edges that reflect the highs and lows of relationships. “In love, there are good times, but there are also moments when we hurt each other and show our sharp sides. The song expresses these moments through the image of a square,” she said.
Yena’s inspiration for the album’s sound is rooted in the music she loved in the past, particularly songs by iconic K-pop groups like T-ara, After School, and Orange Caramel. “I wanted to capture the nostalgic emotions I felt from their music but give it my own twist,” she shared. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, combining retro elements with Yena’s signature style.
One of the notable collaborators on the album is Block B’s Zico, who contributed to the lyrics of “Nemo Nemo.” Yena revealed that she had difficulty finding the right words for the song and turned to Zico for help. “Zico is a friend of my older brother, and I’ve always admired his work. When I was struggling with the lyrics, I reached out to him, and he came up with the witty lines that complete the song,” she said.
Yena’s approach to performing and creating music is grounded in her philosophy of happiness and enjoyment. “The most important thing for me when I’m on stage is that I should be genuinely happy. I believe the audience can feel that energy, and I want that to become my signature. I want to continue singing with the same joy I feel now,” she said with a big smile.
Since her rise to fame as a member of the project group IzOne, formed through Mnet’s audition program Produce 48 in 2018, Yena has steadily built a successful solo career. Following IzOne’s disbandment in April 2021, she launched her solo career with the release of her debut EP “Smiley” in January 2022. Her vibrant and positive energy has continued to shine through her music, winning over fans across the globe.
“Nemo Nemo” is a testament to Yena’s growth as an artist, blending fun, creativity, and introspection. As she continues to evolve, Yena remains focused on delivering music that not only resonates with her audience but also reflects her authentic self. With the support of producers like Zico and her clear artistic vision, Yena is solidifying her place in the K-pop scene as a distinctive voice with a message that is both relatable and heartfelt.
As Yena moves forward in her solo journey, “Nemo Nemo” serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of love, skillfully captured through clever metaphors and energetic melodies. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Yena’s unique style as she continues to explore new musical landscapes.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
Courtesy of Yue Hua Entertainment Korea
K-pop singer Yena returns to the spotlight with her third single album, “Nemo Nemo,” eight months after the release of “Good Morning” in January. During a press conference held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Yena shared the unique concept behind her new album, which uses a square—derived from the Korean word “Nemo”—as a metaphor to represent the multifaceted emotions of love.
“Everyone experiences and expresses love differently, and this album uses a square as a metaphor for those complex feelings,” Yena explained. The title track, also named “Nemo Nemo,” is an upbeat electronic dance song with playful and quirky lyrics that capture both the joys and challenges of love. Yena emphasized how love, much like a square, can have sharp edges that reflect the highs and lows of relationships. “In love, there are good times, but there are also moments when we hurt each other and show our sharp sides. The song expresses these moments through the image of a square,” she said.
Yena’s inspiration for the album’s sound is rooted in the music she loved in the past, particularly songs by iconic K-pop groups like T-ara, After School, and Orange Caramel. “I wanted to capture the nostalgic emotions I felt from their music but give it my own twist,” she shared. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, combining retro elements with Yena’s signature style.
One of the notable collaborators on the album is Block B’s Zico, who contributed to the lyrics of “Nemo Nemo.” Yena revealed that she had difficulty finding the right words for the song and turned to Zico for help. “Zico is a friend of my older brother, and I’ve always admired his work. When I was struggling with the lyrics, I reached out to him, and he came up with the witty lines that complete the song,” she said.
Yena’s approach to performing and creating music is grounded in her philosophy of happiness and enjoyment. “The most important thing for me when I’m on stage is that I should be genuinely happy. I believe the audience can feel that energy, and I want that to become my signature. I want to continue singing with the same joy I feel now,” she said with a big smile.
Since her rise to fame as a member of the project group IzOne, formed through Mnet’s audition program Produce 48 in 2018, Yena has steadily built a successful solo career. Following IzOne’s disbandment in April 2021, she launched her solo career with the release of her debut EP “Smiley” in January 2022. Her vibrant and positive energy has continued to shine through her music, winning over fans across the globe.
“Nemo Nemo” is a testament to Yena’s growth as an artist, blending fun, creativity, and introspection. As she continues to evolve, Yena remains focused on delivering music that not only resonates with her audience but also reflects her authentic self. With the support of producers like Zico and her clear artistic vision, Yena is solidifying her place in the K-pop scene as a distinctive voice with a message that is both relatable and heartfelt.
As Yena moves forward in her solo journey, “Nemo Nemo” serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of love, skillfully captured through clever metaphors and energetic melodies. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Yena’s unique style as she continues to explore new musical landscapes.
