TWICE's Tzuyu Unveils Solo Debut Album 'aboutTZU'

TWICE's youngest member Tzuyu is making her solo debut.

On the afternoon of the 5th, a press conference was held at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul to commemorate the release of Tzuyu's first solo mini-album, aboutTZU.

Tzuyu shared, "I'm nervous and excited because it's my first time greeting you as a solo artist, not as TWICE. As TWICE, I received a lot of love from the members and fans, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to release a solo album. I think it's a precious opportunity, and we've worked hard to present a new side of me in this album."

'aboutTZU' is a blend of the English words 'About' and 'Tzuyu,' showcasing Tzuyu's transformation as the third soloist from TWICE, following Nayeon and Jihyo.

Tzuyu mentioned, "Sunmi's performances were very captivating. Watching my senior's performances inspired me to create my own stage. I was motivated by seeing our members' beautiful and cool solo performances. When I shared my ambition with my company, they supported me, and now I have this opportunity. I aim to show you a unique twist of my own."

She continued, "You might expect a bright and cute image from me as the youngest member, but I've tried to capture many facets that I haven't shown before in this album. It includes a mature and sexy atmosphere, as well as playful tracks and ballads. I've expressed a range of emotions and experiences from my life, from childhood to now."

Given TWICE's status as the 'strongest K-pop girl group' for nearly a decade since their debut in 2015, the other members have also shown their support.

Tzuyu said, "Nayeon and Jihyo debuted solo before me and monitored my progress, giving their feedback. The other members encouraged me to reach out if I faced any difficulties, and they sent snack and coffee trucks to the set. They also supported me during group schedules, which was very helpful."

The title track, "Run Away," is an addictive synth-pop dance song. Park Jin-young, head of JYP Entertainment, wrote the lyrics, describing it as a way of expressing love that’s poured out after a long wait, in a manner never seen before.

Tzuyu commented, "The bass sound is captivating and the melody is catchy. I was worried about performing it well, but I felt confident that I could offer something different, so I strongly pitched the idea to the company."

She added, "I paid close attention to my emotions while recording and re-recorded many parts because of pronunciation difficulties. I had to fill the stage on my own, so I focused on details and facial expressions. I wanted to present a confident and intense look. We filmed the choreography scene with 50 dancers, hoping the music video would be full of energy."

Park Jin-young provided substantial support, writing the lyrics for the title song and meticulously overseeing its production. Tzuyu expressed her gratitude, saying, "I’m thankful for the effort you put into helping me show a new side of myself."

The album features six songs in various genres, including "Heart Break in Heaven," "Rage Baby," and "Fly." Tzuyu contributed to the lyrics of "Fly," demonstrating her musical growth.

Tzuyu concluded, "I aimed to show everything I could. I wrote my own lyrics for the first time to convey my story well to fans. I hope you listen to it a lot."

Tzuyu's 'aboutTZU' will be released at 1 p.m. on the 6th. She hopes to be remembered both as TWICE's charming youngest member and as a solo artist.