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It’s a new era for K-Pop idol Chung Ha as she releases the introspective and defiant mini-album, ‘Alivio’ – her first since ‘Bare&Rare, Pt.1’ in 2022.
It’s been a difficult three years for the former I.O.I member as she even considered quitting music and leaving Korea to study psychology abroad.
It wasn’t until she signed with Jay Park’s More Vision label that she regnited her love for making music as she was able to take full control of her art and “release the weight of stress, fear, and all the expectations that build up over time.”
This freedom is encapsulated by her latest mini-album, Alivio – meaning ‘relief’ in Spanish. With the latest release, Chung Ha lays bare as she gives fans an introspective insight into her personal life whilst she processes the last few years.
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How excited are you to start this new chapter with your fans?
I’m honestly so excited to start this new chapter with my fans. This is my first EP in a while, and it feels like such a fresh start for me. ‘Alivio’ is really personal. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve been through, and I feel like I can finally share that part of myself with everyone who’s supported me. My fans have been patient, and I wanted to ensure this comeback was worth the wait. It’s not just about putting out music, it’s about reconnecting and growing together. I’m ready and super excited to take this next step with them!
What did you want to express with ‘Alivio’? Tell us more about this album.
‘Alivio’ means “relief” in Spanish, and that really sums up what I wanted to express with this album. It’s about releasing the weight of stress, fear, and all the expectations that build up over time. I’ve been through a lot emotionally over the past few years, and making this album was my way of processing everything.
Musically, it’s a mix of all the things I love. There are emotional, introspective moments, but also songs that make you want to move and let go. I wanted this album to reflect the different sides of me—the struggles, the confidence, the freedom. It’s an emotional journey, and I hope people can feel that release, too. Whatever they need, I hope this album gives them that.
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In the album teaser, you said: “Face the most terrifying and traumatic memories to overcome new challenges.” Was this your most difficult album to date as you reflect on those moments?
It’s definitely the most personal album I’ve made, but I wouldn’t say it was difficult because of the memories. Honestly, creating ‘Alivio’ gave me closure. The real challenge was having full creative control for the first time—starting from scratch and not knowing where things would go. But that process pushed me to take risks and dive deeper into my artistry. That’s what made all the difference.
Tell us more about ‘Stress’. Why did you choose this one as your title track?
As soon as I heard ‘Stress’, I knew it had to be the title track. It’s been a while since the team and I agreed on one like this, and I trusted our choice. In the past, I wasn’t able to promote some tracks I loved, like ‘I’m Ready’, ‘Stay Tonight’, and ‘Dream Of You’—all those voguing, house genre songs. I know my fans were disappointed by that. With Stress, I wanted to pick a track that has depth but is also high-energy. Even though the title is Stress, the song itself is fun and makes you forget about your stress. It’s the kind of track that helps you feel lighter and free, even when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
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Do you have more freedom in creative expression as a solo artist in K-Pop?
As a solo artist, I have more freedom to take creative risks, but with that comes a lot of responsibility. In the past, I followed the directions set by the label, trusting their decisions. With ‘Alivio’, I wanted more control over everything—from the concept to production to visuals. It was exciting but also overwhelming at times. This time, I focused on making something that felt authentic to me. I had more input in the songwriting, experimented with different sounds, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. To me, true freedom in music is about creating something that feels like me.
K-Pop is thriving all over the world. How does this feel as someone who’s been in the game for a while to watch it grow to new heights?
It’s crazy how much K-pop has evolved. When I first started, performing overseas felt like such a big deal, but now seeing artists doing huge world tours, collaborating with global stars, and even acting in Hollywood—it’s something I never imagined. What stands out to me is how K-pop has opened up so many doors for all of us as artists. I never thought the music I make would reach so many different people from all over. It feels like we’ve all grown together, and I’m just really thankful to be part of this journey.
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How did your Dallas roots give you a different perspective on K-Pop?
Growing up in Dallas, I was around so many different cultures and sounds. That influenced how I approach music. Whether it was pop, R&B, hip-hop, or Latin music, I was always mixing them up, and I think that made me more open to blending different styles in my music, even within K-Pop.
Being bilingual also plays a big part in how I express myself. Sometimes I can say things better in English, sometimes in Korean, and I like that I have the flexibility to switch between them. I think that perspective—growing up in a place with so many different sounds—made me a little more comfortable bringing my mix into K-Pop.
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Did your hiatus give you time to reflect and learn more about yourself outside of music?
Absolutely. When you’re always on the go, it’s easy to just run on autopilot. Taking a step back made me ask myself, “What do I really want? What makes me happy outside of music?” I didn’t have all the answers right away, but I feel much more grounded now. Honestly, that time off played a big role in shaping the story I wanted to tell with Alivio. It gave me space to think about what I wanted to express, not just in music, but in life.
I want people to feel like it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Alivio is about the messy, beautiful parts of life—the stress, the joy, the pain, and the healing. I hope when people listen, they feel empowered to be themselves, no matter what they’re going through. It’s about embracing the journey and not being afraid to face the tough stuff. We’re all figuring it out together, and that’s okay.
What have you learned from working with Jay Park’s MORE VISION?
MORE VISION has been such a breath of fresh air. It’s all about pushing boundaries, but in a way that feels real and true to you. Working with my CEO Jay has taught me to trust my instincts more and take control of my music. In this industry, there’s always pressure to follow a certain path, but I’ve learned that there’s no one right way to do things. You just have to stick to what feels authentic.
Jay’s always encouraged artists to have full creative control, and that’s something I really appreciate. He’s told me, “You know yourself better than anyone, so trust that.” That advice stuck with me. I used to feel like I had to follow a certain formula, but now I feel more confident in making my own decisions, whether it’s in music, branding, or how I want to shape my career.
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Chung Ha’s ‘Alivio’ is out now.
Words: Adam Davidson
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