ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – After carving a niche for herself in the competitive music industry as a member of the vocal group The Barberettes and later as a producer and songwriter, An Shinae has made a triumphant return following a years-long hiatus.
Last July, she released the digital single Dear City, and on Wednesday, she cemented her comeback as a singer-songwriter with the launch of her new EP, Dear Life.
“The first series focused on healing the pain of city life, while the new one explores the expanded possibilities that come after that healing,” An shared.
The EP’s lead track, South to the West, showcases a groovy New Jack Swing vibe that was a cornerstone of the album’s creative direction.
“People who know me often expect powerful vocals or ballad-style songs. But personally, I love groovy, upbeat tracks. That’s why I chose this song — it’s a style I enjoy while also highlighting my vocal abilities,” An explained.
The music video, shot in Seoul and on Jeju Island, weaves together contrasting visuals of tangerine trees, fishing boats, and vibrant urban scenes. It reflects An’s own life over the past four years, during which she has split her time between the tranquillity of Jeju and the energy of Seoul.
An’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. She debuted in 2014 with the four-member group The Barberettes and spent nearly a decade making a name for herself in the indie music scene.
However, burnout—amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic—prompted her to step back and seek solace on Jeju Island. There, she embraced a slower pace of life, dedicating her time to harvesting tangerines, cooking, and woodworking.
A pivotal moment in her return to music came through the encouragement of Psy, the renowned singer and head of K-pop agency P Nation. “He suggested I pursue singing again, recognising my value as an artist. It was a truly validating moment,” she recalled.
Although she has already achieved significant success as a songwriter—penning chart-topping hits such as Lee Hi’s Holo and Hwasa’s I Love My Body—releasing an album as an artist carries a special significance for An. “It feels like I’m debuting all over again,” she said.
Reflecting on her creative process, An revealed her ambition to release the many songs she has written over the years. “I want to present the emotions and experiences I’ve gathered and organise them in a way that resonates with listeners.”
Her time in Jeju also brought a shift in perspective, teaching her to let go of the relentless pressure to succeed. “Of course, I still hope my music videos gain high viewership and my songs top the charts. But even if they don’t, I’ve come to value the process itself. I’ve decided to keep moving forward regardless.”
Looking ahead, An plans to expand her Dear City series, exploring themes of resilience and transformation. She sees her work as more than just music, aiming to inspire hope and courage in her audience.
“I hope this album holds meaning for those who listen to it. I want people to feel the possibilities of life that I’ve poured into this album and to draw courage from it. For those standing at a crossroads of change, I hope this album encourages them to embrace those changes with confidence.”
With her renewed focus and determination, An Shinae is firmly back in the spotlight, delivering a message of hope and transformation through her music.
