[INTERVIEW] CHUU To Embark On Her Solo Tour!

CHUU, whose real name is Kim Ji Woo, is a South Korean idol who originally made her debut in the girl group Loona and the sub-unit, yyxy.

Now, embarking on her solo career, CHUU releases her 1st Mini Album. The album, which released in October 2023, is entitled Howl and CHUU promotes several tracks. She promotes the songs “Howl”, “Hitchhiker” as well as “Underwater” and they all come with music videos.

Check out our full interview with CHUU below as she speaks about making a solo debut and embarking on her solo tour.

CHUU INTERVIEW

“Howl” marks your solo debut in the K-POP industry. Can you share the significance of this EP to you  personally and artistically? Is there anything else you’d like to share with fans? 

I am very grateful I got to deliver the messages I have long wanted to share through the ‘Howl’ album. I want to empathize with and get closer to my dear listeners, and I hope that this album will be an opportunity to communicate through music and get closer to my fans.  

The title track of your EP is also named “Howl”. What inspired this song, and how does it set the tone for the entire album? 

Although I was appearing on many shows and programs, I spent a lot of time trying to look back and take care  of myself during my hiatus. I feel like I have become much stronger internally through this time. And with this  renewed mindset, I wanted to try something new musically as well–by putting my own story into my music. I was one of the many people who needed the messages that ‘Howl’ tries to convey. So ‘Howl’ is a song that  gave me the comfort I could not give myself and made me realize once again that I am not alone. 

“Howl” touches on various emotions and themes. Is there a particular message or story you wanted to  convey through your music and lyrics? 

Even if you are so exhausted that you feel like it won’t matter if the world falls apart, I think deep down in your  heart, you want to stand up for yourself and be comforted by someone. I hope ‘Howl’ provides courage and  comfort to many people. 

The music video for “Howl” has gained a lot of attention. Can you share some details about the concept and  the visuals that were important to convey the song’s message? 

The music video for ‘Howl’ depicts a girl growing up on her own with an alter ego, a monster. In terms of  visuals, I tried to capture my natural, free-spirited, and maybe even slightly rebellious image. And above all, I  think my various emotional changes are shown delicately in the music video.

You also released a music video for the track “Hitchhiker” which is on the same EP. Any fun anecdotes to  share from the filming? 

Because it was originally an unplanned shoot, I had to borrow outfits and props from staff members. And even the shooting scene was like ‘Hitchhiker’ itself, just roaming around without a plan, and doing whatever I  wanted to freely! I’m so glad all the breathtaking sceneries–the morning sun to sunset to darkness–were all  captured so beautifully on camera. The ‘Hitchhiker’ shoot remains a treasured memory for me. 

What artists or musicians have inspired you throughout your journey and played a role in shaping your  debut as a solo artist? 

IU has been a great role model for me for a long time and she always keeps me dreaming. Even today, I want  to grow as an artist who can deliver messages with delicate emotions like her. 

Touring can be physically and emotionally demanding. How do you prepare yourself both mentally and  physically to give your best performance during the <Howl> in USA tour? 

To ensure a smooth run of the show, I’m taking care of my health, working out and eating healthily. And of  course, I am giving it my all to prepare for the best performance. And lastly, I am also studying English for my  U.S. KKOTI. 

As you prepare for the U.S. Tour, can you share any details about the stage production, choreography, or  other aspects that will make your live performances unique and memorable? 

I am very excited to show my fans in the States the performance of a new song from my first solo album! I plan to bond with my fans in a closer space and create the stage together. 

As a slight sneak peek, we are preparing newly arranged songs so that you can enjoy the different charms of  the original songs. And of course, I am currently working hard to fill the space with my voice and energy, so I  hope you look forward to it! 

Your fans have been eagerly awaiting your solo debut and tour. Is there a message you’d like to tell them? 

Hello, my dear KKOTI in the States, I’ve missed you guys so much. I finally have the opportunity to go on a tour  in the States! I hope we can create a safe and fun experience together as I’ve kept you waiting for so long.  Thank you again and I love you! I missed you. 

Also, if you’re in North America, be sure to check her out on tour in a city near you.