Sorn on New Music, CLC, and Industry Friendships

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

International pop sensation SORN is embarking on a new chapter of her musical journey with her latest release, "crazy stupid lovers."

In collaboration with PENTAGON's Hong Seok, (known for his acclaimed dramas Move To Heaven and Blue Birthday), SORN uses the track to embrace an exciting new era of her art that introduces a fresh sound, encapsulating the essence of carefree spontaneity and the nuances of love and friendship. The track, carefully laced with upbeat pop vibes, also marks Hong Seok's highly anticipated solo debut after departing PENTAGON’s original label, adding a slightly emotional touch to the narrative curated by SORN.

Having initially risen to fame as the lead vocalist of the K-Pop group CLC in 2015, SORN’s musical tenacity has consistently garnered global recognition as a major group asset and as an influential soloist, accumulating nearly a decade of experience under her belt. Furthermore, with an extensive social media following exceeding six million, SORN has also charmed audiences regularly with her infectious personality and engaging content creation — something that’s sure to evolve organically as she enters her smitten “lover era” through the charming new track.

With her bubbly new single out now, we took the time to chat with SORN about her brand of creativity, musical goals, idol friendships, and more.

SORN | WILD 

Congratulations on your recent comeback! What were some of the inspirations behind your latest track "crazy stupid lovers" and how did it come to fruition?

SORN: I’ve always wanted to write a song about two best friends who have complicated emotions towards each other. I feel like this type of relationship is something that a lot of people can relate to, so I decided to reach out to one of my producer friends in Korea and we started working on this song two years ago.

Could you walk us through a typical day in the studio while working on "crazy stupid lovers" highlighting any challenges or breakthrough moments that shaped the final product?

SORN: I think this song was pretty easy to make for us, and it was a really fun experience to be able to work with my producer friend SLAY whom I met from high school, as well as my artist friend Hong Seok. We flew to Korea to write and record everything. I think that the most challenging part about this project was choosing the right male feature to be on this track. It took me almost a year finding the right person to be on it until I got reconnected with Hong Seok again and that’s why I decided to ask him to jump on the song!

You’ve shared that you’re in the “lover era” of your career. How does the track "crazy stupid lovers" tie into that notion and this chapter of your story?

SORN: I’m always the type of person to write music according to whatever is happening in my life. Now, being in my 20s I’ve been experiencing different types of love in my personal life. I’ve always wanted to express this feeling into my songs, just like a diary of my own life. That’s why we came up with crazy stupid lovers that gives off a lovely, refreshing feeling, that I feel like all of us must have experienced at least once in their lives.

I know that you have a longstanding bond, but how did the collaboration with Hong Seok come about?

SORN: Honestly, we were not really close back when we were with our previous company, because Hong Seok came into the company when I had already debuted as a CLC member. But I got reconnected with him through BLACKPINK’s Lisa at one of her gatherings a few years back, and I saw him again at the recent BLACKPINK concert so we got to talk more then. After the concert, I just felt the vibe and knew that I must get him on this track because his voice and acting would be perfect fit. And thankfully he said yes!

What’s something that he brought to the track that only Hong Seok could have contributed?

SORN: I feel like more than anything, he was able to satisfy my vision for the music video! I really wanted this music video to have a storyline, rather than the dance music videos that I was doing in the past. This was honestly a big decision for me because I’ve always avoided acting. But knowing that Hong Seok was down to jump on the song, I had to overcome my fear this time. As we all know Hong Seok is a great actor, and he was able to deliver exactly the vibe I wanted. He was also super supportive of me during the whole shoot. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m so thankful for him!

You were able to work with LAS who worked on IVE’s single “After Like.” How did the collaboration influence the overall sound and vibe of the song, and what was it like working with such a talented duo?

SORN: I actually met the guys a few years back at an event. I remember SLAY coming up to me and asking me if I remembered him from high school! I was super surprised cause it was my first time meeting someone from the school I went to in Korea, since I was only there for a year. Ever since that day, we kept in contact and both wanted to work on something together and that is how ‘crazy stupid lovers’ started! They are both so talented and so wonderful to work with. I really enjoyed every single moment of it.

Finally, with the success of your previous releases and collaborations, how do you navigate balancing your solo career while still honoring your CLC roots?

SORN: I always try to find any opportunity I have to collaborate with all of my members. As you can see, with my previous releases, I’ve collaborated with both Seungyeon and Yeeun on Rowdy and Nirvana Girl respectively. I love the girls to death and I would love to bring ever back together again someday and perform together.