WJSN Icon DaYoung Unpacks Her Long-Awaited Solo Debut
For almost ten years, fans have known DaYoung as the bright spark of WJSN—someone who could light up a stage with her voice, her energy, or even something as simple as a smile. From her days in CHOCOME’s candy-colored chaos to the bigger-than-life performances that made WJSN one of K-pop’s most exciting groups, she’s always stood out. But her new endeavor, gonna love me, right?, feels different. It’s the first time DaYoung is fully stepping into her own spotlight, no filter, no one to lean on—just her.
DaYoung’s first single album is only three tracks long, but it feels like a full, informative introduction to “Solo DaYoung.” She was even hands-on with everything, from the music to the visuals, and you can feel it in the details. The lead track, “body,” is a rush of heat and rhythm—a pop-dance anthem built on instinct. In the music video, filmed under the sharp LA sun, DaYoung moves like someone who finally feels free in her own skin. Then there’s “number one rockstar,” a guitar-driven burst of ambition that sounds like she’s claiming her place on stage all over again. And “marry me” flips things into cheeky confidence, with the now-iconic line: “If I were you, I’d wanna marry me too.”
For DaYoung, this chapter is both bold and earned. Over the years, she’s shown fans so many sides through dramas, OSTs, and variety; and in 2021, when an autoimmune condition demanded it, she displayed the strength to step back. Now, she’s returned with that strength and a sharper sense of self which meticulously anchors gonna love me, right?—a project less about spectacle and more about honesty.
But above all, she’s finally seizing the opportunity to reintroduce herself as an artist, and we’re loving every minute of it.
“body” feels so instinctive—almost like it’s about conveying a mood above all else. When you first heard the track, what kind of feeling or image came to mind?
DaYoung: When I first heard “body,” it was the melody and beat that moved me before the lyrics. I could clearly picture myself dancing on top of it, and right away I thought, “This song is mine.” Later, when I focused on the lyrics, I realized it captures everything about the start of love—the pull, the thrill, that movie-like excitement. To me, “body” is all about those moments when movement speaks louder than words.
“number one rockstar” has such a bold, confident energy. Was there a specific moment in your career where you finally felt that kind of confidence for yourself?
DaYoung: When I decided to work on this album in LA, that’s when I truly felt it. It was scary, but I realized my choices weighed more than my fears. Choosing the direction, building the team, and taking responsibility under my own name gave me confidence like a muscle that grew stronger each day. That’s how I came to believe, “I can own the stage in my own way,” and that’s the exact energy I poured into “number one rockstar.”
Then “marry me” shows a more playful, cheeky side. What’s something about this song that you initially connected with (or related to)?
DaYoung: I actually came up with the idea for “marry me” and also took part in writing it, so it’s a song that’s really close to me. What I connected with most is how it looks playful and lighthearted on the outside, but there’s also a little honesty hidden inside—that’s very true to my own personality. I also love leaving space for listeners to wonder, “What’s the story behind this?” If people have fun imagining their own version, then that’s exactly the reaction I was hoping for.
Looking at your time with WJSN, has there been a prominent lesson or experience that helped shaped the way you approached your solo debut?
DaYoung: It was huge for me. Nine years with WJSN built so many things inside me without me even realizing—stage instincts, timing, the language of cameras and performance, stamina, communication with staff and members. Thanks to that, I could focus on the new things I needed to learn for my solo. Ultimately, I came to understand that there’s no end to learning, and that humility has been my greatest asset in this debut.
Was there a moment during the creation of gonna love me, right? where you realized you had accomplished what you set out to do?
DaYoung: The night I received all the final masters, I walked home listening with my earphones, and the songs felt like they flew by in just ten seconds. Memories of the whole journey played back like a film, and I got a little choked up. When that feeling of “It’s really coming out into the world” hit me, I knew I had passed through the heart of my goal. From there, all that was left was to prove it on stage.
Has this process sparked any new ideas or concepts you’re eager to explore in future solo chapters?
DaYoung: Definitely! I want to try music that maximizes performance—songs with rhythms and structures that your body reacts to instantly, that you understand the moment you see them. At the same time, I’d love to make music you can just listen to on headphones and see whole scenes in your imagination. I already have so many ideas for the next album… maybe too many! (laughs)
Finally, what do you hope fans feel when they listen to gonna love me, right? for the first time?
DaYoung: If listeners feel, “I think I’ve fallen for this girl. I want to keep supporting her,” that’s more than enough for me. And I hope it also brings back memories like, “Yeah, I once had dreams like that too.” Since the album has four songs with different colors, I hope people can choose and enjoy them freely depending on their mood that day. More than anything, I just want to make their day shine a little brighter—and be their Number One Rockstar.
