K-Pop Singer Lee Hi On How Her Mom Helped Give Her The Confidence To Return To The Spotlight With 'Seoulite'
When 19-year-old K-pop vocalist Lee Hi prepared to release her first album in three years, "Seoulite," on March 9, she wondered if her fans would still be there to support her.
"I was worried about did people forgot about me," Lee told the Korean news website BNT in an interview published earlier this week.
"What should I do if people don't like me on a boundary line between being a teenager and in my twenties? However, I think I became mature through those worries."
The teenage star found strength in a reliable source, her mother, who she reportedly still lives with.
"Even though I came home late, my mom always listened to my worries," Lee said.
"One time, I confessed my fears by saying, 'what would I do If people think I'm awkward or take a dim view of me when I come back and sing after three years?' She usually listened to me without a word, but lather that day, my mom said, 'there are many fans the still remember you and wait for you, so don't worry.' And her words remained in my memory."
The K-pop idol reflected on her career in the years since her debut album "First Love" came out.
"When my career break [had lasted] almost a year, I felt extremely tired," Lee said.
"Album preparation didn't go well since I rest too much. I had a sad feeling toward my record company. I was lonely. {laughs} When I think about that now, all my worries and the moments I sighed were a great help for me. It was an opportunity for me to be able to create my new image. However, three years is kind of too long."
She also discussed balancing fan expectations with her need to experiment on the "Seoulite" EP.
"During the album production, I thought about doing something different, but I needed to continue with what my fans like," she said. "I wanted to try out various genres. I wanted to keep challenging things and singing new kinds of songs. I am currently challenging a lot and that is why there are lots of different musical genres on the new album. I always try to challenge various musical [conventions]. I received lots of love [for 'Seoulite']. It was more than I could have expected."
