[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] “This album provides the answer to the question, ‘What kind of artist was Hyolyn originally?’”

Singer Hyolyn (35), formerly of the girl group SISTAR, made this statement during a roundtable interview with E-Daily held recently at a café in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, while introducing her fourth mini-album, “OriginaLyn.”
“OriginaLyn” consists of a total of seven tracks, including the title track “ChecK,” as well as “OFFLINE,” “SHOTTY,” “Enjoy Your Meal,” “What U Like,” “YOU AND I,” and “Standing On The Edge.”
This album marks Hyolyn’s return approximately seven months after she released the digital single “Standing On The Edge” last December. It is her first full-length album in about four years, following her third mini-album “iCE,” released in July 2022.
◇“I Strived to Capture the Most ‘Hyolyn-esque’ Side of Myself”
The new album title, “Originalin,” is a combination of “Original” and Hyolyn’s name, signifying “an album that embodies Hyolyn’s unique music and identity.”
Hyolyn said, “As a singer who has been active for 16 years, I was consumed by the pressure to show a different side of myself for a while,” adding, “This time, I prepared for my comeback with the intention of showing the bold and healthy image that comes to mind first when people think of Hyolyn.” She then smiled and said, “I hope that as you watch the promotions for this album, you’ll feel that ‘the original Hyolyn is back.’”

Hyolyn personally participated in producing every track on this album, completing a new release filled with songs spanning various genres, from R&B to ballads.
Hyolyn explained, “Working on this album began with reflecting on what kind of music I used to love the most.” She continued, “As I rediscovered and listened to the music I loved during my trainee days, I realized anew, ‘That’s right, I really did love music,’ and I wanted to share that sense of nostalgia with as many people as possible.”
The title track, “Check,” is an energetic song centered on the theme of overflowing confidence. It blends a sophisticated sound with Hyolyn’s signature powerful yet effortless vocals.
Hyolyn explained, “This song was created inspired by the music of 1990s and 2000s pop stars like TLC, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.” She added, “Back when I was a trainee, I felt such a strong pressure to catch up with my peers that I would listen to music right up until I fell asleep. I wanted to recreate the sounds and rhythms of the pop music I loved back then through this song.”
Hyolyn also said she found comfort in the song’s message. “It’s a song that conveys the message, ‘You’re doing well enough, so you can be more confident.’ When I sing and dance to this song, my confidence naturally grows, and my negative thoughts clear up. I hope listeners will find strength in it just as I have,” she said.
Hyolyn plans to perform her new song while wearing high heels and delivering a dynamic performance. She said, “Performing in heels is a challenge for me. I could dance much more comfortably in sneakers, but I tend to deliberately choose the more difficult option. That’s because the sense of accomplishment is greater when I overcome a challenge,” she said. She then laughed and added, “Fortunately, my ankles are pretty strong,” and confidently stated, “I’ll exude a variety of charms on stage, including power, femininity, and a girly vibe.”

◇“The title ‘Summer Queen’ is a gift from SISTAR”
While active as a member of SISTAR, Hyolyn scored hits with numerous summer songs such as “Loving U,” “Touch My Body,” and “SHAKE IT.” Still an indispensable figure when discussing the “Summer Queen,” she said, “The title ‘Summer Queen’ is like a gift I received thanks to SISTAR,” adding, “I’m simply grateful that people still call me that.” She continued, “It would be a lie to say this comeback wasn’t made with the summer charts in mind,” adding, “With this new song, I wanted to show that we can create a refreshing vibe even without incorporating typical summer sounds like the sound of waves.”
“You & I,” the seventh track on the album, is a fan song expressing her feelings toward her fans. Hyolyn explained, “It’s a song filled with memories I’ve actually shared with my fans,” adding, “Whenever I was exhausted and wanted to give up, my fans helped me stay focused. Messages like ‘Please stay with me just as you are now’ and ‘Don’t give up’ gave me great strength.” She continued, laughing, “There are times when fans who were too young to attend music shows like ‘Jikgwan’ during my SISTAR days come to say hello now that they’re adults. Seeing that makes me feel both touched and think they’re cute.”
Hyolyn, who is continuing her activities through ReH Entertainment—a new agency she founded herself—said, “It’s not easy, but the time and experience I’ve invested so far have been well worth it. The process of turning the visions I’ve had in my head into reality is truly fun.”
She also expressed her desire to produce new artists in the future. “If I get the chance, I definitely want to try it,” Hyolyn said. “I’m confident I could do a great job producing an idol group,” she added, noting, “I think both girl groups and boy groups would be fun.” When asked which rookie idols she’s keeping an eye on, she singled out Cortis, marveling, “They’re really great on stage.”
Hyolyn will release her new single, CD, and her first-ever LP on the 22nd. She is scheduled to make her first music show appearance on Mnet’s “M Countdown” on the 23rd.
Hyolyn revealed, “While preparing for this comeback, I resolved to do my best but not to restrict myself by tormenting or pressuring myself like I used to,” adding, “My biggest goal is to enjoy my promotional activities.”