[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] “Pop Music Hot Talk” is a weekly column that highlights memorable quotes gathered on the front lines of K-pop reporting. <Editor’s Note>

◇“If you don’t give up, opportunities will come your way”
Singer Solji (37) shared these words in a recent interview with Edaily when asked what message she would like to convey to junior artists in the music industry who are currently struggling to make a name for themselves.
Solji debuted in the music industry in 2006 as a member of the vocal group 2NB. She later worked as a vocal trainer before joining EXID in 2012, and finally rose to prominence in 2014 when “Up & Down” experienced a retroactive rise on the music charts.
It took eight years from her debut until “Up & Down” became a retro-hit. Reflecting on her long period of obscurity, which ultimately led her to become an “icon of retro-hits,” Solji said, “It really felt like a dark period back then,” adding, “I wanted to succeed so I could show junior artists going through a similar time that they can overcome the hardships and find their moment in the spotlight.”
Solji also said she found hope in the stories of senior artists who had overcome long periods of obscurity before her.
“When I read articles with titles like ‘Overcoming 10 Years of Obscurity to Reach the Top,’ I used to wonder, ‘Does that really happen?’ and think, ‘I want to be like that too,’” she said. She added, “It feels like a dream that I’m still active and healthy, receiving so much love both as an EXID member and as a solo artist.”
She cited the song “Just as You Say,” performed by Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Juck on the MBC variety show *Infinite Challenge*, as the song that helped her stay focused during difficult times. Solji recalled, “When things were really tough, I watched that video and cried my eyes out,” adding, “I watched it telling myself, ‘It’ll work out, it’ll work out,’ and it’s amazing that it actually came true just as I said.”
Solji advised, “I believe opportunities will definitely come to everyone. That’s equal for all. However, only those who are prepared can seize them,” adding, “How much you grow as a person depends on your own efforts, so I hope you’ll always be prepared to welcome those opportunities.” She also noted, “Even if you’re talented, if you give up halfway, you’ll never see the light at the end of the tunnel,” adding, “I want to tell everyone that if you keep at it, opportunities will come your way.”
Having recently marked the 20th anniversary of her debut, Solji is taking on new challenges by releasing her first album filled entirely with trot songs. On the 15th, she released a special single featuring three tracks: “Over the Limit,” “The One and Only You,” and “What Do You Think of Me?” This project was inspired by her appearance on the MBN trot competition show “The King of Active Singers 3,” where she advanced to the final Top 7.
Solji initially declined the offer to appear on “Active Singer 3” but found the courage to accept after her parents encouraged her; this led her to expand her fan base to include middle-aged and older audiences. She asked that this be viewed not as a shift to a specific genre but as an expansion of her scope of activities.
Solji said, “I want to steadily build upon this expanded scope of activities and fan base.” She added, “I believe a new chapter for me as a solo artist has now truly begun,” hinting at an active music career ahead.