WHEEIN's "Make Me Happy" Breaks Records: The Story Behind Her Solo Success

WHEEIN captivated fans with her sophomore mini-album 'Whee' released on January 16, 2022, showcasing her evolution as a solo artist. The highly anticipated comeback featured the stunning title track 'Make Me Happy' ('오묘해' in Korean), which was unveiled alongside an impressive music video that quickly grabbed attention across platforms.

This release marks WHEEIN's first solo project under her new label THE L1VE, signaling a fresh chapter in her career outside of her work with MAMAMOO. The 'Whee' album includes six tracks in total, featuring standout songs like 'Pink Cloud' and the personally penned 'Letter Filled With Light.' With creative contributions from RAVI, who worked on the lyrics and composition of 'Make Me Happy' alongside other talented collaborators including Xydo, PUFF, Sam Klempner, Asia Whiteacre, and Jon Eyden, this project represents an important milestone in WHEEIN's artistic journey.

The release of 'Make Me Happy' and its place in the WHEE album

After departing from RBW Entertainment in June 2021, WHEEIN found a new creative home at THE L1VE, a label founded by VIXX's RAVI. The release of "Make Me Happy" marked her first solo comeback under this new banner, signaling a fresh artistic direction.

Wheein's first solo comeback under THE L1VE

"Make Me Happy" represented a significant milestone in WHEEIN's career trajectory. Released on January 16, 2022, this comeback showcased her evolution as an artist with newfound creative freedom. RAVI participated extensively in the project, writing lyrics and co-composing not only the title track but also other songs like "Deserve (Interlude)" and "Pastel". Through this release, WHEEIN expressed her desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level, stating, "I hope my voice will reach your hearts and many of you will find the songs relatable".

How 'Make Me Happy' fits into the 'Whee' album

The dreamy title track perfectly embodies the overall mood of the 'Whee' album—an atmospheric collection that balances between "winter and spring, as everything slowly flowers and enters its prime once again". Unlike her more vibrant first mini-album 'Redd,' 'Whee' reveals WHEEIN's true artistic colors through more relaxed, atmospheric compositions. Furthermore, the album intentionally positions her ethereal voice as "the true star," allowing her vocals to shine as "a beacon through the album's duskiest moments".

Initial fan expectations and buzz

Following the album's release, fan response was enthusiastic. The music video quickly accumulated 2.5 million views, while the album reached No. 3 on the worldwide iTunes album chart and topped charts in 18 different countries. However, some reviewers noted the song's subdued nature might have caused it to be overlooked amid more dynamic releases during that period. Nevertheless, the album succeeded in showcasing WHEEIN's musical maturity and vocal delicacy, particularly appealing to fans who appreciate her soulful approach to R&B.

Breaking down the lyrics: mystery, emotion, and duality

At the heart of "Make Me Happy" lies an intricate tapestry of emotions, perfectly woven through WHEEIN's poetic lyrics. The song delves into the mysterious allure of a budding relationship, resembling what WHEEIN herself described as having "similar vibes to Alice in Wonderland."

Recurring theme of emotional ambiguity

Throughout the lyrics, WHEEIN explores the fascinating contradiction of feelings that exist in romantic connections. Lines like "The space where the door is slightly open (about to be touched or not)" and "Something's about to blossom, this mysterious temperature" showcase this delicate emotional balance. Indeed, this push-and-pull dynamic mimics "the feeling of going back and forth with someone, almost like playing ping-pong."

The metaphor of 'poker face' and hidden feelings

"Your poker face / Oh I don't know your mind" serves as a pivotal metaphor in the song, highlighting the challenge of understanding someone's true feelings. This concept echoes through lyrics like "You are mysterious in some way, something strange" and "Continue to be mysterious, secretly my heart's being touched." The intentional ambiguity creates tension that drives the narrative forward.

Why the word '오묘해' (omyohae) is central to the song

The Korean word '오묘해' (omyohae), which translates to "mysterious" or "enigmatic," isn't just the song's original title—it's an expression WHEEIN uses frequently in her daily life. Interestingly, the idea behind the title connects to her cat Ggomo, as the Hanja word '猫' (meaning "cat") has the eumhun '고양이 묘' (goyang'i myo).

Visual storytelling in the music video

The enchanting music video for "Make Me Happy" captivates viewers with its dreamlike visuals and symbolic elements that perfectly complement the song's mystical themes.

Symbolism of the doors and rooms

Using a one-shot film technique, the video portrays WHEEIN navigating through various rooms in what appears to be an endless time loop. These Victorian-era inspired interiors serve as different emotional spaces, each room revealing new aspects of her journey. As WHEEIN moves through these interconnected spaces, they transform from initially dull environments into vibrant, lively settings that mirror her emotional awakening.

Use of color, flowers, and butterflies

Butterflies function as powerful bookends in the narrative—a solitary white butterfly guides viewers through a verdant tunnel at the beginning, whereas hundreds of pink and blue butterflies burst forth from WHEEIN at the conclusion. Additionally, magnolia flowers appear throughout, carrying deep personal significance as they symbolize WHEEIN's birth from her mother's conception dream. The color palette shifts from muted tones to rich pastels, with striking visuals like WHEEIN in a purple dress surrounded by lush flowers creating breathtaking moments.

Alice in Wonderland inspiration

WHEEIN herself acknowledged that "Make Me Happy" draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. This influence manifests through the video's surreal atmosphere, featuring WHEEIN falling down a wormhole before awakening in an enigmatic house. Much like Alice's adventures, WHEEIN's journey through interconnected rooms filled with fantastical elements creates a wonderland "brimming with hope and romance".

How the visuals reflect the lyrics

The video's visual progression mirrors the song's lyrical exploration of mysterious emotions. Just as the lyrics describe the ambiguity of developing feelings, the transforming environments represent this emotional evolution. The butterfly motif—especially significant as WHEEIN's mother called her a "butterfly child"—perfectly embodies the freedom and self-discovery expressed in the song. Even a subtle detail where a display case placard changes from "whee" to "in the mood" references her Instagram handle, connecting her personal identity to the artistic expression.

Wheein’s solo identity and the impact of her new label

WHEEIN's artistic identity underwent significant evolution after signing with THE L1VE in August 2021. This career move marked a pivotal shift that allowed her to express her distinct musical vision while maintaining her connection with MAMAMOO for certain activities.

Transition from MAMAMOO to solo artist

Though WHEEIN remains a member of MAMAMOO, her departure from RBW Entertainment signaled a desire to establish her individual sound. As an accomplished vocalist with years of group experience, she brought technical prowess yet faced the challenge of developing a standalone presence. The 'Whee' album, consequently, served as her artistic declaration—blending her established vocal identity with new creative directions.

Creative freedom under THE L1VE

Under THE L1VE, WHEEIN gained greater artistic autonomy. The label, known for its artist-centric approach, provided her with opportunities to explore various musical styles. This creative liberty resulted in songs that more authentically reflected her personal taste and artistic vision, allowing her to develop a signature sound characterized by R&B influences and emotional depth.

Ravi's role in songwriting and production

VIXX's RAVI, THE L1VE's founder, played an instrumental role in shaping WHEEIN's solo work. Beyond establishing the label, he directly contributed to her music, co-writing and producing several tracks on the 'Whee' album. Their collaboration brought fresh perspectives to her sound while maintaining the soulful essence fans recognized from her earlier work.

How this release differs from her past work

'Make Me Happy' represents a sonic departure from WHEEIN's previous solo efforts. Whereas her RBW releases often featured powerful vocals against dynamic productions, this comeback embraced subtlety and atmospheric elements. The dreamy, introspective quality throughout the 'Whee' album showcases her artistic maturation and willingness to explore more nuanced emotional territory.