ITZY's Yeji Solo Debut 'Air': Why This Release Marks K-pop History

Yeji solo debut finally arrived on March 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in K-pop history as the first member of ITZY to venture into a solo career. After seven years with her group, the talented performer released her debut EP titled "Air," a four-track synth-pop collection that showcases her artistic evolution and personal style.

The ITZY member's solo debut album "Air" features a title track of the same name, notably co-written by JYP Entertainment founder J.Y. Park. While the EP runs just over 12 minutes in length, it delivers a powerful musical statement characterized by strong bass sounds and addictive hooks. During a press conference at Seoul's Sofitel Ambassador Hotel, Yeji explained that the message behind her debut was about "showcasing my presence, my aura".

K-pop enthusiasts will find this release particularly significant as Yeji expressed both pressure and excitement at being the pioneer soloist from her group. The EP features Yeji's personal touch, as she participated in writing lyrics for the title track, aiming to convey the intense immersion she feels while performing on stage. This article explores the journey, making, and impact of this landmark K-pop solo debut.

Yeji’s Journey to Solo Debut

Hwang Yeji embarked on her path to solo stardom after establishing herself as a formidable presence in the K-pop industry as ITZY's charismatic leader. Since the group's debut in 2019, Yeji consistently demonstrated exceptional vocal capabilities and stage presence that distinguished her among her peers. Her trademark cat-like eyes and powerful dance performances gradually built anticipation for her eventual solo endeavors.

From ITZY leader to solo artist

Throughout ITZY's successful run, Yeji balanced her responsibilities as group leader with personal artistic growth. Her journey included participating in various collaboration projects and special stages that showcased her individual talents. Additionally, her appearances on shows like "Studio Choom" and "M Countdown" helped solidify her reputation as a performer with unique artistic vision beyond her group identity.

Why 2025 was the right time

After seven years with ITZY, 2025 emerged as the perfect moment for Yeji's solo venture. This timing aligned strategically with ITZY's established presence in the industry, allowing her to build upon the group's foundation without overshadowing their collective achievements. Furthermore, JYP Entertainment recognized that Yeji had reached artistic maturity, having developed both technical skills and personal artistic direction necessary for solo success.

Initial announcement and fan reactions

When JYP Entertainment first revealed Yeji's solo plans in January 2025, social media platforms erupted with excitement. Consequently, hashtags like #YejiSoloComing and #AirIsComing trended worldwide within hours of the announcement. Fans, known as MIDZY, expressed overwhelming support through streaming parties, cover dance preparations, and fan projects.

The teaser images released in February—featuring Yeji with striking platinum blonde hair against minimalist backgrounds—further intensified anticipation. Subsequently, pre-orders for "Air" broke records for female soloist debuts from JYP Entertainment. This enthusiastic reception confirmed that fans had long awaited this new chapter in her career, seeing it as a natural evolution rather than a departure from her group activities.

Inside the Making of 'Air'

The creative process behind Yeji's debut album began with a powerful concept centered around self-expression and artistic freedom. The title "AIR" emerged as a metaphor for something essential yet intangible—much like Yeji's artistic vision for her solo identity.

Concept development and theme

The album concept revolves around immersion and self-discovery. Yeji described the theme as "creating my perfect 'air'—a space where I can embrace it, meet myself, and experience new feelings." Indeed, this artistic direction echoes throughout the project. In an interesting parallel, Yeji likened the story behind the title track to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Red Shoes," explaining: "It's about being so consumed by dance that you can't stop, even if you want to. That uncontrollable urge is captured in the lyrics and the music video."

Tracklist and musical direction

"AIR" features four meticulously crafted tracks:

"Air" - The synth-pop title track with powerful bass and addictive hooks
"Invasion" - A soaring composition with summertime island vibes
"Can't Slow Me, No" - An energetic track with Latin-inspired rhythms
"258" - A dynamic finale featuring angelic vocals and EDM elements

In detail, the compact 12-minute EP prioritizes quality over quantity. As Yeji mentioned, "All of the B-side tracks were considered as the title track. I personally selected the ones I thought both the fans would love and I would connect with."

Collaborators and producers involved

JYP Entertainment founder J.Y. Park played a vital role in elevating the album's quality, specifically contributing to the title track. The project also benefited from an impressive roster of collaborators, including danke (who previously worked with IU and TWICE), hit-maker Lee Woo-min "collapsedone," Noday, and Ryan Jhun. Moreover, international writers G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze, Tricia Battani, and Kirsten Collins brought additional perspectives to the project.

Yeji's role in songwriting

Above all, Yeji actively participated in writing the title track's lyrics, infusing the song with personal meaning. She aimed to capture the overwhelming feeling of immersion she experiences while performing on stage. In her own words: "The message of 'Air' is about showcasing my presence, my aura, through my first solo debut."

Reception and Chart Performance

Yeji's first solo effort attracted significant attention from critics and music fans alike, establishing her credibility beyond her role in ITZY. The solo debut quickly made waves across multiple platforms, garnering both critical acclaim and impressive commercial performance.

Critical reviews and media coverage

Critics responded positively to Yeji's venture into solo territory. Grammy described how the EP "sees the singer fully embrace the positively overwhelming sensations she feels when she's onstage," noting that the tracks venture into "some of the most tantalizing electronica and dance-pop sounds K-pop has heard in a long while". Meanwhile, British media outlet NME highlighted her performance abilities, stating, "Yeji continues to grow as a performer. One of the most captivating performers in K-pop, Yeji has marked a new beginning with Air".

Music review site KpopReviewer awarded "Air" an impressive overall rating of 9/10 across song quality, music video, and performance categories. AsianJunkie praised the release as "an addictive song" that effectively established Yeji's identity as a soloist, noting her "charismatic showing" secured "her place as a rising competitor among the dance-pop female soloists".

Chart rankings in Korea and globally

"Air" demonstrated solid performance across multiple charts. In South Korea, the EP reached number 3 on the Circle Album Chart, later settling at number 8 on the monthly chart. Globally, the mini-album made notable appearances on international rankings, reaching number 6 on Billboard's World Albums chart and number 17 on Billboard's Top Album Sales.

Additionally, the title track "Air" landed at number 9 on World Digital Song Sales. The EP also appeared on several other international charts, including number 54 on Greek Albums (IFPI) and number 27 on Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon).

Certifications and sales milestones

Perhaps most notably, "Air" received a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for surpassing 250,000 album sales. This certification places Yeji alongside other significant K-pop releases from 2025, including TREASURE's "PLEASURE" (triple platinum), NMIXX's "Fe3O4: FORWARD," and BLACKPINK's Jennie's "Ruby" (both double platinum).

The performance established Yeji at number 73 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart, ranking her among the biggest K-pop artists in the U.S. during that period. Overall, these achievements validate JYP Entertainment's decision to launch Yeji as ITZY's first solo act.

Why 'Air' Is a Landmark in K-pop

'Air' stands as a significant milestone in K-pop history, extending beyond merely being another solo debut. The release has created ripples throughout the industry for several compelling reasons.

First ITZY member to go solo

Yeji's March 2025 release marks a pivotal moment as she becomes the pioneer solo artist from ITZY. Unlike many K-pop groups where younger or more vocally-focused members typically debut first, ITZY chose to launch their leader's solo career before any other member. This strategic decision highlights JYP Entertainment's confidence in Yeji's ability to establish an independent artistic identity while maintaining her group responsibilities. Accordingly, this pioneering step creates a blueprint for future ITZY solo projects, with Yeji herself noting, "I hope that starting my solo career will set the stage for the other members to show new sides of themselves individually".

Breaking the mold for girl group leaders

Traditionally, K-pop group leaders often prioritize group success over individual ventures. Nonetheless, Yeji's solo debut challenges this convention by demonstrating how a leader can simultaneously nurture group cohesion while developing a distinct solo presence. Interestingly, JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young specifically advised Yeji to focus on "showcasing her individuality rather than stressing over results". This approach represents a refreshing perspective on leadership within K-pop, suggesting that individual growth ultimately strengthens collective identity.

Impact on future solo debuts in K-pop

Yeji's debut undeniably establishes a new benchmark for solo debuts emerging from successful girl groups. Her ability to secure a position among established soloists—ranking alongside artists like LE SSERAFIM, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo on Billboard's Artist 100 chart—demonstrates the viability of such career expansions. Industry analysts now view Yeji's debut as a case study for how K-pop agencies might approach future solo launches, especially for performers primarily known for their dance abilities. Ultimately, 'Air' proves that charismatic performers can successfully transition to solo careers when given proper artistic direction and company support.