Yi Seoyeon 'NAKED': Why This K-pop Debut Different

Lee Seo-yeon steps out of the shadow of group stardom and into the vulnerable spotlight with her solo debut single "Naked."

Following her departure from popular girl group Fromis 9 in 2024, Seo-yeon reinvented herself under the stage name Y:SY and signed with H1ghr Music in 2025. On November 17, 2025, she officially launched her solo career with "Naked," a track that stands apart from typical K-pop debuts. Unlike the high-energy performances often associated with Korean pop music, Y:SY's first release centers around the complex emotions of human relationships. Specifically, the song captures the raw feeling of two people attempting to open up to each other, conveyed through mesmerizing vocals, piano, and guitar arrangements.

With this intimate musical approach, Lee Seo-yeon has created more than just another K-pop song—she's offered listeners a genuine artistic statement that signals her evolution from idol to individual artist.

Who Is Y:SY? From Fromis_9 to Solo Debut

Before becoming Y:SY, Lee Seo-yeon's musical journey began at just 10 years old as a YG Entertainment trainee. Initially part of the company's pre-debut project "Future 2NE1," she appeared in GD & TOP's "Knock Out" music video in 2011, marking her first industry appearance. After nearly eight years as a trainee, her breakthrough came through Mnet's survival show Idol School in 2017, where she secured seventh place with 61,083 votes.

Early career and Idol School background

During her time with Fromis_9, Seo-yeon established herself as a multifaceted performer, handling vocals, dance, and rap with equal skill. She contributed significantly to the group's creative direction by co-writing songs like "My Night Routine," "Eye Contact," and "Starry Night". Her versatility earned her recognition as the group's main dancer and lead vocalist.

Departure from Fromis_9 and label change

After Fromis_9's contract with Pledis Entertainment concluded in December 2024, Seo-yeon chose a different path while five members continued under a new label. Subsequently, she spent six months contemplating her musical direction before signing with H1ghr Music in July 2025. This strategic move placed her alongside respected artists like pH-1 and BIG Naughty in a label known for genre-based music.

Why the name change to Y:SY matters

The transformation from Lee Seo-yeon to Y:SY represents more than a simple rebranding—it signifies her evolution from group member to independent artist. Through this new identity, she creates distance from her idol past while building a fresh artistic foundation. This deliberate reinvention allows her to explore musical styles beyond traditional K-pop conventions, particularly within H1ghr Music's hip-hop and R&B framework.

Inside 'Naked': Song Meaning and Lyrical Themes

At the heart of "Naked" lies an exploration of human vulnerability. Y:SY crafts a thoughtful meditation on emotional transparency rather than a typical K-pop anthem.

Emotional vulnerability and connection

"Naked" delves into the complex emotions experienced when two individuals attempt genuine connection. The title itself serves as a metaphor for emotional exposure rather than physical nudity. Through her mesmerizing vocal delivery, Lee Seo-yeon conveys the hesitation and hope inherent in revealing one's true self. The song's instrumentation—primarily piano and guitar—creates an intimate soundscape that enhances this sense of personal disclosure.

Recurring motifs in the chorus

The chorus repeatedly poses questions: "Have you been naked? No, no. Something connected? No, no". These inquiries establish the central tension of the song—the desire for connection versus the fear of rejection. Additionally, lines like "If you want me too, move a little closer, just to get to know ya more" demonstrate a cautious invitation to deeper intimacy. This push-pull dynamic forms the emotional core of the composition.

How the lyrics reflect Seo-yeon's identity

The album introduction provides crucial context: "All of them can be me, and while they may each appear different, even so, I can reveal myself, and I love them all". This statement echoes Seo-yeon's transition from group member to solo artist—embracing multiple facets of her identity. Furthermore, her declaration "It was the last day of my life I was reborn on that day, and I'm not afraid of anything" illustrates the transformative nature of her artistic evolution.

Production and Visuals: What Makes 'Naked' Stand Out

The visual presentation of "NAKED" marks a deliberate departure from conventional K-pop aesthetics. Director Wuzlike brings a minimalist approach that emphasizes intimacy over spectacle.

Music video direction by Wuzlike

Wuzlike's direction for "NAKED" creates a visual narrative that complements the song's themes of vulnerability. The teaser hints at this approach with the revealing line, "It was the last day of my life I was reborn on that day, and I'm not afraid of anything". This artistic choice establishes a personal connection between Y:SY and viewers, eschewing flashy production for emotional resonance.

Styling and visual symbolism

The visual presentation relies on symbolism rather than literal interpretation of the title. Much like D'Angelo's famous "Untitled" video—which used apparent nudity to create one-on-one intimacy with viewers—Y:SY's visual concept appears to prioritize emotional authenticity over conventional K-pop styling tropes.

Sound design and genre influences

"NAKED" embraces R&B sensibilities, a natural fit within H1ghr Music's roster known for genre-focused artistry. This musical direction allows Lee Seo-yeon to showcase her vocals in a more subdued, nuanced setting compared to high-energy K-pop productions.

Collaborators: C'SA, Jinsol, and H1ghr Music

Behind the scenes, producers C'SA and Jinsol crafted the R&B track, while Lee Seo-yeon herself wrote the lyrics—an important creative contribution that underscores her artistic evolution. H1ghr Music formally introduced the project on November 11, 2025, with the first teaser image, positioning "NAKED" as an English digital single that could potentially reach international audiences.

Fan Reactions and What This Means for Y:SY's Future

Fans have enthusiastically embraced Y:SY's artistic transformation with "Naked." The song has garnered praise primarily for its vocal prowess and musical arrangement.

Initial fan response and streaming numbers

Listeners have highlighted several standout elements of the track. Many commenters specifically praised her "stellar voice" and the "nice and pretty" vocal runs throughout the composition. Additionally, fans expressed admiration for the rich background vocals that provide depth to the overall sound. The minimalist instrumental approach—featuring primarily piano, guitar, and a "simple drum beat"—has resonated strongly with audiences.

Comparisons to other solo debuts

Unlike typical K-pop solo debuts that often emphasize high-energy performances and elaborate productions, Lee Seo-yeon's approach stands apart through its intimate R&B styling. This artistic direction more closely aligns with H1ghr Music's roster than mainstream K-pop solo acts. Consequently, this positions her uniquely in the industry landscape between idol-based acts and independent artists.

What's next for Lee Seo-yeon as Y:SY

Given her successful transition from group member to solo artist, industry observers anticipate Y:SY will continue exploring the R&B genre. Her demonstrated songwriting abilities suggest forthcoming projects might further showcase her artistic vision. Moreover, her signing with H1ghr Music indicates potential collaborations with label mates known for genre-based music rather than idol-focused productions.