Following her breakout solo debut, WJSN member charts a different sound and direction
After a striking solo debut with “Body” in September, WJSN’s Dayoung returns with a follow-up, “What’s a Girl To Do,” which aims for a distinct musical direction rather than replicating past success.
Released Tuesday, Dayoung’s second solo EP, “What’s a Girl To Do,” builds on the strong performance of her first solo, establishing her as a unique K-pop artist separate from her image in WJSN.
With this new EP, Dayoung further expands her artistry as a solo artist, taking an active role in writing and composing both tracks.
Departing from the high-energy dance beats that defined “Body,” Dayoung’s new release, “What’s a Girl To Do,” embraces a softer R&B sound, characterized by more relaxed, flowing rhythms.
Asked about her decision not to directly build on the success of “Body,” Dayoung explained it as an opportunity to showcase a different facet of her talent.
“’Body’ fulfilled everything I initially wanted to present – excitement, energy, healthiness, performance, and stage presence,” the Starship Entertainment artist revealed during a round interview in southern Seoul. “For this comeback, I anticipated similar expectations, but I consciously chose a different path.”
She likened this artistic choice to crafting a sequel to a hit film, acknowledging that even strong follow-ups often struggle to surpass the original’s impact.
“Instead of attempting to outdo ‘Body’ in the same vein, I aimed to deliver another compelling song within a completely different musical genre,” she stated.
This vision culminated in “What’s a Girl To Do,” a vibrant, spring-ready K-pop release Dayoung envisioned for April, a season synonymous with festivals, nightlife, and dynamic transitions.
“If ‘Body’ introduced me to the public, I wanted this next solo project to reveal a more diverse side of myself,” Dayoung shared. “This EP showcases a broader, more mature aspect of my artistry, both musically and personally.”
While confident in her new track, Dayoung acknowledged that this sonic shift might not immediately resonate with all listeners, prompting her to focus intensely on captivating performance details.
According to Dayoung, the choreography for “What’s a Girl To Do” features intricate, fast footwork and continuous motion, ensuring visual engagement despite the music’s gentler flow.
She also cleverly integrated a hoodie into the choreography, linking the performance to the season and facilitating fan engagement through popular K-pop dance challenges.
Despite the change in sound, Dayoung emphasized that the core message of her solo releases remains consistent: delivering positive energy, vitality, and joy – values central to her journey as a solo K-pop artist.
“I aspire to be an artist who exerts a positive influence,” she declared. “While recognition for my talents or appearance is appreciated, I also want to be known for acting responsibly and spreading good energy. I hope people find hope and courage through my music.”
Beyond the music, Dayoung leveraged this comeback to further embrace and define her personal style.
“Although some perceived ‘Body’ as a transformation, it actually reflected my true self more closely,” Dayoung explained. “Preparing for my solo work outside of WJSN allowed me to adopt styles I genuinely prefer – bolder makeup and more distinct visuals – which significantly boosted my stage confidence.”
She added that she approached this new release with the same philosophy, aligning both the sound and the visual elements with her authentic self.
With “What’s a Girl To Do,” WJSN’s Dayoung isn’t merely chasing the previous impact of “Body.” Instead, she’s showcasing her versatility and building a solo career defined by artistic evolution, not repetition.
