In the heart of Seoul’s bustling Gangnam district, Apink’s Kim NamJoo unveiled her desires during the showcase for her second solo single, ‘Bad,’ held at Ilji Art Hall on March 18th. The showcase not only marked the release of her new single but also revealed NamJoo’s personal wish to collaborate with the legendary Lee HyoRi in a challenge. The announcement came as a delightful surprise to fans and media alike, showcasing NamJoo’s admiration for one of K-pop’s most iconic figures.
‘Bad’ represents a significant milestone in NamJoo’s career, demonstrating her proactive involvement in the concept planning and overall production of the album. Following her bold debut with ‘Bird,’ NamJoo continues to spread her wings with ‘Bad,’ presenting a more daring and evolved persona. The album, which also includes tracks like ‘Mirror, Mirror’ and ‘Ridin’ Out,’ promises to highlight NamJoo’s bubbly charm and positivity. The title track ‘Bad’ stands out for its candid message, encouraging listeners to disregard negative perceptions and embrace confidence. NamJoo’s self-assured attitude is expected to inspire many, reinforcing her status as a role model in the industry.
When asked about her dream challenge partner, NamJoo expressed her hope to collaborate with Lee HyoRi, citing her as a perfect match for the song’s bold message. “There are many people I’d like to do a challenge with, including my friend Kwon Eunbi and Apink members, but if I could, it would be an honor to do it with Lee HyoRi. The song ‘Bad’ reminds me so much of her; it would be wonderful if we could do it together. However, I’ve never had the chance to meet her, so it’s just a wish for now,” NamJoo shared.
In a heartfelt video message to Lee HyoRi, NamJoo sang a snippet of HyoRi’s ‘Bad Girls,’ expressing her long-standing admiration and the serendipitous connection between their ‘Bad’ themed songs. “I’ve been a fan of Lee HyoRi since the old days, and it feels like this ‘Bad’ album fits her so well. If there’s a chance to do a challenge together, that would be great,” she said.
‘Bad’ was officially released at 6 PM KST on March 18th, through various music streaming sites, marking another exciting chapter in Kim NamJoo’s solo career. As fans eagerly await to see if NamJoo’s dream collaboration comes to fruition, her latest work continues to resonate powerfully, promising a future where boldness and authenticity are celebrated in the K-pop industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.