MUSIC&NEW
Beloved soloist JINI, who recently celebrated 100 days of debut, is expanding her artistic horizons with the release of her first-ever OST! JINI is singing the third OST for the Naver webtoon “No Office Romance!” by Dooboo and Namsoo, and fans could not be more excited. In light of this fantastic new release, Kpopmap had the opportunity to sit down with JINI for an exclusive interview where the idol opened up about the meaning this OST holds for her as an artist and a person, behind-the-scenes episodes, and more.
That’s not all! Kpopmap is also hosting a very special giveaway event for JINI fans, the details for which you will find at the very end of our JINI interview!
Before we get into the interview, it’s time for some sincere JINI appreciation. JINI debuted solo on October 11, 2023 with the mini-album “An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove”. It immediately drew immense attention from global K-Pop fans even outside of JINI’s fandom, proving its artistic strength and ushering a brand new beginning for JINI.
The title track for JINI’s debut mini-album ‘C’mon’, featuring American rapper/singer-songwriter Aminé was not only incredibly well-made, but also highlighted JINI’s unique vocal color. The music video for ‘C’Mon’ currently stands at 7 million views on YouTube.
As JINI appeared on music shows to promote ‘C’Mon’, fans lauded her impressive stage presence and inimitable charisma. It quickly became clear that we had an ace in our hands. Naturally, fans were more than excited at the news of JINI’s first OST.
MUSIC&NEW
For those who might not know, “No Office Romance!” tells the story of YunJi and SaeBom, once each other’s first love, who reunite unexpectedly at work after ten years of separation. Despite moving on and agreeing to stay friends and colleagues, an unspoken tension suggests unresolved emotions. As they navigate their present connection, the question looms: will they remain friends or succumb to the twists of destiny, reopening the unfinished chapter of their past?
JINI’s OST for the webtoon “No Office Romance!”, titled ‘Starlight’ is a warm and tender ballad that serves as the theme song of the female protagonist YunJi.
We wanted to know all about this OST and the hard work that went into it. So, without further ado, let’s get into Kpopmap’s JINI interview!
ATOC
A very warm welcome to Kpopmap and Happy New Year, JINI! How have you been? We are curious about your New Year’s resolution and how it is going!
In the new year, I plan to experience and try new things that I haven’t done before. One of them is recently opening an official YouTube channel (@jiniyxxn). Through the YouTube channel, I want to show many aspects that I haven’t been able to share before.
Congratulations on your solo debut and your first-ever OST ‘Starlight’ for the webtoon “No Office Romance!”. Did you enjoy creating this OST, and how was it different from working on your own music?
It was challenging as it’s a genre I’m trying for the first time, but it was a new experience. Above all, I found the lyrics to be excellent, and I kept reading them continuously during recording and practice.
What is your favorite lyric from the song ‘Starlight’ and why?
Towards the end of the OUTRO, there are lyrics that go, “The sky that I hated is shining / Even today, which has become sunny, still shines.” When I first received the song and looked at the lyrics, this part resonated with me and was the most meaningful.
ATOC
As the protagonist of your own life, if you had to sing your own theme song, what kind of song would it be and why? Do you have a genre and song title in mind?
I consider myself a cheerful person, so I would like to sing a bright and confident song that reflects my personality. Since the OST I sang this time is a ballad, if I were to sing a bright and confident song next time, I believe I can show a new and different side.
OSTs are always memorable and they help us get immersed in the story. What is your favorite K-Drama OST of all time? Can you sing a few lines of it?
I love Ailee‘s ‘I Will Go to You Like the First Snow’ from the “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” OST and Gummy‘s ‘You Are My Everything’ from the “Descendants of the Sun” OST the most.
Speaking of K-Dramas, are you interested in appearing in a K-Drama? What kind of genre would you want to try?
If I have the opportunity to act, I’ve always dreamed of wearing a hanbok, especially in a historical drama. I would love to try my hand at a historical drama and experience the charm of traditional Korean clothing.
Ever since your solo debut, fans have praised your ability to fill up the stage as a strong performer. What is your secret to creating such good energy on the stage?
On stage, I always try to have a lively and enjoyable time. I set aside worries and concerns backstage, focusing on each and every fan, savoring the moment with them.
ATOC
You are also famous for your fashion. What is your favorite fashion trend right now?
I usually like lovely clothes, and I often wear tweed jackets. However, I also find that sporty outfits with a slightly hip vibe suit me well, so I wear them often too.
Your solo debut has been filled with pleasant surprises and collaborations so far. Fans are always expecting something new and exciting from you. What are your next plans?
My next plan is to make fans happy. I’m planning various contents to communicate as much as possible with fans.
Finally, do you have anything you’d like to say to fans all over the world who are loving and supporting you?
I’m so thankful to the fans who always support and love me. Thanks to you, I smile and gain strength. Let’s create many more memories together in the future. Love you!
#JINI fans all over the world!
JINI’s first OST ‘#Starlight‘ has been released👏.
So, we interviewed JINI about her thoughts and feelings on it! Check it out right now~😉
*And there will be a special event✨, so the details are provided at the bottom of the interview post.… pic.twitter.com/pbb6qKwlDz— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) January 25, 2024
