Somi Looks Back On Her "Traumatic" Debut In 2019 As A Soloist And Explains Why She Would Redo It If She Could

Somi is one of the most successful soloists in the K-Pop industry today. Ever since she earned a name for herself on SIXTEEN, took the first place spot on Mnet‘s Produce 101 Season 1, and debuted as the center of I.O.I, she became known far and wide.

Fans were excited for her second debut, this time as a soloist, after it was announced that she had transferred from JYP Entertainment to THE BLACK LABEL, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment.

The moment her music video for “BIRTHDAY” was released in June of 2019, it was viewed over four million times within 24 hours, trended on Twitter, covered by celebrities such as BLACKPINK, and more.

Despite the statistical success of “BIRTHDAY,” Somi does not look back on it fondly. She revealed in a recent interview with THE STANDARD POP that she views her debut as a “trauma.”

[My solo debut] is kinda like a trauma for me because of the nervousness and the anxiety.

— Somi

At that time, she felt a heavy weight on her shoulders from the expectations that were piled on her. Because of this, she could not feel the joy or relief that would usually follow a successful release.

To be honest, I think I was more stressed than excited to debut. I felt a lot of pressure around me and I always had to stop [and think] ‘I have to do my best. I have to be my best. I have to look my best.’

— Somi

She added that it was it was doubly difficult to handle the negativity around her since she was just a teenager, saying, “So all that pressure, you know, for a 19 year old girl? It was just too much.” In fact, Somi was firm that she would redo her debut phase if she could.

I kind of wish I had the chance to debut once more.

— Somi

If it were possible, she would tell her past self to live in the moment and worry less.

Now that I think about it, I should have just been more free and just enjoyed the moment…but it’s already been done so I’m just looking at my future now. That’s that, now’s now.

— Somi