Make way, K-Pop has a new pop princess! At long last, Jeon Somi has made her solo debut. Housed under The Black Label, Somi released her first self-titled single on June 13.

To briefly touch upon Somi’s history in the K-Pop industry, she participated in the first season of Produce 101, where the survival show aimed to create a national girl group for South Korea from female trainees across all agencies. Somi came in first place by the end of the season and proceeded to debut with I.O.I (where she was also the youngest member of the girl group), which then disbanded after a year-long run of promotions. Somi and the rest of the I.O.I members took the industry by storm, and with each member making her mark and debuting in their respective agencies, it was only a matter of time before the maknae would make her debut.

Somi’s time has finally come, and she does not fail to deliver a song that is catchy, fun, and perfect for the summer season. A total of two songs are on her first single, with “Birthday” being the promoted track and “Outta My Head” the B-side track.

“Birthday” will have everyone up on their feet dancing along to the addictive song that not only is a big confidence booster, but also a song that will lift any negative mood. The song itself is heavily in the pop realm, but once the beat drops for the chorus, “Birthday” takes it to another level with the influence and incorporation of hip-hop elements that make it a great summer dance song. Somi effortlessly brings the heat with her fluid vocals and rap, proving that she can stand on her own as a solo artist.

The music video for “Birthday” is fun and bright, thanks to the party theme that is displayed from the sets to the fashion. In particular, fashion fanatics will be green with envy at the wardrobe options that Somi goes through during the video. One particular lyric that is sure to be stuck in listener’s heads is: “Oops. You’re not invited. Yeah, you’re not invited.”

While it is only a single release for the rookie solo artist, Somi makes a big splash into the industry and has only up to go from here. Many, including her I.O.I members, are looking forward to what Somi has in store now that she has made her official debut. There is hope that her next release will consist of more than just a single!