Soloist Chungha is coming back on March 11 with EENIE MEENIE, her first release since 2022. The upcoming single album includes the tracks “I’M READY” and “EENIE MEENIE,” the title track featuring ATEEZ’s Hongjoong. It marks the end of her two-year hiatus and her first music release as an artist under the company MORE VISION. Though The Kraze previously covered Chungha’s career in 2020 and 2022, this new update warrants another look back on her journey. 

From Produce 101 to I.O.I 

In 2016, Mnet’s first season of Produce 101 introduced Chungha to many K-Pop fans. Chungha became known for her dancing skills. She represented MNH Entertainment as a trainee and placed fourth, securing her a spot in I.O.I.  Alongside Lim Nayoung, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Pinky (later known as Kyulkyung), Kim Sohye, Yu Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kang Mina, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi, Chungha debuted in May with the EP Chrysalis and its title track “Dream Girls.” 

Chungha choreographed the dance for “Whatta Man (Good man),” the single for the group’s first comeback. The track was under a sub-unit that excluded Chaeyeon, Yeonjung, Sejeong, and Mina, who were either promoting with or preparing to debut with other groups at the time. I.O.I followed “Whatta Man (Good man)” up with their second EP miss me? and the catchy title track “Very Very Very.” The track earned I.O.I their first music show win on Show Champion on October 26, 2016. 

I.O.I ended their career with the ballad single “DOWNPOUR,” which won first place on Inkigayo after disbandment. I.O.I disbanded on January 29, 2017, but Chungha’s solo debut was right around the corner. Fans would wait less than six months to see what soloist Chungha could offer. 

Solo Debut and Career Under MNH Entertainment 

Chungha made her solo debut with the EP Hands on Me on June 7, 2017. The tropical house title track “Why Don’t You Know” featured rapper Nucksal. Chungha released two more EPs before landing on the single that earned her first show win. On January 9, 2019, the track “Gotta Go” won first place on Show Champion. She continued to flourish—the following title track “Snapping” off Flourishing also produced similar results—and in the 2020s, Chungha was branching out internationally with her music. 

She went on to release more music for the Korean domestic audience but also collaborated with international artists such as Danish artist Christopher, Dutch Moroccan artist R3hab, and Puerto Rican artist Guaynaa. The title track for Chungha’s first album Querencia, “Demente (feat. Guaynna)” was performed entirely in Spanish. On July 11, 2022, Chungha released her second album Bare & Rare, her last release until 2024.     

Continuing Her Journey Under a New Company 

After ending her contract with MNH Entertainment on April 29, 2023, Chungha considered leaving the K-Pop industry to study abroad. In a YouTube video with Gabee from dance crew LACHICA, the two discussed how Gabee, who has known Chungha for a long time, persuaded her to stay. Jay Park, who is also the CEO of MORE VISION, reached out to Chungha and they agreed on an artist contract. 

On October 10, 2023, MORE VISION announced Chungha as their new artist and subsequently launched new social media accounts for her. On January 6, Chungha unveiled her new fandom name, HAART. Her previous fandom name, Byulharang, was unfortunately given up in her former contract with MNH Entertainment. 

Moving to 2024, the anticipation is building for her newest single album, EENIE MEENIE. Chungha released “I’m Ready” on February 28 in preparation, leaving many excited to see what happens next. Chungha returns next week on March 11.