After spending time as a GWSN member, a lyricist, and a composer, LENA has made her debut as a soloist. Released on September 21, “Blame the Summer” ends the season with a ballad lamenting actions which led to a past love. The single blends LENA’s interest in composition and lyric writing with the talent associated with her previous main vocalist role.  

Career with GWSN

Alongside Miya, Seoryoung, Seokyoung, Anne, Minju, and Soso, LENA debuted as one of the main vocalists and the maknae of GWSN. On September 5, 2018, the group released their EP THE PARK IN THE NIGHT part one, which featured the title track “Puzzle Moon.” The group would go onto release one full album and four EPs, the last of which featured LENA as a lyricist for the first time. She helped write the lyrics for “I Can’t Breathe,” Starry Night,” and “I Sing (lalala),” B-sides on GWSN’s THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOON, which was released on May 26, 2021. She worked alongside production group STUPID SQUAD, frequent contributors that helped shaped GWSN’s sound. 

While in GWSN, LENA had few solo ventures. She sang her first and last OST with groupmate Seoryoung in “Be your star” for the 2019 K-drama Touch Your Heart. That same year, she collaborated with English singer Jack Walton for their rendition of Lina London’s 2018 single “WE NEED A CHANGE.” LENA also appeared as a regular MC on JTBC2’s Grand Buda-Guest, a show about running a dog hotel and helping abandoned dogs find their forever homes. In November 2021, she opened her own SoundCloud account “hi I’m lena,” where she would eventually upload original songs and covers. GWSN disbanded silently until groupmate Miya confirmed the fact in May 2023. 

Post-Disbandment Career

Post-disbandment, LENA continued uploading on SoundCloud and working on self-produced music. Her YouTube channel, Lena Kang, which launched earlier this year, functions similarly to her Soundcloud content. 

In March, she stepped back into production work for other artists. LENA contributed lyrics and composition for Miya’s solo debut single “Miyao.” She worked alongside STUPID SQUAD members PERRIE, RYVING, and Maynine. In April, STUPID SQUAD officially announced Lena joined them as a topliner, someone who creates melodies and lyrics that sit atop a pre-existing beat. 

Solo Debut with “Blame The Summer”

Released at the tailend of the season, “Blame The Summer” is a soft ballad telling the regrets of loving someone. The all-English lyrics written by LENA recall the moment of falling in love, a beautiful and brief time before getting hurt by that same person. The speaker calls themselves “foolish,” only to fall prey to the “darkest emotions” and “deepest misery” of their love interest. 

The gentle composition of piano, strings, and drums by LENA, Andnew, and Goldash, accompany a powerful emotion of disdain. The song’s visualizer shows LENA walking through an open field as she gazes at her surroundings. This simple track is a great introduction to her solo work.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan