YUJU Explores Her Rockstar Side with In Bloom EP
Photo: YUJU Official X
Many significant changes have happened since YUJU released her last EP in 2023. The soloist and main vocalist of GFRIEND went through a mix of unbelievable events to get to the present. Her previous management, KONNECT Entertainment, faced major stakeholder embezzlement allegations in June 2024, forcing the company to shut its doors. However, this year started off strong with GFRIEND reuniting for their tenth anniversary.
While on tour with GFRIEND, YUJU stated she had signed with label AT AREA. Her announcement video in March revealed that she had been practicing playing the electric guitar, an instrument that sonically impacted the sound of her latest EP. Released on August 12, In Bloom provides another look at YUJU as a soloist in a personal, emotional capacity.
TRACKLIST:
“Orion”
“REPLY”
“Sequence”
“moonstruck love”
“No Matter”
“Sunset”
“REPLY”
YUJU pours her heart out in the sentimental rock ballad “REPLY.” It carries a mixture of regret and relief from finally saying something that should have been said long ago. When writing “REPLY,” YUJU thought, “If I could write just one line in a letter to something or someone I really cherished and loved, what would I say?” The song sends a message to a loved one that their dreams will come true, even if YUJU cannot join them on that journey.
In Bloom seems to follow a nature-inspired celestial theme in its title, music video, concept photos, and songs. Picturesque visuals of outdoor scenery accompany YUJU as she struggles to write her letter in the “REPLY” music video. The lack of choreography for the song, much like 2023’s “Without U,” allows the audience to focus on YUJU’s acting.
The B-sides
Whether as a lyricist, composer, or both, YUJU appears in the credits of all the songs in In Bloom. For a dreamy quality, look towards the city-pop song “Orion,” or YUJU’s duet with fellow singer-songwriter Jeong Sewoon, “Sequence.” Though she frequently collaborates with rappers, “Sequence” proves that partnering with a male vocalist should also happen more often. The two soloists portray an innocent and fleeting meeting with a soft quality. Their approach reminds me of the airy feeling from “Peach Blossom,” YUJU’s collaboration with rapper sokodomo in 2023.
“moonstruck love,” “No Matter,” and “Sunset” all borrow from the rock genre but convey different moods. “moonstruck love” and “Sunset” carry a hopeful energy, but “No Matter” comes with a slower, tender intimacy. Featuring AT AREA labelmate and rapper GEMINI, YUJU leaves no room for misinterpretation in this romantic duet. GEMINI raps in Korean, but YUJU sings all her lines in English.
Though YUJU has released a few digital singles and OSTs since her last EP in 2023, In Bloom signifies her grand return. Her time playing the electric guitar has paid off in a rock-oriented EP that explores many raw and personal ideas. 2022’s REC. processed feelings of resentment, 2023’s O reflected on years of growth, and In Bloom addresses moving forwards from regret. In Bloom makes it clear that YUJU will keep creating emotionally-laden music.
Edited by Sandy Ou