Yi Seoyeon Brings New Energy as Solo Artist Y:SY
Photo: H1GHR MUSIC
2025 was an important year for fromis_9: the group restructured as a five-member act and former members Saerom, Jisun, and Seoyeon began their new careers. While Saerom pursues acting under 333 Entertainment and Jisun continues as an online influencer, Seoyeon remains in the music industry under a new stage name, Y:SY. Under Jay Park’s label, H1GHR MUSIC, Y:SY delves into R&B with her own style. Her GOODIES EP, released on September 9, 2026 reflects her authentic artistic vision.
Solo Debut with “NAKED”
While in fromis_9, Y:SY was known for her dance and rap skills. She also contributed writing and/or composition to some of the group’s songs—including the 2018 title track “DKDK” and the 2020 B-side “Starry Night”—and this talent transfers into her solo career. On November 17, 2025, Y:SY started her solo career with “NAKED,” a simple, slow, and introspective R&B track. In this digital single she co-wrote with Yejin Seok, the lyrics encourage vulnerability and explore the idea of baring one's whole emotional self. This exposure in a figurative sense requires trust, which Y:SY presents: “What was hidden comes clear / But it’s still you, I don’t mind / I could bring my shadow out tonight,” she sings in the first pre-chorus.*
The music video for “NAKED” feels more interpretative and contemplative. Y:SY navigates a long, dark corridor that keeps her trapped like a labyrinth. She escapes only through her resourcefulness and grit. It looks like an allegory for feeling lost in one’s own thoughts, only breaking free once achieving clarity .
First Comeback with GOODIES
On September 9, 2026, Y:SY released her first EP, GOODIES. She served as a composer and songwriter for three of the EP’s songs, including the title track. “ENERGY” is about Y:SY feeling comfortable in her own skin. She doesn’t need to match what people expect of her, they should instead match her “energy.” “Even my messy hair / I don’t care, that’s me / From now on, wanna try it,” she sings.*
The soft guitar matches her pace, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere. The music video also keeps a laid-back energy, showing scenes of Y:SY lounging on a couch, resting in the driver’s seat of a car, and dancing without a care. It can feel bittersweet for fans to see original members of a group part ways, but both fromis_9 and Y:SY seem to be releasing music true to themselves, and that is all anyone can ask for.
*Note: lyrics taken from the English captions in the official music videos.