The 27-year-old singer-songwriter-dancer Minzy has been entertaining the world through music for over 12 years, but now the trained performer is getting to experiment with her true, unedited identity as a standalone musician. 

Originally debuting as one-fourth of the legendary K-pop group 2NE1, Minzy and her bandmates launched K-Pop to new heights as a whole – becoming one of the best-selling girl groups of all time with over 60 million records sold. Their bold fashion choices and bewitching beats have influenced several groups in the post-’10s era, helping steer the direction of the industry as a unit during their time together. 

Since launching her solo career, Minzy has lightly explored her own individuality with music, but her recent single “TEAMO” feels more like a declaration that an original pioneer of K-pop has returned to her natural spotlight. The addictive single savors a Latin and hip-hop style that feels impossible to ignore, with a video that displays her very lively passion and skill for the art of dance. 

Minzy’s comeback is marked with a unique aspect that merges styles outside of what she has presented in her previous two singles, but when viewing the music video, feels like a completed vision of her ideas. Earning that ability to follow your own path and forge your own style doesn’t come easily for many artists, but Minzy has found ways to challenge herself after over a decade of experience – and that’s a testament to her enthusiasm for music. 

With “TEAMO” finally available and marking the powerful reappearance of Minzy’s music, we discussed her new single, trying new concepts, and the next era of K-pop talent. 

Congratulations on your new single, this is such an exciting and liberating comeback song! How would you say this release compares to the style or ideas behind your previous work?

Minzy: In “TEAMO”, there are no untouched parts such as concept, styling, hair, and makeup. Before that, it was to package many people’s ideas into one, but this single, I think it contains my stubbornness. I participated in almost every part.

This track is a fun Latin and Hip-Hop fusion that feels very balanced – were there any other songs or artists that inspired you to branch out and try this combination?

Minzy: While listening to the music of my eternal divas, Jlo, Shakira, and more recently, Anitta, I think I had many musical concerns.

You also landed on the Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart at #6! Coming into this creative era, did you have any specific goals you hoped to make a reality?

Minzy: I want to become a progressive artist who constantly develops various performances and ideas that will fascinate the world. And, befitting the name of the ‘dancing machine’ given by the fans, I want to show myself dance to the fans forever.

The music video displayed such a beautiful blend of choreography, music, style, and so many of your iconic strengths! What would you say was one moment that you felt the most ‘in your element’ in the video?

Minzy: The group dance. I put a lot of effort and ideas into it, and I struggled with what to put in and what to pull out for each part. So, I think the moment was when I really felt that group dance scene because it was the most personal to me.

“TEAMO” is one of those songs that’s immediately on repeat in your head after one listen, and as an artist, that must be something that you hope to hear from a listener! What has been the biggest surprise to you regarding fans’ response to this comeback?

Minzy: I was surprised to see the word LSS [Last Song Syndrome]. Is this music like that? My friends and many people around me told me that they were humming this song that came to mind repeatedly while taking a shower. It was satisfying to realize that this song is that kind of music. 

After dropping such a hit with this new single, we’re eager to see what you do next! Can you give us any insight on what you hope to try with future projects?

Minzy: I think I will be able to show the new aspects of Minzy often. We are preparing exciting projects in the future, such as musical growth and trying new music styles, so please look forward to it.

You’ve accomplished so much in your career both as a soloist, and through 2NE1, which has made a major impact on K-Pop’s evolution over the years! Now that the platform has continued to blossom and receive that well-deserved recognition, what do you hope to see from new and emerging talent?

Minzy: As this is the most beautiful and loved time by many people, you must boldly show off your abilities. I hope that you can show them all, and I sincerely hope that juniors can show their talents and potential as artists without any doubt.

Minzy’s new single “TEAMO” is available now.