Apink vocalist Kim Nam-joo performs her new lead single, "BAD," during a press event held at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Pyo Kyung-min

Kim Nam-joo, a member of the beloved K-pop girl group Apink, has made a solo return after a hiatus of a whopping three years and six months. Departing from her previous innocent persona, Kim now introduces a daring and provocative attitude in her latest album, "BAD."

Apink, a major second-generation girl group that debuted in 2011, captured hearts with its distinctive cute concept in an era dominated by groups with a more mature presentation. Its chart-topping hits like "No No No" (2013) and "Mr. Chu" (2014) firmly cemented the group's position in the industry.

However, Kim has chosen to temporarily step away from Apink's influence, revealing a new facet of herself with her solo album "BAD." At a press event held at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul's Gangnam District, Monday, she stunned attendees with her bold transformation, showcasing luscious blonde hair and donning ripped stockings.

During the event, Kim expressed her determination to break away from her previous image, stating that the goal of her new album is to "embrace radical newness."

"I've truly grown over the past four years, encountering many different challenges and gaining insights from them ... That's why crafting this album meant so much to me. I poured my heart into it, aiming to reveal new dimensions of myself that were perhaps harder to convey in previous Apink albums," Kim said.

The singer elaborated on the hiatus, describing it as a period filled with hardships.

"After COVID-19 hit, I grappled with contract renewals and the daunting task of transitioning to a new company. It was undeniably a tough period for me, one that I'd describe as a series of 'hardships and adversities.' Yet, amid the chaos and uncertainty, I truly believe I experienced some of the most profound personal growth," she said.

Last April, Kim and her Apink bandmates, Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bo-mi and Oh Ha-young, moved to Choi Creative Lab Entertainment following the expiration of contracts with their former agency, IST Entertainment.

Although Apink member Jung Eun-ji belongs to a different agency, group activities are expected to continue.

Apink vocalist Kim Nam-joo performs during a press event held at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Having surmounted these challenges, Kim's new release holds profound significance to her. Notably, the album's eponymous title track carries a message that boldly defies external judgments, advocating for unfiltered honesty.

"The title track, 'BAD,' is all about embracing your true self despite what others may think. Honestly, I felt a bit constrained by the innocent image I've been associated with as an Apink member. So, with this solo venture, I wanted to break free and establish my own unique identity."

She also revealed that members of Apink didn't shy away from offering their insights on her transformation.

"I was nervous about how my image change would be received, but the members were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to embrace the boldness. Their feedback really meant a lot," Kim noted.

As the event came to a close, Kim also dropped a surprise hint about Apink's upcoming plans.

"We're thinking of shaking things up a bit for our comeback later this year," she teased, leaving fans eager for what's to come.