Singer Lee Hyori is making a comeback, breaking her 6-year hiatus. As an "icon" transcending time and generations, her return has been officially announced, drawing significant attention and anticipation. Many are curious about the song and concept Lee Hyori will use to mark her dazzling return.
On October 3, Lee Hyori's agency, Antenna, stated, "Lee Hyori will release a digital single 'Hoodie and Shorts' on October 12." The agency added, "She will showcase the timeless charm unique to Lee Hyori." This comeback marks her first since joining Antenna and nearly 6 years since her last album, the 6th regular album 'Black', released in 2017.
Previously, during her appearance on tvN's 'Dancing Singer Nomads', Lee Hyori had expressed serious contemplation about her comeback as a singer. She revealed, "I want to (make a comeback), but I think I need to search harder," adding, "I don't think it will just come if I wait." She also recently disclosed on the web show 'Thrifty Brother Shin Dong-yup' that she had enrolled in a vocal academy in Jeju Island to relearn singing from the basics. Her candid confession, coming from a singer in her 20th year since debut and still receiving immense love and anticipation, highlighted her sense of responsibility and ambition as a 'singer'.
Considering her past hits like 'Ten Minutes', 'U-Go-Girl', 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', 'Hey Mr. Big', 'Bad Girls', and 'Any Club', the pressure she must have felt for her comeback after 6 years is undeniable. Amidst this, she has chosen to face the challenge head-on, focusing on new changes rather than relying on her established career and brand power.
While there's curiosity about her vocal transformation, the bigger anticipation lies in the "iconic" presence she will showcase. Over the years, she has left a significant mark with songs filled with her unique charm and message. All eyes are on what concept and music she will use this time to further assert her unparalleled presence.
On October 4, Lee Hyori revealed on her SNS that she collaborated with rapper Hangzoo and singer-songwriter Kimemaker for her new song 'Hoodie and Shorts'. According to Hangzoo, he participated in the early stages of the song's creation after receiving a call from Lee Hyori. This has led to speculations that she might be returning with a hip-hop genre track.
As interest peaks in her upcoming work, Lee Hyori is expected to once again surpass expectations with her new song. The concept photos she released ahead of her comeback didn't emphasize her "26-year career" but rather showcased the ever-hot 'icon' Lee Hyori in all her glory.
Her unique confident attitude combined with a trendy and hip mood, which even active singers find hard to emulate, proves why she's considered an 'icon of the era'. It also heightens the anticipation for her return, signaling an expansion of her spectrum.
While only the song title and release date have been officially announced, with no detailed promotion schedule yet, the mere fact of her comeback has already generated significant buzz. This underscores Lee Hyori's immense presence in the industry. With fans' long wait and her own contemplations coming to an end, it won't be long before she unveils her grand return.
