[RSK INTERVIEW: Heo Ji-won | Heo Ji-won, A New Calling Written in Her Own Voice]

What allowed her to cross the anxious threshold of standing alone was the unwavering faith of those who called her name. Leaving behind the glorious days with Cherry Bullet, the stage now opens for her first solo debut under her own name, Heo Ji-won. From the bold, playful energy of the title track "CALL ME UP" to the heartfelt resonance of "Every Moment," which she personally co-wrote, this album—filled entirely with her own voice—is her deepest conviction and gift to her fans. Rolling Stone Korea joined artist Heo Ji-won, now even more candid and mature, for the moment of her brilliant first step.

Q1. You are making a fresh start with your first solo album under the name "Heo Ji-won," transitioning from a member of Cherry Bullet. How do you feel about taking your first step as a solo artist, and what is the biggest change you discovered in yourself while preparing for this album?

A1. "Honestly, I felt a heavy burden having to fill the entire stage alone without the members who were always by my side. But at the same time, it became an opportunity to deeply reflect on what kind of music and stories I truly wanted to share. From recording to conceptualizing, I felt myself maturing musically step by step through the process of finding my own voice and color."

Q2. The title track 'CALL ME UP' captures the confidence of a 'Queen Bee' who shines anywhere. What does a 'true Queen' look like to you, and what kind of energy do you hope to convey to the fans and listeners of this track?

A2. "I don't think a true Queen is defined by a glamorous appearance. I believe all of us, shining in our own unique ways in our respective places, are already Queens. And that light seems to burn even brighter when we illuminate one another rather than shining alone. Saying 'Call me whenever things get tough' and becoming a reliable source of strength for each other—that is the genuine confidence I wanted to capture in this song. I hope everyone listening to 'CALL ME UP' can lovingly embrace themselves as they are and gain upbeat energy to keep moving forward, shining in their own way."

Q3. In the track 'Every Moment,' you participated in writing the lyrics to candidly tell stories of past times and precious moments, challenging yourself with a modern rock genre featuring rich band sounds. What scene or emotion came to your mind most deeply when writing these lyrics?

A3. "All the moments I've walked through since my debut, along with the faces of the people who stayed by my side, came to mind first. There were happy times and sometimes anxious moments, but looking back, every single instant was a precious piece that shaped who I am today. I wanted to sincerely express those grateful feelings through the lyrics over an overwhelming modern rock band sound."

Q4. We heard that the album title reflects a 'new calling' as well as your heart toward the fans who have always stayed by your side. How did the presence of your fans motivate and empower you while preparing to stand alone?

A4. "Whenever I felt anxious while preparing for my solo debut, it was always my fans who lifted me back up. Their unchanging faith, saying 'We'll support Ji-won wherever you are,' felt like the clearest 'Calling' to me. This album is my very first certainty and gift in response to that love."

Q5. Right after release, you will perform your first solo live in front of 30,000 spectators as the opening act for the 'KANSAI COLLECTION' held at the Kyocera Dome Osaka. Facing such a massive stage to meet global fans, what aspect are you preparing for with the most focus?

A5. "I am truly excited and thrilled to make my first impression as a solo artist on such a grand stage with 30,000 people. I'm focusing most on presence—filling a broad stage entirely on my own—and delivering overwhelming live energy. To perfectly deliver the refreshing vibe of 'CALL ME UP' and the modern rock sentiment of 'Every Moment' live, I am pouring my heart into vocal and performance practice every single day."

Q6. You've handled diverse genres, from refreshing pop to emotional modern rock. Compared to your group activities, what do you consider the unique musical color or charm that defines 'solo artist Heo Ji-won'?

A6. "If the Heo Ji-won during group activities was an energetic and polished visual performer, solo Heo Ji-won is closer to an 'artist who sings honest emotions.' I believe my unique charm lies in hitting listeners' hearts with genuine authenticity gently layered beneath a refreshing tone, combined with clear, powerful vocals."

Q7. This album marks a meaningful starting point in Heo Ji-won's long musical journey. What goals do you hope to achieve through these album promotions, and what is 'Heo Ji-won's ultimate musical goal' that you want to share with Rolling Stone Korea listeners in the future?

A7. "First and foremost, my primary goal is to instill confidence in people that 'Heo Ji-won is an artist who delivers great music and performances as a solo artist.' Moving forward, I want to share various styles of music containing my own narrative without setting boundaries on genres. I want to be remembered as an unchanging artist who always brings joy and courage whenever people listen."

Photo courtesy of Bable Company