TWICE’s Tzuyu Unveils Deeper, Mature Side with Solo Debut Album ‘abouTZU’

Tzuyu, the youngest member of the immensely popular K-pop group Twice, has taken a significant step in her career by releasing her solo debut mini-album titled ‘abouTZU.’ Known for her sweet and charming persona within the group, Tzuyu is now eager to showcase a more mature and sensual side of herself through this solo project. The album, which dropped on Friday, marks a pivotal moment for the artist as she ventures into new artistic territories and explores personal themes that she has long wished to share with her fans.

During a press conference held to celebrate the album’s release, Tzuyu expressed her excitement and determination to break away from her previous image. She acknowledged that while fans have always seen her as the ‘bright and cute’ maknae (the youngest member) of Twice, she wanted to show them that there is much more to her as an artist and individual. The title of the album, ‘abouTZU,’ is a clever play on words that combines ‘about’ and her name, symbolizing her journey of self-discovery and her desire to present all facets of her personality and emotions to the world.

The lead single from the album, ‘Run Away,’ has already garnered significant attention. Composed by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young and a team led by Johnny Simpson, the track features a nostalgic sound with piano melodies and synth bass, creating a 1990s retro dance vibe. Tzuyu’s soft yet powerful vocals add a sensual and mature touch to the song, which is a departure from the bubbly and energetic tracks that Twice is known for. The music video for ‘Run Away’ further amplifies this new image, showcasing Tzuyu’s versatility as a performer and her ability to convey deep emotions through her expressions and choreography.

Recording ‘Run Away’ was not without its challenges. Tzuyu revealed that she had to pay meticulous attention to expressing the right emotions and overcoming difficulties with Korean lyrics. Despite these hurdles, she remained determined to give her best and deliver a performance that would leave a lasting impression on her fans. Her hard work and dedication are evident in the final product, which has been praised for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. The music video begins with Tzuyu in a bedroom setting, portraying the intensity of her feelings for a loved one, and transitions to intricate dance sequences that highlight her growth as an artist.

The album ‘abouTZU’ features several other tracks that showcase Tzuyu’s diverse musical talents. Collaborations with artists such as Peniel of BTOB and rapper PH-1 add a unique flavor to the album. ‘Heartbreak in Heaven,’ featuring Peniel, is a poignant song about the ups and downs of love, while ‘Lazy Baby,’ featuring PH-1, is an energetic and catchy track that highlights Tzuyu’s stable vocals and PH-1’s sincere rap. Additionally, the album includes ‘Losing Sleep,’ an uptempo pop track with tropical house influences, and ‘One Love,’ a song about love that was featured in the sneak peek video released earlier this year.

One of the standout moments of the album is the track ‘Fly,’ which Tzuyu co-wrote. This mid-tempo pop ballad creates a fairytale atmosphere and allows Tzuyu to share her personal stories and emotions with her fans. She explained that being involved in the creation of the album made it more meaningful for her, as it gave her the opportunity to connect with her audience on a deeper level. Tzuyu’s involvement in writing and composing some of the songs on the album is a testament to her growth as an artist and her desire to take control of her artistic direction.

Tzuyu is the third member of Twice to embark on a solo career, following in the footsteps of Nayeon and Jihyo, who released their own EPs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Both Nayeon and Jihyo have been supportive of Tzuyu throughout her solo journey, offering advice and encouragement. Their support, along with that of other female singers in the industry, has given Tzuyu the confidence to pursue her solo dreams. She expressed her gratitude for their guidance and for the unwavering support of her fans, who have been eagerly anticipating her solo debut.

The physical album for ‘abouTZU’ comes in six different versions: run, fly, vinyl, heaven, digipack, and platform_nemo, each offering unique content and visuals. An opening trailer for the album was released on August 2, 2024, generating excitement and anticipation among fans. The sneak peek video, released on August 29, 2024, provided a glimpse of the tracklist and Tzuyu’s vocals, further building anticipation for the album’s release. Fans have been actively discussing the tracks and their meanings, creating a buzz around Tzuyu’s solo debut.

In addition to the album’s release, Tzuyu has also shared a sneak peek of the upcoming mini-album ‘abouTZU’ through JYP Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Naver TV. The video provided fans with a preview of the tracklist and Tzuyu’s vocals, giving them a taste of what to expect from the album. The sneak peek video has gone viral among fans, who are excited to see Tzuyu’s growth as an artist and her exploration of new musical styles. The anticipation for the album’s release has been palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to hear Tzuyu’s solo work.

Tzuyu’s solo debut marks a new milestone in her career as a member of Twice. It is a bold step that showcases her evolution as an artist and her willingness to take on new challenges. Through this solo project, Tzuyu hopes to shed her maknae image and be seen as a multifaceted artist with a wide range of talents. She believes that ‘abouTZU’ reflects everything she is, not just as Twice’s youngest member, but as a captivating solo artist with a unique voice and perspective. Tzuyu’s solo debut is a testament to her growth and determination to continue evolving as an artist.

The music video for ‘Run Away’ has already made a strong impression on fans, who have praised Tzuyu’s performance and the video’s stunning visuals. The use of VFX and intricate choreography adds depth to the emotional message of the song, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Tzuyu’s ability to effortlessly hold high-pitched notes and convey deep emotions through her expressions has been widely praised. Fans are eagerly anticipating more solo work from Tzuyu in the future, as they believe that she has much more to offer as an artist.

Tzuyu’s solo debut has been a long-held dream, and she is grateful for the opportunity to show a new side of herself. She hopes that people will see her as more than just a member of Twice, but as a multifaceted solo artist with a unique voice and perspective. Tzuyu’s solo debut is a bold step that she hopes will leave a lasting impact on her fans. Through this experience, Tzuyu hopes to find her best self and continue to grow as an artist. She expressed her gratitude for the support from her fans, bandmates, and industry colleagues, and is excited to share her personal stories and emotions through her music.

In conclusion, Tzuyu’s solo debut with ‘abouTZU’ marks a significant moment in her career as she ventures into new artistic territories and explores personal themes. The album showcases her diverse musical talents and her growth as an artist, with tracks that highlight her vocal range and emotional depth. Tzuyu’s determination to break away from her previous image and present a more mature and sensual side of herself is evident in the album’s lead single ‘Run Away’ and its accompanying music video. With the support of her fellow Twice members and her fans, Tzuyu is poised to make a lasting impact as a solo artist. Her solo debut is a testament to her growth and determination to continue evolving as an artist, and fans are eagerly anticipating more solo work from her in the future.