After years of laying low in Jeju, An returns with vibrant, hopeful energy

An Shinae (P Nation)
An Shinae (P Nation)

From a vocal group member to producer and songwriter, An Shinae has carved out her niche in the competitive music industry before taking a yearslong break. Following the digital single "Dear City" released last July, An solidified her return as a singer-songwriter Wednesday with the new EP, "Dear Life."

“The first series focused on healing the pain of city life, while the new one explores the expanded possibilities that come after that healing,” An explained.

The EP's main track "South to the West," a groovy New Jack Swing-inspired song, was envisioned as the center of the album from the beginning, said An.

“People who know me often expect powerful vocals or ballad-style songs. But personally, I love groovy, upbeat tracks. That’s why I chose this song — it’s a style I enjoy while also highlighting my vocal abilities.”

The music video was shot in Seoul and on Jeju Island, incorporating scenes that highlight contrasts: tangerine trees, fishing boats and bustling urban settings. It reflects An’s personal life, as she has been moving back and forth between Jeju and Seoul for about four years.

An’s journey has been far from conventional. After debuting in 2014 with the four-member group The Barberettes, she spent nearly a decade in the indie scene before experiencing burnout, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She decided to move to Jeju Island, seeking renewal through a quieter lifestyle, harvesting tangerines, cooking and woodworking.

A turning point came when Psy, a singer and the head of the K-pop agency P Nation, encouraged her to return to performing. “He suggested I pursue singing again, recognizing my value as an artist. It was a truly validating moment,” she said.

Now back in the spotlight, An said it feels like debuting all over again. Although she had already topped several music charts as a songwriter, with hits like Lee Hi’s “Holo” and Hwasa’s “I Love My Body,” releasing an album as an artist feels special, she said.

“I now have a goal to release all the songs I’ve written and cherished over the years,” said An, adding that she is pondering how to organize those songs to present the emotions and experiences she has gathered throughout the years.

She also emphasized that her time in Jeju taught her to let go of the constant pressure to succeed.

“Of course, I still hope my music videos gain high viewership and my songs top the main music charts. But even if that doesn’t happen, I’ve come to see the value in what I gain from the process itself. I’ve decided to keep moving forward regardless.”

With plans to expand her "Dear City" series and delve deeper into themes of resilience and transformation, An is firmly back on the map, offering not just music but hope and inspiration for her audience.

“I hope this album holds meaning for those who listen to it. I want people to feel the possibilities of life that I’ve poured into this album and to draw courage from it. For those standing at a crossroads of change, I hope this album encourages them to embrace those changes with confidence.”

An Shinae (P Nation)
An Shinae (P Nation)