Why did Choi Yena Mention Olivia Rodrigo in Her New Song?

The singer Choi Yena is making a comeback with a song revolving around popular pop star Olivia Rodrigo, the singer behind mega-hits like 'good 4 u' and 'deja vu.' The song is titled 'Hate Rodrigo.' Yena describes it as a cute jealousy towards someone she admires and likes.

On June 27th at 4 pm (KST), Yena's second single album 'HATE XX' release showcase was held at the Blue Square MasterCard Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by Jaejae.

Yena has returned to the public with a new song after 5 months since her previous work 'Love War.' She stated, "Every time I prepare an album, I always feel so happy and genuinely enjoy it. Rather than facing hardships, I always wanted to show everyone quickly since it's something that I wanted to do and something I liked."

When asked about 'HATE XX,' Yena revealed, "The album includes three songs: the title track 'Hate Rodrigo,' 'BAD HOBBY,' and 'WICKED LOVE.' These songs express various emotional changes in a bright way that is unique to me."

Regarding the title track 'Hate Rodrigo,' Yena said, "This song humorously expresses a kind of cute jealousy towards my role model and someone I respect. The song has entertaining lyrics and a rocking melody. My best friend, (G)I-DLE's Yuqi, has also participated in the song, which makes it extra special."

When asked about the reason for directly mentioning the real person Olivia Rodrigo, Yena explained, "'Hate Rodrigo' is a song that expresses various emotions, including admiration and occasional jealousy, towards someone I admire in a cute and honest way. Using ironic expressions, I will show the admiration and affection for that person through heartfelt lyrics and performances."

Yena participated in writing the lyrics for the title track. She said, "I was able to enjoy working on each album because there were people who helped complete and refine the story and images that I wanted to convey. I also participated in creating suggestive parts in the bridge. I hope it becomes an interesting point. If you measure my contribution to the title track lyrics in percentage, it's about 10%, and if you look at the whole album, it's about 50%."

She met Yuqi, who featured in the song, for the first time at the 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' and built a relationship from there. Yena revealed, "We got along very well and quickly became friends when we first met. I realized that we have a similar taste in music. We always thought it would be great to work together if we ever had the chance, and now we finally did."

Yuqi also helped Yena during the music video shooting. Yena shared, "The concept of the music video is a fake documentary. There were parts where I had to gesture as if I was saying 'I'm the best,' but it was awkward because I had never tried that before. Yuqi, being a senior who started as a 'Queencard,' told me, 'Yena, you haven't let go of yourself yet. I've already let go. Try letting go once.' Thanks to her, I was able to shoot the music video well."

Yena also introduced two other songs from the album. She described 'BAD HOBBY' as a song that embodies gradient anger and delicate emotions towards an unfaithful lover, alluding to a revenge plot like puncturing a lover's car tire. About 'WICKED LOVE,' she requested listeners to focus on her sensual and mature voice, which narrates the transformation of a girl who has realized good and evil.

Choi Yena, who has consistently participated in songwriting and composing, said, "I think the quality of my work is improving gradually, and I hope that by steadily growing, I can become a great artist like Olivia Rodrigo. When I look at my past work, there are moments where I think 'I've improved a bit?' 'I'm doing well?'."

Choi Yena's second single album 'HATE XX' is available from 6 pm on June 27 on various music sites.