Shin Ji-min "I became close with Seolhyun, so my hiatus didn't stop."

Singer Shin Ji-min, who left the girl group AOA due to bullying controversy, returned as a solo artist after a two-year hiatus.

Shin Ji-min appeared as a guest on MBC FM4U's 'Noon Song of Hope, Kim Shin-young' broadcast on the 8th.

Shin Ji-min recently returned with the release of her first EP album ‘BOXES’. Regarding his current situation, he said, "I started a diet. I gained a lot of weight, so I decided to lose a little bit. The director said it would be good to make steamed egg with chicken breast, so I tried it and it turned out to be fried."

He also revealed his hobbies. Shin Ji-min, who enjoys climbing with former AOA member Seolhyun, said, "When I climb, I break something one by one, and the sense of accomplishment is no joke."

Shin Ji-min explained about his first solo album, "It is an album that contains the meaning of letting go of the past me and becoming a new me. Although it is not as flashy as before, I think it is an album that allows me to be a little more honest."

The title song 'Sympathy' contains the meaning of sympathy and compassion. Shin Ji-min said that he started the album with this song and said, "It means letting go of the past and proudly becoming a different me and showing everything."

Shin Ji-min, who returned to vocals rather than rap, said, "Even during my hiatus, I kept running. It was not a time that stopped two years ago, but a time of running for me." In response, close friend Kim Shin-young said, "It's slow, but we're moving forward little by little. I'm proud and touched that the album is with me."

He chose Penomeco as the artist he would like to work with. Shin Ji-min sent a love call, saying, “Please sing with me.”

Among 'If I were to go on a trip with one person, Seolhyun vs. Kim Shin-young,' I chose Seolhyun. Shin Ji-min revealed the reason, "Shinyoung is a great planner. That's why she's busy traveling. When I go on a trip with Seolhyun, we both lie down."

Meanwhile, Shin Ji-min, who debuted as a member of AOA in 2012, left the team in 2020 due to the bullying controversy surrounding former member Kwon Mina. Shin Ji-min, who had announced a hiatus from activities, signed an exclusive contract with Alomalo Entertainment in July last year and announced a new start. Recently, he showed off his potential as a vocalist through JTBC's 'Second World'.

Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr