[First Listen] WJSN’s SeolA Takes Center Stage: A Look into Her Solo Debut with ‘Inside out’

Natalia Kabenge

Credit: wsjn_cosmic

​On January 23rd, WJSN vocalist SeolA made her solo debut with “INSIDE OUT”, a three song single that perfectly chronicles complicated feelings that arise at end of a relationship. Instead of moving on, SeolA dwells on what could have been, hanging on to the ‘what ifs’, remembering difficult times, and finally coming to terms with herself in all her imperfection.

Skillfully hidden behind a sickeningly sweet guitar melody, SeolA recalls the moments she wishes would leave her memory in “Without You”. The music video is nothing short of introspective—a ticking clock, a burning rose, and broken glass help to tell the story of a failed romance, one which SeolA is left to painfully reminisce about.

“Let’s Talk (Loneliness)” is the second track on this release, and as the bridge between the first and tracks is quite addictive. Wanting to give her lover a second chance, she struggles to come to terms with their absence in her life, and tries to embrace feelings of loneliness while asking for a chance to figure things out. The melody sticks with you, it’s mellow pop vibe practically addicting, and making this song my personal favorite on the release. 

“NO GIRL” is the closer to this release, and it’s nothing short of perfect. A sweet melody masks a rather disquieting message as SeolA comes to the realization that she can’t help but want something she can’t have. A desperate cry for a second chance, SeolA makes it known that she wants nothing more than to be by her ex lover’s side, while admitting the end of the relationship was somewhat her fault. The message is unorthodox—rather than placing the blame on another, SeolA fully accepts it, but despite it all, still hopes for things to be the way they were. 

Simply put, this is an incredibly strong release, an especially impressive feat due to the length of the EP. All three songs fit perfectly together to relay a complex story, one in which SeolA is both victim and perpetrator, responsible for a broken relationship but wanting to pick up the pieces and start again. Each song highlights her vocals beautifully, and the release as a whole features her skillful pen, as she boasts songwriting credits on all three songs. I’ve added all theses songs to my playlist, and have had them on repeat for quite some time! Congratulations to SeolA on her solo debut, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for future projects!