[INTERVIEW] Inside HEYOON’s seriously unserious Mindset

With her new EP seriously unserious, Global Korean pop star HEYOON is stepping into a new creative chapter defined by ease, instinct, and not overthinking the moment. The four-track project captures a mindset shift for the artist, one rooted in presence, fun, and trusting her intuition more than ever. We caught up with HEYOON to talk about the making of the EP, her evolving creative process, and the energy behind its carefree concept. From spontaneous collaborations like “swipe” with Lou Garcia to exploring a more reactive way of creating music, she opens up about what it means to move through this era of her artistry with less pressure and more freedom.

What inspired the concept and title behind your new EP seriously unserious?
This EP really reflects how I’m trying to live life at the moment, no overthinking, no overexplaining. Just doing me and having fun.

Do you see yourself as more serious or unserious, and why?
I used to be serious most of the time- now I think I’m able to take life a little more on the unserious side. I think it comes from self awareness, growth, and letting go. These days I’m letting my intuition guide me rather than overthinking everything!

How did the collaboration on “swipe” with Lou Garcia come about, and what made her the perfect fit for the track?
I met Lou on my last trip to Brazil and we instantly clicked. We related so much personally and professionally, so the collab was such a flow. Lou had amazing ideas and knew well about the club culture in Brazil so it really felt right.

You co-wrote and co-composed some of the songs on this EP, how has your creative process evolved compared to your earlier releases?
It just depends on what I’m trying to say. I definitely approached this one in a way that’s intentionally unintentional. Compared to my last few singles which required intention and thinking about harmony of the lyrics, vocals, every aspect of the track, this album required me to see how my body reacts to the songs more.

Each track on the EP has its own playful identity, do you have a personal favourite, and why?
It changes all the time, but I love money. I love the straightforward, intuitive feel techno carries and how I was able to experiment using my voice more as an instrument.

How does seriously unserious reflect your growth since your solo debut with “Pivot”?
What I’m going through. Pivot was released while I’m actually going through a pivotal moment in my life both personally and professionally and this album shows how much I want to sit back in my body instead of living in my head these days.

Having started in the group Now United, how has your experience in the group shaped your approach as a solo artist today?
It prepared me in every way! It shaped my vision, my values, my purpose and gave me bigger goals. Although it was not easy – I’m grateful.

You split your time between Seoul and Los Angeles, how do these two cities influence your sound and artistic identity?
Seoul is where my heart will always be and LA is where I could learn how to create & dream.

With this EP setting the tone for 2026, what can fans expect next from you in terms of music, performances, or creative projects?
Lots of partying, definitely more music & hopefully some full shows!

Is there a message you would like to leave for your fans?
Love you and thank you for sticking by me always! more music coming for you!

As HEYOON continues to move between Seoul and Los Angeles and step further into her solo artistry, seriously unserious feels like both a snapshot of the present and a clear glimpse of what’s next! More music, more movement, and a continued commitment to creating from instinct. Thank you for chatting with us, HEYOON!

Listen to seriously unserious right here: