[INTERVIEW] LEE CHAEYEON returns with personal project Till I Die

After a long-awaited return, South-Korean singer LEE CHAEYEON is opening up like never before. Her latest mini album Till I Die captures the emotions, experiences, and inner strength that define her both on and off stage. In this conversation, she reflects on the journey behind the music and what this new chapter means to her.

Congratulations on the new release! Till I Die is described as a deeply personal project, what specific moments or experiences shaped the emotional core of this album?
Since it’s my first comeback in a while, I spent a lot more time thinking about it. The situation I’m in, the emotions I feel, and the message I want to convey—all of that is just me, LEE CHAEYEON. So the influences, moments, and experiences behind this album are simply myself.

If Till I Die had a visual “colour” or aesthetic world, what would it look like and why?
I would choose blue. I’ve expressed a lot with red before, especially with the vampire concept, but this time I wanted to show a completely different side of myself. With the refreshing and powerful performance, I think blue fits this album best.

You mention that you’re feeling most alive on stage, how did that idea influence the sound and storytelling across the record?
I expressed the happiest and most alive feeling on stage with lyrics and choreography. I think this album is just my heart and sincerity.

When you’re in the studio versus on stage, do you feel like two different versions of yourself, or are they becoming more aligned now?
No matter what, it’s all still LEE CHAEYEON. But on stage, I want to show a more serious and cooler side of myself.

Is there a lyric on this album that feels especially personal to you, something that you almost hesitated to share?
From the tracks, the line “It feels like something good is coming” from “I’m Waiting” really resonates with me. It feels like a hopeful message that cheers me on and gives me strength.

If “No Tears On The Dancefloor” were the soundtrack to a movie scene, what kind of scene would it be?
The image I had in mind was someone running in the pouring rain, but still not losing their smile.

So cute! If you had the chance to perform this album for fans, your CHAERISH, around the world, what kind of experience would you want to create?
I want to amplify the overwhelming feeling I had when I first heard this song and let them experience it even more intensely through the performance.

Looking back at your journey from IZ*ONE to now, what’s one lesson that’s stayed with you through every era?
Always do your best. It’s okay to cry. Wipe your tears and get back up quickly.

If you had to describe this era of your career in three words, what would they be?
Gratitude, happiness, growth.

Do you have a message that you’d like to leave for your CHAERISH?
Thank you so much for waiting. I want to give happiness to my fans, who are the biggest driving force in life, rather than waiting. I'll try.

As this new chapter unfolds, LEE CHAEYEON leaves us with a clearer sense of who she is – an artist grounded in honesty, shaped by experience, and driven by a passion for the stage. Till I Die doesn’t just mark her return; it captures her in motion, growing into herself with every step. Thank you to LEE CHAEYEON for sharing this moment so openly. Stream Till I Die right here: