Cosmic Girls' Dayoung Makes Bold Solo Debut After 9 Years, Ignites 'Hot Girl' Trend

Dayoung of girl group Cosmic Girls has made a sensational solo debut nine years after her group's launch.

Her first digital single, 'gonna love me, right?', released recently, showcases a new musical spectrum and a mature persona. The surprise release, without major promotion, stunned fans with its drastic visual transformation. Gone were the cute images from her Cosmic Girls and WJSN Chocome days; replaced by tanned skin, bleached hair, and a toned midriff, signaling a bold new direction.

Dayoung expressed her ambition through her agency, Starship Entertainment, stating, "This solo debut isn't just about releasing an album; it's a stage to truly show the artist Dayoung's color." She added, "I've tried many new things, from music production to styling, performance, and stage direction."

The title track, 'body', captivates with its simple yet mesmerizing melody and an addictive hook. Dayoung's powerful vocals, befitting her role as Cosmic Girls' lead vocalist, combined with an energetic choreography, create a perfect synergy of music, singing, and performance. Online, netizens lauded her, with comments like, "It's no wonder she's been a singer for 10 years," and "I see Dayoung in a new light."

Her success has surpassed expectations. 'body' charted on Melon's Top 100 and daily charts, proving its popularity beyond the Cosmic Girls fandom. Just 14 days after its release, she clinched her first music show win on SBS funE's 'The Show', solidifying her position as a solo artist.

International media has also taken notice. Forbes described Dayoung as ready to embrace the era of a 'pop rockstar' by creating the persona of 'Solo Dayoung'. UK music magazine NME called it a "bold, confident, and vivid exploration of the 'true self'," while US broadcaster Fox 13 Seattle highlighted it as a "significant work to launch Dayoung's solo career."

The success is notably underpinned by Dayoung's proactive mindset. She shared, "The message I wanted to convey was confidence and self-love." The album asks, 'Will you love me? Right?' while confidently declaring, 'You will love me!' She aimed to inspire courage in herself and empower listeners to love themselves with greater certainty.

Her debut is already a triumph. Anticipation is high for Dayoung's growth as a solo artist, especially as her daring transformation evokes comparisons to legendary divas like Uhm Jung-hwa and Lee Hyori.

Much like Lee Hyori transitioned from the innocent image of Fin.K.L. to become a sex symbol with '10 Minutes', Dayoung has joined the lineage of 'hot girls' with an image completely opposite to her Cosmic Girls persona. Dayoung stated, "Because it's filled with my sincerity and courage, it's a work I'll never forget," hoping it will be remembered as an album that makes people think, "Dayoung has this side to her too."

Netizens are buzzing, with comments like "Dayoung's solo debut is a total hit! Talent and visuals all in one," "Her stage presence is insane. That's the class of a 10-year idol," and "I'm even more excited for Dayoung's future solo activities."