Oh Hayoung's "Oh!" Solo Debut: An Honest Review from a Long-time Apink Fan

After eight years as a member of one of K-pop's longest-running girl groups, Oh Hayoung marked her solo journey with the mini album "OH!" in August 2019, becoming the second APINK member to venture into solo territory since the group's 2011 debut.

The release of "Don't Make Me Laugh" as the lead track showcases a significant departure from APINK's signature innocent image. Highlighting two years of careful preparation, the mini album features five diverse tracks spanning pop R&B and moombahton genres. The music video presents a lighthearted storyline where Hayoung imagines potential dates with a barista, while the overall aesthetic trades APINK's traditional pink for her preferred pastel yellow, signaling a distinct artistic direction for her solo career.

The Evolution of Oh Hayoung in APINK

Debuting at age 14 as APINK's sub-vocalist, Oh Hayoung initially garnered attention for her distinctive features and exotic appearance. Her early years in the group were marked by limited vocal parts, as she positioned behind main vocalists Jung Eunji and Yoon Bomi in the group's hierarchy.

Early years as APINK's vocalist

Initially recognized for her unique visual appeal, Hayoung's journey began with modest vocal responsibilities. Furthermore, her exotic appearance earned her nicknames like "Li Baek" (Exotic Idiot Beauty) and "Bird Ko" (Baby Indian Elephant) during the group's early days.

Growth in confidence and stage presence

A significant turning point emerged during the promotion of APINK's second regular album 'Pink Memory.' Notably, Hayoung's vocal parts increased substantially, matching lead vocalist Bomi's 35-second distribution in the title track 'Remember'. Her growth as an artist manifested through:

Writing lyrics for 'What a Boy Wants' in 2015
Increased part distribution in the 6th mini album 'Pink UP'
Vocal improvements evident in her first mini album recordings

Journey to solo debut decision

Subsequently, after eight years of group activities, Plan A Entertainment announced Hayoung's solo debut in July 2019. The preparation phase particularly tested her emotional resilience. During the music video filming, she experienced moments of vulnerability, particularly when group leader Park Chorong visited the set. "I cried as soon as I saw her, since I felt like I had left the nest," Hayoung revealed. The two-year preparation period focused on showcasing her unexplored artistic sides and highlighting her refined vocal abilities.

Breaking Down 'Don't Make Me Laugh' MV and Concept

"Don't Make Me Laugh" presents a refreshing departure from typical K-pop releases, embracing an early-2000s pop style reminiscent of Michelle Branch and early Taylor Swift. The music video unfolds in bright, summery indoor settings, telling a lighthearted story of a young woman falling for a barista.

Visual storytelling and aesthetics

The MV's visual narrative centers around Hayoung's imagined romantic scenarios with the barista, culminating in an unexpected encounter. The production team masterfully recreated outdoor atmospheres within indoor settings, maintaining a consistently bright aesthetic that amplifies the summer-inspired theme. Moreover, the creative direction emphasizes a bubbly, innocent charm through carefully crafted scene transitions and lighting choices.

Styling and image transformation

Despite her initial plans to showcase a sexier concept, Hayoung opted for a gradual transformation approach. The styling strikes a delicate balance between elegance and youthfulness, with the MV featuring carefully selected outfits that complement the song's light atmosphere. Nevertheless, this decision sparked interesting discussions among viewers who had anticipated a more mature concept.

Oh Hayoung solo stage presence

The live performances reveal Hayoung's natural affinity for the stage. Her choreography incorporates:

Flowing, breezy movements that match the song's acoustic elements
Elegant gestures emphasizing the track's innocent charm
Synchronized elements highlighting her refined stage presence

The production quality benefits from collaboration with renowned producers Daniel Davidsen, Peter Wallevik, Cutfather, and Caroline Aillin, resulting in a classic U.S.-style pop song that perfectly suits Hayoung's light vocals.

Deep Dive into the 'OH!' Album Tracks

The mini album "OH!" showcases world-class production values through collaboration with renowned producers Daniel Davidsen, Peter Wallevik, and Cutfather. The team previously crafted hits for Dua Lipa's "New Rules" and Zedd & Katy Perry's "365".

Title track analysis and impact

Don't Make Me Laugh emerges as a classic U.S. pop song with an addictive hook melody. The track features buoyant acoustic guitar and a catchy 'ha ha ha' hook, reminiscent of early Vanessa Carlton's piano-driven style. Additionally, the prominent use of uncluttered pop elements creates a refreshing, if familiar, melody that perfectly suits Hayoung's light vocals.

B-sides highlights and standout moments

The album presents four distinct B-sides that showcase Hayoung's versatility:

How We Do - A pop R&B duet featuring Babylon, built on future bass elements
Nobody - A collaboration with Kanto blending slow Moombahton rhythm with reggae elements
Do You Miss Me? - A medium-tempo track highlighting Hayoung's refined vocal abilities
Worry About Nothing - A pop R&B ballad featuring Hayoung's first venture into songwriting

Production quality and musical direction

Essentially, the album maintains a consistent sonic identity while exploring various genres. The production quality specifically shines in the title track's early-2000s template, certainly appealing to fans of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon. Primarily, the album succeeds in establishing Hayoung's musical identity through its blend of acoustic elements and modern pop production techniques.

Album Packaging and Physical Release Review

First and foremost, the physical release of Oh Hayoung's debut mini-album arrives in an impressive 220 x 260mm package. The album's standard edition comes wrapped in a vibrant cover that sets the tone for the summer-themed concept.

Unboxing experience and inclusions

The package contains several carefully curated items:

An 80-page photobook
One CD (random version out of two available designs)
A polaroid photocard (random 1 out of 5 designs)
A special clear postcard (exclusive to first press editions)

Photobook concept and quality

In addition, the photobook showcases a cohesive visual narrative through its 80 pages of high-quality prints. The imagery throughout maintains a consistent summer theme, complemented by paint-inspired design elements in the track list presentation. Above all, the photo quality stands out with its professional studio shots and outdoor scenes that capture Hayoung's solo identity.

Collector's value and special features

Consequently, the album holds significant collector's value through its thoughtful inclusions. Each copy counts toward multiple official charts, including HANTEO, CIRCLE (GAON), and BILLBOARD. The clear postcard, available exclusively in first-press editions, adds particular value for collectors. Furthermore, the polaroid-style photocards feature unique styling concepts, making each variant desirable for fans. The album's packaging reflects careful attention to detail, from the flower-scented pages to the transparent overlay sheets that add an extra dimension to the visual experience.