The Hidden Story Behind Wendy's 'Like Water' Solo Debut

Following a challenging year-long hiatus due to a severe stage accident, Red Velvet's Wendy made a powerful return with her solo debut "Like Water" in April 2021. The acoustic pop ballad EP, whichdominated iTunes Top Album charts in 30 regionsincluding the U.S., Australia, and Singapore, marked a significant milestone in her artistic journey.

After seven years as a beloved Red Velvet member, Wendy crafted a deeply personal five-track album that showcases her artistic evolution. The project, featuring title tracks "When This Rain Stops" and "Like Water," emerged as more than just a collection of songs - it became a heartfelt message of hope and gratitude to her fans. Notably, this debut not only demonstrated her resilience but also established her distinct identity as a solo artist in the competitive K-pop industry.

The Journey from Injury to Inspiration

On December 25, 2019, during rehearsals for SBS Gayo Daejeon at Gocheok Sky Dome, a critical safety oversight led to a life-changing moment for Wendy. The second-floor tunnel, lacking proper lighting and safety markings, caused her to fall 2.5 meters from the platform.

Recovering from the 2019 Stage Accident

The severity of injuries required immediate hospitalization. Wendy sustained multiple fractures: a broken right pelvis, fractured right wrist, and cracked right cheekbone. Throughout her three-month hospital stay, the swelling prevented doctors from making an accurate diagnosis initially. Subsequently, she continued outpatient treatment after discharge in April 2020.

Finding Her Voice During Hiatus

Throughout her recovery period, Wendy discovered unexpected gifts in stillness. For the first time in over a decade, she lived with her family, specifically her mother who stayed in South Korea to support her recovery. Initially, the performer felt anxious about missing scheduled concerts. Nevertheless, her perspective shifted as she embraced this pause in her career.

Transforming Pain into Artistry

The extended break became a catalyst for profound artistic growth. "That whole year was a precious time to me to think over and kind of reset - my mind, physically... everything," Wendy revealed. Moreover, she channeled her recovery journey into her music, particularly evident in "When This Rain Stops". The song emerged from spending over 15 hours in the recording booth, perfecting vocals that carried her personal story of healing.

Her experience shaped a new approach to artistry. "I had to find my own color as a soloist," she reflected. Eventually, this period of reflection and recovery transformed into creative inspiration, leading her to focus on delivering heartfelt messages through her vocals.

Inside the Creative Process of 'Like Water'

The creative journey behind "Like Water" began with Wendy crafting a heartfelt list of messages she wanted to share with her fans. Working alongside SM Entertainment's veteran producers Yoo Young-jin and Kenzie, the album took shape as a five-track masterpiece.

Collaborating with Top Producers

The production team, furthermore including minGtion and Coach&Sendo, helped shape Wendy's personal narratives into polished compositions. Essentially, the A&R team played a crucial role by suggesting different musical directions while allowing Wendy space to discover her artistic voice.

Writing Personal Lyrics

The songwriting process primarily focused on three core themes: consolation, empathy, and gratitude. For the title track "Like Water," Wendy's personal messages were carefully woven into lyrics by Yoo Young-jin and Kenzie. The song's metaphor comparing fans to water emerged from Wendy's belief that, "I can't live without their love".

Developing the Album's Sound

The album's sonic landscape features:

"Like Water" - An acoustic pop ballad with gentle guitar arrangements and band sounds
"When This Rain Stops" - A piano-driven composition highlighting dynamic vocals
"Why Can't You Love Me?" - A cheerful spring-inspired track
"Best Friend" (featuring Seulgi) - A genre-blending piece incorporating pop and rock elements

While maintaining Red Velvet's signature style, Wendy additionally focused on showcasing her vocal versatility. The recording process demanded meticulous attention to detail, particularly for "When This Rain Stops," which required 15 hours in the studio to achieve the perfect emotional delivery. Throughout the album's development, Wendy's fellow Red Velvet members provided constant support, offering feedback on songs and bringing encouragement to recording sessions.

Breaking Down the Title Track's Hidden Meanings

The title track "Like Water" draws profound inspiration from water's fundamental role in human existence, with approximately 60% of the human body composed of this vital element.

Water Symbolism Analysis

The song's metaphorical depth stems from water's adaptable nature, reminiscent of Bruce Lee's philosophy: "Be formless, shapeless – like water". Indeed, the lyrics portray love as a healing force: "My love is like water, filling your sore spots, it covers the deep wounds and embraces you tightly". Rather than focusing solely on romantic themes, the song explores broader concepts of human connection and mutual support.

Vocal Techniques and Arrangements

Composed in G major with a tempo of 84 beats per minute, "Like Water" showcases Wendy's vocal mastery through:

Fluid transitions between registers
Clear, straightforward delivery without unnecessary embellishments
Natural water-like flow in melody progression
Seamless blend with instrumental layers

The song's arrangement interweaves lyrical guitar riffs, band elements, and string sections. Consequently, Wendy's voice remains prominent despite multiple instrumental layers, primarily showcasing her warm, rich tone without excessive ornamentation.

Connection to Fan Messages

Although the song carries multiple interpretations, its core message centers on gratitude. The English lyric "I just wanna thank you for believing in me" appears as the only text in the music video, serving as a direct acknowledgment to fans who supported her journey. The song's folksy instrumentation creates an intimate atmosphere, although maintaining professional polish in its production quality. This musical approach reinforces the song's message about mutual dependence and emotional support between artist and audience.

Behind the Scenes of the Music Video

Directed by Lee Rae-kyung, the music video for "Like Water" masterfully weaves together visual storytelling and artistic symbolism.

Visual Metaphors and Aesthetics

The video's artistic direction primarily revolves around the interplay between water symbolism and seasonal transitions. Throughout the footage, a deliberate haziness covers the camera lens, creating an effect reminiscent of water's surface. The color palette shifts between cool blues and fiery reds, establishing a dynamic visual tension that mirrors the song's emotional depth.

Location and Set Design Choices

The mansion setting serves as the primary backdrop, featuring:

A greenhouse adorned with blooming pink flowers
A grand hall with classical columns and art pieces
A bathroom space with multi-colored stained glass
A curtained area bathed in purple and blue lighting

Each location symbolizes a different season, accordingly creating a fluid narrative progression. The greenhouse, simultaneously broken yet thriving with life, represents spring's renewal. Meanwhile, the mansion's interior, with its impressive columns and artwork, embodies summer's grandeur.

Creating the Ethereal Atmosphere

The ethereal quality emerges through carefully orchestrated cinematography. The camera frequently captures Wendy from afar, utilizing wide shots that emphasize space above her, hence creating an sense of limitlessness. Giambattista Valli's asymmetric ruffled gown, Zimmermann's Brighton lace panel dress, and other carefully selected costumes enhance this otherworldly aesthetic.

The video's neo-royalty cinematography style combines with strategic lighting choices to create distinct moods for each scene. Sunlight filtering through stained glass windows casts prismatic patterns, whereas the purple ribbon cascade sequence near the video's climax introduces a dramatic visual crescendo. These technical choices, paired with the deliberate stillness in Wendy's movements, create a mesmerizing visual experience that complements the song's emotional resonance.

The Evolution of Wendy's Artistic Identity

After six years as a key vocalist in Red Velvet, Wendy's path toward solo artistry began taking shape. Her musical foundation started in Cheongju, South Korea, primarily influenced by her father's passion for music.

From Group Member to Solo Artist

At first, Wendy's journey led her through SM Entertainment's global audition in Canada in 2012. Before moving back to Korea, she spent formative years between Canada and the U.S., in an era before K-pop's global prominence. This international background shaped her distinctive approach to music, coupled with her exposure to diverse musical styles.

Developing a Unique Musical Style

In light of her solo debut, Wendy's vocal prowess has evolved to encompass multiple dimensions:

Eight distinct vocal tones for different musical themes
Ability to transition seamlessly between registers
Natural affinity for emotional expression in ballads
Technical precision in R&B and jazz arrangements

Her artistic identity draws significant inspiration from Western artists of the '90s and early 2000s. This influence, analogous to her international upbringing, sets her apart in the K-pop landscape. "I had to find my own color as a soloist," she reflects, highlighting her commitment to authentic artistic expression.

Future Artistic Direction

Looking ahead, Wendy's artistic trajectory points toward broader horizons. Her collaboration with John Legend on "Written in the Stars" marked a significant milestone in her international reach. The duet, set against a reimagined golden age of Hollywood, showcased her versatility beyond K-pop conventions.

Her recent feature on BTS's Jin's solo album "Happy" further demonstrates her growing artistic range. These collaborations, primarily focusing on her vocal versatility, signal a promising direction for her future projects. Overall, Wendy's evolution continues to unfold, balancing her group identity with an increasingly distinct solo presence in the music industry.

FAQS

Fans and industry observers frequently ask questions about Wendy's solo debut. Here are the most common queries and their answers:

Q: How did Red Velvet members support Wendy's solo debut? The members demonstrated unwavering support through multiple actions. They sent encouraging text messages, provided honest feedback after listening to the songs, and even arranged for fried chicken deliveries to the music video filming site for all staff members.

Q: What sets Wendy's solo debut apart from other K-pop soloists? Primarily, Wendy's established reputation as a vocalist and her strong connection with the general public distinguishes her debut. Her OSTs have consistently performed well commercially, and she maintains positive public recognition.

Q: How does the Korean public perceive Wendy as a soloist? Generally, Wendy enjoys substantial support from the Korean general public. Though she might not be the most popular member among fans, she has earned respect for her vocal abilities and maintains a positive reputation throughout her career.

Q: What were the commercial expectations for 'Like Water'? Industry experts predicted strong digital performance based on Wendy's track record. Comparatively, her previous OST releases achieved significant success, indicating potential for strong digital sales.

Q: How does Wendy's solo compare to other SM Entertainment debuts? SM Entertainment has a history of producing distinctive solo debuts, evidently seen in artists like Taeyeon, Luna, and Baekhyun. The company's track record suggests careful attention to crafting unique artistic identities for their soloists.

Q: What distinguishes Wendy's comeback story? Certainly, her return carries additional significance due to her accident recovery journey. This narrative, combined with her established vocal reputation, created heightened anticipation for her solo debut.