Singer Hyolyn is here to cool down the hot Korean summer with her latest EP “Ice,” which dropped on Monday.

The singer opened her showcase for “Ice” on Monday at Blue Square in central Seoul’s Yongsan District with a live performance of “Over you,” one of her new tracks which sings about rediscovering oneself after a breakup.

Although Hyolyn is a veteran K-pop star having debuted in 2010, this was her first showcase as a solo singer.

"It feels so new, and I've been feeling nervous for my first solo showcase," she said during the event. "It's been so long since when I used to perform at showcases as a member of a group [Sistar], and this time, it's just me on the stage. As much as I'm anxious, I am thankful to see so many people attending."

Hyolyn has been widely loved over the span of her 12-year career for her powerful vocals and dance moves. Originally starting as a member of girl group Sistar, she has built a successful solo career and earned the nickname “Korea’s Beyoncé.”

Six months after releasing the digital single “Layin’ Low” in January, the singer has made a timely return to compete for the title of “summer queen” in the K-pop scene.

Hyolyn proceeded to perform the new EP’s lead track “No Thanks," an energetic dance number fit for Hyolyn’s signature belting vocals which also displays her chic attitude. In the song's lyrics, the singer shows a confidence and icy attitude toward her admirers but also a softer side.

Back to sit down and discuss her new release with the event's host and comedian Kim Shin-young, Hyolyn shared her recent experience competing on Mnet’s competition show “Queendom 2,” which aired from March to June and saw six high-profile female K-pop acts compete against each other.

"Since it was a competition show, I had to show my stern, serious side on the stage," she said. "The rigorous competition helped me grow as an artist, but for this new release, I wanted to relax and create something that everyone can enjoy without thinking too much. I thought about what concept or mood I want to portray after 'Queendom 2.' I am so thankful of the nickname 'summer queen' that many listeners have dubbed me, but I didn't want that title to confine me. I simply brainstormed what people want and need the most during the summer season, and the keyword 'ice' came to my mind. I wanted to make music that people can enjoy, like how they enjoy cold iced beverages in summer.

"Based on the keyword 'ice,' I kept brainstorming and pondered on how ice is usually hard, but also melts easily. It was like me on the stage — I present a firm image — but I'm like melted ice when I step down from the stage. I confess I'm not as cool as you think I am! I'm quite tender and childish sometimes, in real life."

Hyolyn debuted in 2010 as a member of girl group Sistar with the single “Push Push.” The group produced many hit songs like “So Cool” (2011) and “Touch My Body” (2014), and is especially known for popular summer tunes. Since 2011, Hyolyn was also part of Sistar’s subunit called Sistar19 with member Bora. Sistar disbanded in 2017.

Hyolyn has been active as a solo artist since 2013, debuting with an album titled “Love & Hate.” She has been actively dropping EPs and singles every year.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]