Lee Hi has made her comeback with the single “HOLO (홀로)”! Her first official comeback in a year and two months, the release is her first (excluding collaborations) since leaving YG Entertainment and moving to Jay Park’s AOMG. The track’s catchy yet soothing sound with choral backing and a hint of doo-wop inspiration fits perfectly with Lee Hi’s unique vocals.
Since her first appearance on the idol-making competition show K-Pop Star, Lee Hi has been an artist to keep an eye on. She has consistently hit the mark with every release, from her two R&B/soul inspired albums to her numerous collaborations with some of the top artists in the industry. It’s no wonder why when the news broke that she wasn’t returning to YG, so many people wanted her in their agency (and some even willing to start their own to get her).
She has made her mark on the Korean hip-hop and R&B market, yet I would also describe Lee Hi as a ‘healing’ artist. While that usually can mean sappy ballads and tearjerker cliches, Lee Hi is different in that the way she delivers heartfelt lyrics in her husky and soul-filled alto is cathartic enough to give the listeners goosebumps. This was especially demonstrated with her hit “Breathe”, written by her friend the late Jonghyun.
She once again perfectly captures that soothing and relatable quality in “HOLO”, which translates to “alone” in English. Lee Hi explained how loneliness is not unfamiliar to her, especially since she signed directly into a big agency while still in middle school. She says, “I spent a lot of time being alone… and I feel it’s [loneliness] a part of my life. Something that is always with me.” Even though many fans criticized YG for keeping her ‘locked in their dungeon’ and limiting the amount of releases, she has repeatedly expressed her gratitude and explained why it takes so long to promote artists in such a big agency.
“My success is my responsibility, That’s the most important thing.”
Lee Hi on 1theK Originals “Look Me Up” YouTube video
Still, after such a long time with one agency, she may have felt a bit lost after choosing to make a change, even if it was to help her grow. Not to mention the pressure many of us, famous or not, experience when comparing ourselves to others. Sometimes you feel vulnerable, misunderstood, and lonely even when surrounded by others as the opening lyrics relate: “Whether being alone or together,the loneliness feels the same.” Lee Hi wanted to comfort others who may feel lonely, reminding us that even when by ourselves we can find some peace and calm, maybe even rediscovering what brings us joy. We see that happen in the music video, as Lee Hi plays with and acts as a guardian angel to a younger version of herself, observing how the younger girl can find joy even in the simple things that surround her. Yet parts of her still struggle with doubts about her self-worth, and she has to remind herself “Is it that important to compare who’s better between others and me or me and others?”
@leehi_hi 
She ends up needing to save that version of herself from drowning under the self-imposed pressures and pessimistic emotions towards the climax of the video, acknowledging and embracing each and every part of herself. With a declaration of self-love, the lyrics say “I’m too precious to just sit around and worry… It’s okay to just be yourself.” The chorus is more than just a catchy refrain, it’s a promise. A promise to everyone going through a rough time and dealing with negative thoughts and loneliness that “One day it will stop.” But instead of just waiting for things to get better, Lee Hi empowers herself with the promise “Not gonna cry anymore, gonna breakout, And gonna take more care of myself.”
It’s important to surround yourself with people you can rely on and reach out when you need help, but there is only so much that others can do if you’re not willing to help yourself and love yourself first. Other people may not always cure our loneliness, and other situations may continue to impact us negatively, but the key is to remember your self-worth and inner strength to help you through the tough times. Instead of only dwelling and drowning yourself in the negative, remember to ‘breakout’ and allow yourself to find happiness. After all, you’re worth it.
What did you think about Lee Hi’s comeback? Let us know in the comments!