Chung Ha's Sound Keeps Evolving—And It's All Hers

K-pop may dazzle us with the visuals and charming personalities of our fave idols, but it's always been deeper than that. K-pop is all about telling real stories, inspiring, and creating music for everyone to relate to—and it's something that Chung Ha steadily carves into her career.

As one of the top soloists in the K-pop industry, Chung Ha has been on the job for eight years now. And while the job doesn't get any easier, it does get more fulfilling with time—a sentiment she shared with Cosmopolitan Philippines in an exclusive interview. Our conversation began with her newest album, Alivio.

If you've been a longtime stan, then you know Chung Ha has always delivered with every comeback—her visuals, vocals, and artistry consistently leaving a mark. (Confession: her tracks are still a staple on my work playlist.) In Alivio, she shares a version of herself that feels more personal than ever. "It's about letting go, breathing, and just making music without overthinking," she says.

Chung Ha for Cosmo Up Close April 2025

There was no rigid concept or sound when she was creating her album. "It wasn't something I planned, but it came together naturally. I wanted it to feel like a real, honest journey, like you're experiencing all those emotions right alongside me," Chung Ha shared.

Much like the rest of her discography, Chung Ha's creative process isn't dictated by trends or what's topping the charts. Instead, her music is deeply rooted in her truth—each song reflecting a chapter of her life, a moment of growth, or an emotion she's learned to sit with. Her art doesn't chase relevance; it captures truth. She underscores, "I want my music to reflect who I am at every stage of my life, not just what's hot at the moment."

Her music is a mirror of how she shows up in the world—real, raw, and genuinely herself. For Chung Ha, music isn't just a career—it's her language, her way of making sense of the world, and how she forms deeper, more personal connections. "For me, staying authentic means staying true to what I love and what feels right to me," she shares. "The music I put out has to feel like my music—something I genuinely connect with. If I don't love it, how can I expect anyone else to?" (Love her for this!)

Chung Ha on the challenges of being a solo artist

Many might assume being a solo artist means having more creative control—but as Chung Ha points out, it also comes with a unique set of pressures. While her time with I.O.I was brief, it was a pivotal chapter that sparked something bigger. Now, years into her solo journey, Chung Ha reflects with honesty on what it really takes to stand on your own.

"Being a solo artist has its ups, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to making decisions and carrying the weight of those choices," she began telling Cosmo.

Even with a supportive team behind the scenes, there's a weight to being the sole face of your music and message. Every creative call ultimately rests on her shoulders. Still, if given the chance to change her path, she wouldn't.

"Starting my career with I.O.I, I was surrounded by members who were going through the same things as me, and then, in just 11 months, that all ended. Going solo right after was a huge adjustment. It took time to figure out how to navigate everything on my own. But through that, I've learned to trust myself more, stand by my decisions, and grow into the artist I am today. It's not always easy, but I wouldn't trade this journey for anything," she declared.

TBH, chatting with Chung Ha felt like catching up with an old friend chasing her dreams miles away. She even let us in on a few things she's been working on since her Alivio comeback—like the Alivio merch line, a special track called "Find Love" (which just dropped!), and of course, her heartfelt messages for her fans, HAARTs.

As you read below, you'll see how Chung Ha's answers came through like a heartfelt letter—one that gently opened a window into the soul of her artistry. Now, she's out there exploring new possibilities, guided by purpose, creative freedom, and the quiet confidence of an artist who knows exactly who she is and what she wants.

Chung Ha on songwriting, life off-cam, and fans

Congratulations on your new album! What's your favorite song from your Alivio album and why?

Chung Ha: All the songs on Alivio mean a lot to me, but "Even Steven" holds a special place in my heart. I considered making it my title track or releasing it as a pre-release single because I love it so much. It's probably my rawest and most honest song yet. There's so much emotion packed into it. Plus, since I had so much control over the lyrics, it really feels like a piece of me.

Your music has evolved a lot since your debut. How would you describe your current sound?

Chung Ha: I wouldn't say my sound has changed; it's more like my scope keeps expanding. I've always loved experimenting with different sounds and even different languages, so my music just keeps growing with me. A lot of people associate my sound with house music, which I love, but there's so much more to it. Lately, I've been really drawn to melodic R&B, and I think my versatility as an artist is what keeps things exciting.

How do you approach songwriting and conceptualizing your music?

Chung Ha: I don't usually sit down with a clear concept in mind like, "This is the song I need to write right now." It's more of a natural flow. Most of the time, I get a demo with a guide vocal or even some lyrics and a title, and from there, I just build on what feels right to me. I tried to make the song reflect my emotions at that moment. Since albums take time—sometimes months, even years—the songs end up capturing different phases of my life, almost like little time capsules of everything I've been going through.

Is there a particular moment in your career that made you feel most fulfilled as an artist?

Chung Ha: One of the most meaningful moments for me was when I had the chance to bring my mom to see me perform at a festival in Paris. It was such a special feeling to have her there, witnessing everything I've worked for come together. For her to see me on stage, doing what I love in a city as beautiful and iconic as Paris, felt like a dream. It was really emotional because I've always wanted to make her proud, and sharing that moment with her made it even more precious.

What does a perfect day off look like for you?

Chung Ha: Just being at home on my super comfy sofa with my dogs, playing my favorite Netflix shows. I'm a total homebody, so my perfect day is just quality time with my dogs and maybe a few close friends. No makeup, no schedule, just chilling, eating good food, and recharging. I guess I'm just like any other person, huh?

What's your go-to comfort food after a long day?

Chung Ha: I really love hot pot, so I'd have to pick that, maybe HaiDiLao. There's something so comforting about the warm broth, all the different ingredients, and just taking my time to eat. It's the best way to unwind after a long day.

What does your go-to skincare routine look like, and do you have any must-have products or tips?

Chung Ha: I don't have a super complicated skincare routine, but I do try to do face masks regularly. Honestly, the most important thing is just washing your face really well and avoiding makeup when you can. If I don't have a shoot, I'm always makeup-free. Also, gut health is key! Drinking lots of water and getting enough rest make a huge difference in keeping your skin healthy.

Have you had the chance to pick up any new skills or hobbies? Or is there something you've always wanted to learn when you have more free time?

Chung Ha: I want to pick up Spanish again and maybe even try acting someday. These are things I've always wanted to challenge myself with, but with my schedule, it's been hard to find the time. Hopefully, in the future, I'll get the chance to focus on them!

What's one thing fans would be surprised to learn about you?

Chung Ha: My longtime fans know everything about me because it's already been eight years with them now! But I think my more recent, newer fans would be surprised to learn that I'm actually a bit of a homebody!

While I love performing and connecting with fans on stage, when I'm not working, I enjoy spending quiet time at home, watching TV, and just unwinding. I find it's a great way to recharge and stay grounded. I think a lot of people expect me and a lot of public figures and celebrities to always be on the go, but I'm really all about balance and taking care of myself at home when I can.

What's your message to your Filipino fans who continue to support you?

Chung Ha: Mahal kita! I see all the love from my Philippine HAARTs, and it honestly means the world to me. I hope to visit the Philippines one day and perform for you all. So, please hold tight and keep supporting me! Someone, please invite me! I can't wait to make that dream happen!

If there's one thing you'd like people to remember you for as an artist, what would it be?

Chung Ha: I hope to be remembered as a versatile artist. That's something I take a lot of pride in, being able to explore new genres, styles, and dances. I want to be known for constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with my craft. That's what keeps it exciting for me, and I hope it resonates with my fans, too!

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Cover design: Ica Del Mundo
Associate Editor: Ida Aldana
Producer: Kate Sarmiento
Story: Kate Sarmiento
Special thanks to MORE VISION and Platform Public Relations