World of K-Pop: Woollim's YOO JIAE Debuts with "Delight"

Two years ago, I've heard rumors indicating that Woollim Entertainment will debut their first girl group, surmised by many to be named "Eternal." A year later, I get hints that it might come true, seeing as three high-school, female Woollim trainees made cameos in SBS's Running Man. Three years after Infinite's "You Are My Oppa," Yoo Jiae, their virtual little sister from the show, is now debuting as a solo artist. Woollim is a secretive and surprising agency, that's for sure. Yoo Jiae had first entered the agency with hopes of becoming an actress, but is now debuting as an idol-soloist? It's not permanent, in the same way that Baby Soul and Yoo Jiah's duet is only temporary. The individual debuts introduce to the public that these girls are going to be part of the official girl group, but nothing's set in stone.

As for debut single "Delight," the instrumental music is upbeat, bright and eclectic (think of the background music in a make-up store or trendy teen boutique), but Jiae's voice doesn't impress me. Yes, her voice is curiously high and sweet, but it also sounds thin in the higher notes and more like 'air' singing through her nose. I wish to hear her real voice, and I don't think this track does it justice. In fact, for a studio version, she sounds unconfident in her own vocal skill. What this debut presents is a very cute, pretty girl who is mesmerizing on camera. She's definitely "delightful" and charming, but her voice is a little weak for a soloist.

The MV is beautifully directed. Jiae looks young and pure in a school uniform and flowy white dress, running around with wind in her long hair, streamers blowing and cherry blossoms softly falling. All this dreamy loveliness catches the eye of our young lead (B1A4's Baro), who looks completely captivated (honestly, I don't think he's acting). Then the two frolick and hold hands in the soft romantic way that first love should look like, but never does. Surprisingly, the song lyrics are actually a little sad; it's about a girl asking her ex to let her go. I applaud the casting director for this shoot. Baro looks really good with Jiae here.

Since I first saw her fiesty, elephant-stomping self on "You Are My Oppa," I thought her debut would be much funkier and maybe even sassy. Instead, Woollim gives her a 180 degree image that transforms her into this innocent, sweet girl that looks the part, but doesn't bring anything new to the table. Instead, it would be great to find a refreshing, spunky personality underneath that innocent concept.

With Yoo Jiae's debut and interview (below), it is confirmed that Woollim Entertainment is indeed planning to debut a girl group, though each member will be introduced separately one by one (and at a snail's pace). So far, the members are Baby Soul, Yoo Jiah, and now Yoo Jiae.

"Delight" Behind the Scenes A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWPJtK10O4