Interview: With ‘Korean Mariah Carey,’ Sohyang: From Wanting to Give Up Music to a Six-Time ‘King of Mask Singer’ Winner
Sohyang, affectionately dubbed the "Korean Mariah Carey," recently released her track “BLESSING” ft. YDG. The song is inspired by the scene in the American movie Amadeus where Mozart creates the Requiem. Sohyang sat down for an interview with HALSUG to discuss her song, her journey, and more.
She first expressed gratitude for the comparison to the legendary vocalist. Despite acknowledging the vast difference in vocal prowess, Sohyang, who grew up on Mariah Carey’s music, said the title held an honorable place in her heart. "Her [Mariah Carey] vocal skills are the greatest in pop history," she admitted. “My skills are nowhere comparable to hers, but I tried my best to improve to be as skilled as her. I’m just too thankful.”
Photo Courtesy of Arkhe Entertainment
Beyond the realm of music, Sohyang's diverse career encompasses fantasy novel writing and teaching vocal techniques at a university. Setting some expectations amongst her fans, she said, “My final goal in life is to make big-scaled fantasy movies like ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ It’s hard to let go of this dream since I’ve always dreamed of it for a long time. The reason for writing novels is to take [the] basic steps for this dream to come true. I also want to eventually venture into movies. I think that movies are a compilation of culture, with stories, acting, music, fashion, architecture, and technology. As someone in the art world, to create something new is the biggest joy.”
Sohyang, a devout Christian, is primarily known for incorporating Christian contemporary music into her work. Regardless, she believes her music can still resonate with fans from different religions or people with no religious affiliations. “We are people. I think that the most beautiful thing a person can do is to dream and love. The God that I trust is the God of love. The God that wants people to dream. I hope that God’s will is shown through to people with my music.”
The conversation took a poignant turn as she shared her journey through uterine cancer and recurrent pneumonia, which posed a threat to both her health and her singing career. Undeterred, she faced the challenges head-on to reach where she is today. “It was devastating at first. After getting the cancer removed from my uterus, I had no strength in my stomach and had lots of trouble reaching my high pitches during recordings. The engineer at the time had to tell me that it was difficult to continue recording in my condition. However, that didn’t stop me from studying and developing a new way for me to sing.”
Continuing, she reveals, “When I developed pneumonia, I was so scared and wanted to give up on music. I needed some personal space and flew to Philadelphia, where I saw the sign on a building with Roosevelt’s lines: ‘Only thing we have to fear is fear itself’. Reading this phrase I thought of my future five and ten years down the line. How much would I regret in the future if I gave up right now due to fear? Thankfully, I challenged myself and was able to be in the program King of Masked Singer, and meet the public once more.”
Discussing her latest track, "BLESSING," Sohyang highlighted its message of transitioning from devastation to hope, darkness to light, and death to life. The intent was for listeners to find solace and not give up in times of despair. “There is always a moment of devastation living life. Sometimes you aren’t able to see the light due to darkness from pain. I was also there before. I portrayed my hope of transitioning from such phases. I hope people will listen to the song and continue to walk towards hope without giving up.”
Collaborating with Yang Dong Geun and PRIME KINGZ for “BLESSING” was a source of excitement for Sohyang. She emphasized how Yang Dong Geun's rapid rap-making skills and PRIME KINGZ's dance contributed seamlessly and complemented the song. “YDG made the rap in such a short time, but it was so perfect. I have known him for a very long time, but I was amazed by both his skills as a lyricist and as an actor. I think he is truly a genius.”
Photo Courtesy of Arkhe Entertainment
“I have worked and won with PRIME KINGZ [on] the survival program Immortals Songs. When I was finished with “BLESSING,” I thought that it would be wonderful to include a dance part, and with the beat of this song, the krump fit so well, which led me to ask them to participate in the performance. Seeing their performance during the MV shoot, I screamed in excitement! I was pleased with how well the dance fit into the song. I was so honored to be able to work with such skilled artists.”
Reflecting on past achievements, such as six consecutive wins on King of Mask Singer and singing the American national anthem at an NBA game, Sohyang unveiled future aspirations. “I want to see my songs on the Billboard Charts, to be nominated for the Grammy, and to make movies!”
In a heartfelt message to her fans, Sohyang conveyed gratitude for her continuous love and support, acknowledging the blessing of sharing her music. “I feel blessed to be able to share my music with all of you. Thank you for your continuous love and support. I hope my song “BLESSING (Feat. YDG)” can be comforting in your life, and I will always be back with more healing music.”
What are your thoughts on Sohyang’s “BLESSING (Feat. YDG)” music video? Let us know in the comments or by reaching out on Instagram or X (Twitter)!
TO STAY UPDATED ON SOHYANG:
Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: Sohyang
Birthday: April 5th
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Aries
MBTI: ENFJ
Favorite Food: Tteokbokki
Favorite Drink: Hot Americano
Favorite Movie: Harry Potter
Day or Night?: Day
Song you’re most proud of: “BLESSING (Feat. YDG)”
Edited by Zoe Selesi