We last left SUMMER amidst the neon glow of Hannam and Itaewon, immersed in that “Seoul city mood” that defines her vocal debut with Little Kitty (here). Her very first single introduced us to a refined, nocturnal sound, and the conversation you are about to read offers a glimpse into the soul that inhabits it.
To be honest, this interview took an unexpected turn, evolving into something that transcends the standard promotion of an idol debut. SUMMER strips away—both metaphorically and artistically—the armor of the flawless performer that earned her the 2024 Koreo Awards, offering us a reflection on vulnerability that is rare, profound, and intimate.
You know that feeling when you are making small talk with someone and suddenly—click—the light goes on, and you realize you are in the exact same place as your interlocutor, on the exact same wavelength? Well… that is more or less what happened between SUMMER and Koreami.
An extraordinary artistic awareness emerges from her words: the transition from dance (the realm of absolute control) to vocals (where she feels, by her own admission, “naked”) becomes the emotional core of the entire operation. It is a debut that looks far beyond Asian borders. The decision to entrust the production to Frenchman Tibaut Pezzo creates a unique cultural bridge, fusing the Korean vibe with a distinctly Western artisanal sensibility.
And precisely within this embrace of the West, there is a surprise for us Italians that makes the article worth reading in itself. SUMMER cites a classic of our 1980s Italo-disco as a primary inspiration. Yes, we are talking about I Like Chopin by GAZEBO. A track that is my age (and therefore much, much older than SUMMER), but that has evidently already found its way to immortality.
Ok then, are you ready to feel that click as well? Let her words guide you. Here is what the new, surprising voice of Korean City Pop told us.
One of the most intriguing aspects of your new single Little Kitty is your collaboration with French producer Tibaut Pezzo. How did this partnership come about? Compared to a traditional Korean production setting, did you notice any unique differences in the creative atmosphere or workflow when working with a European producer?
This wonderful partnership began almost like fate, thanks to the special opportunity that came with winning the Koreo Awards. The producer who was promised to create a track as part of the prize was none other than France’s Tibaut Pezzo.
What fascinated me most was our different interpretations of the genre city pop. While Korean city pop often carries a trendy, modern tempo, working with Tibaut Pezzo felt more like watching a master craftsman at work — thoughtful, meticulous, and rich in depth. His classic European sensibility, especially in elements like the bass line, was very distinct.
The entire process of blending an international, stylish track with a delicate Korean topline felt like creating a piece of art. It was truly a moving experience for me.
As a Koreo Awards winner, you now represent a visible bridge between Korea and Europe. Do you see yourself and your music functioning as a “bridge” between these two cultures? What do you hope European listeners will take away from your music?
Yes, I hope this collaboration helps shape me into a romantic bridge connecting Europe and Korea.
I want European listeners to discover another side of K-pop beyond the powerful energy they may typically associate with the genre — something delicate, lyrical, and emotional like Little Kitty.
The music video, in particular, captures the beauty of Seoul in a cinematic way, almost like a European film. My dream is that viewers will feel inspired by the imagery and begin to see Seoul as a city full of freedom and emotion — and perhaps even fall in love enough to visit someday.
You’ve established yourself as a powerful dancer, yet “Little Kitty” places you at the center as a vocalist. Artistically speaking, which medium — dance or singing — do you feel expresses your true self more deeply, or makes you feel the most vulnerable?
As a dancer, I tend to show a powerful and perfectionistic side of myself, but as a vocalist, I reveal the most human version of me.
Dance sometimes requires explanation and leaves room for interpretation, but singing speaks directly to the listener’s heart through lyrics. Through this honest language, I can express my most vulnerable and delicate emotions. In lyrical songs like Little Kitty, I especially feel as though I’m revealing stories from the deepest part of my heart — and that makes me feel like my truest self as an artist.
The lyrics depict the unwavering love of a cat toward its owner, even as the owner becomes distant. Is this meant to be a metaphor for how you perceive relationships in a fast-paced city like Seoul?
Yes, this song is not just a simple story about a cat. It is more like a poetic reflection of the quiet loneliness experienced by modern people living on the rapidly turning stage called Seoul.
I, too, want to give my pets endless affection, but in reality, I live the life of a lonely artist who must keep chasing dreams. Little Kitty is a reminder to reflect on the precious love and relationships we often overlook in our hectic daily lives.
Through the gaze of someone who gives unconditional love, the song prompts us to realize how distracted, distant, and lonely we’ve become.
Now that you’ve released a track with strong European ties, are there any plans to visit or perform in Europe soon? And regarding Italy specifically, are there any elements — music, fashion, food — that inspire you as an artist?
Although nothing has been finalized yet, I truly hope this successful collaboration opens the door for me to perform in Europe soon — including Italy!
Italian music is known for its emotionally rich, expressive melodies, and that aligns perfectly with what I valued most while making Little Kitty.
I wanted to create a song centered on emotion, and for inspiration, I listened to the Italian classic I Like Chopin, which taught me a beautiful sense of lyricism and romance. I hope the artistic soul of Italy has found its way into my music as well.
Un bacio!
