Source: Yes24/ Credit translation: Han Ahreum

Then, Park Hwayobi….
In 2000, many talented new artistes with strong vocal prowess debuted, overshadowing the singer- dancing artistes. The R & B artistes took the lead in this aspect of new trend of  popularity and Park Hwayobi (Park Mi Young) was one of the singers.  She was a new star who has been distinctly recognized for her unique singing talent which is of comparable to Lena Park.  Park Hwayobi was also regarded as a diva for the next generation.  Her name “Hwayobi” originated from her creation from “Hwayoil’ (Tuesday) and “bi” from R&B. Before the released  of her debut album, she used the name Park No- Mi for the  song ‘애써’ in Park Hyo Shin’s  debut album.

Her Story…
For about 10 years before her debut, Hwayobi studied classical music. However, after discovering Mariah Carey’s music, she was more devoted to R&B music. As she was in awe of Mariah Carey’s ad-libs talents. When she was in 2nd year of high school, she joined a singing competition by a radio show, where she sang, ‘용서(forgive) by Lee Hee-Jin’ and won the grand prize. During the competition, she was talent picked by one of the judges, who is a composer. Despite her parents initial objection for her to be an artiste, she gave up studying classical music and chose to study applied music. Since then, the rest is history.

Her Music…
Her debut album with the popular titled song,  ‘Lie’ portrayed a new style of R&B, which was never heard before. Her music has strong influenced from Maria Carey’s music, such as the melody and ad-libs. However, she showed a striking empathy with her R&B unique techniques and her portraying of distinct emotions. When MC Hammer, an American Rapper, was in Korea, he saw Hwayobi singing. He lavished praises of her talents and acknowledged that with her R&B style, she can be recognized in US.

In her first album, you can listen to music that Hwayobi wrote and composed. She actually composed, “So far/ ‘여기까지만’  while she was  ironing at home and composed ‘Wish/‘바램’ while she was playing the piano on the same evening she was to sign the contract.  The second song in this album, titled, ‘Such a thing/ 그런일은’ also became popular. The song “Crazy Love” showcased her voice flexibility to sing in a breezy cheerful melody. ‘Legendary love/ 전설 속의 사랑’, a duet which she sang with Park Hyo Shin was also very popular  as it was featured in a drama OST. During her debut year, Hwayobi won the Rookie of the Year award [New Artist’s award] at Seoul Music Award. As  she was considered a rare rookie for her unique singing ability. In 2001, before she ended her first album promotion, she successfully delivered her very first concert.

For her second album, many famous musicians were involved in her album production such as 3534(Yun Hee Jung), Yun Sang, Yun Sara, Jung Yun Jun, Lee Seung Hwan(The Story) and Hwang Sung Je.  Hwayobi was also involved in almost half of the album, showcasing her talents as a singer- songwriter. In this album, she also showed her ability to sing songs with strong beats like, ‘Destiny/ 운명’, ‘ Confession/ 고백’. After releasing this album, she played as the main actress in a musical performance and was performing all over Korea. On the same year, she also participated in a live concert with Kim Hyun Chul, Yun Jong Sin and her colleague from her company. She ended her activity for 2^nd album by giving a solo concert.

Hwayobi expressed that she likes R&B style as it allows her to showcase varied ad-libs depending on the song’s mood. However, besides continuing her passion for R&B, she wants to be a charismatic performer like, Lee Eun Mi, a well- respected and talented Korean singer. In 2002, she released 3 hits and surprisingly, she did a remake of Lee Jung Bong’s hit song, “What’s going on ?/ Something Like that/어떤가요”. Hwayobi had received outstanding review for this remake, as it was acknowledged  that her remake was better than the original song.

Thank you  to a dear kind soul, Han Ahreum for this awesome article. There are still so much about Yobi that we do not know since it is rather rare to get articles about her translated. Therefore,  many of us do not know about her past. The more you dig into her past, it gets more precious. I’ve always wonder was there ever a time where she had the opportunity to pursue her music in US. As we know her talent is beyond what KPOP has to offer now.