After nearly two years of preparation in Korea, 18-year-old Filipino-American teen Kriesha Chu took to the stage for a sweet but energetic debut.

Chu, once a runner-up on audition program “K-Pop Star 6,” delved into the experience of falling in love for her two-track debut album “Trouble,” released Wednesday. The lead track, also titled “Trouble,” and “I Wish It Were You” from the album both portray a girl in love, though they differ starkly in musical styles.

“I am so nervous, but extremely happy at the same time for finally making a debut,” said Chu at a press showcase Wednesday for her debut album in Seoul.

“Working on the album, I tried to show my strongest fortes, which I think are my lovely image and powerful performances, as well as meeting the public standard.”

Kriesha Chu poses at a press showcase for her debut album “Trouble” on Wednesday in Seoul. (Yonhap)

Imbued with infectious brass backing and funky beats, the track “Trouble” is an upbeat pop anthem showcasing the songstress’ powerful voice.

On the other hand, “I Wish It Were You” is a more ambient pop-R&B jam featuring Chu’s mellow and youthful voice. It is also joined by rapper Yong Jun-hyung of Highlight, who contributed to the lead track as a producer.

During the press event, Chu sometimes jumbled up Korean words, but she still managed to share episodes related to the album, keeping a bright smile on her face.

When asked what she thought the three judges from “K-Pop Star 6” -- Yang Hyun-suk, Yoo Hee-yeol and Park Jin-young -- would say about her debut album, Chu said, “I think they would tell me that I’ve improved a lot since the show, and I guess judge Yang from YG Entertainment would be most happy.”

Kriesha Chu performs at a press showcase for her debut album “Trouble” on Wednesday in Seoul. (Yonhap)

One of the highlights of Wednesday’s showcase was Yong’s surprise visit to the event. He joined Chu onstage for “I Wish It Were You.”

After the smooth collaboration, Yong stood next to Chu and said working on her first album had been a great joy for him as well.

“Despite her not-so-big figure, Chu generates a huge amount of energy,” Yong said.

“As a producer and her musical partner, I witnessed Chu growing up as a skillful vocalist, and her efforts have paid off on this fantastic stage made today.”

Looking shy and flattered, Chu said that Yong’s group Highlight has been one of her favorite artists since she was in the US and that working with him was a great honor.

Yong had offered advice to her when they were working together, she added.

As one of the finalists of “K-Pop Star 6,” Chu said that someday she wishes to collaborate with other contestants from the show, including Kim Hye-rin and Kim So-hee, who dropped a debut single last week.

“I saw my friend So-hee making a debut. I don’t think we will be rivals because she has always been so talented. We support each other and I hope both of us could be equally loved,” Chu said.

Hailing from Cebu, Chu was scouted by Urban Works Entertainment while she was in San Francisco. She flew to Korea with her family in 2015 and was staying here as a trainee before she competed in the audition program from November last year.





By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)