(Yonhap)

Chungha explained how her new single “Love U” differs from her previous hit song “Why Don’t You Know.”

The solo artist on Wednesday returned with her third EP “Blooming Blue,” fronted by lead track “Love U,” a tropical love song reminiscent of her debut single “Why Don’t You Know.”

Her previous work, which contributed to making the tropical house genre a trend in the K-pop scene, had topped local music charts upon its release in June last year.

“When I first heard a guide for ‘Love U,’ it immediately reminded me of ‘Why Don’t You Know,’ so I was actually worried that the two songs might be too similar,” said the artist during a showcase for “Blooming Blue” in Seoul on Wednesday.

(Yonhap)

(Yonhap)

(Yonhap)

“Love U,” a feel-good love song adorned with tropical synths and exuberant melodies, centers more on the smooth and girlish side of the artist, while her previous hits had a more charismatic vibe.

“But if there’s a difference, ‘Love U’ is more like a pool party with the color of blue. I tried to add my own color to the song. And lyrically, if ‘Why Don’t You Know’ was like ‘Why don’t you love me?’ ‘Love U’ sends a straight message with the lyrics ‘I just want to love you,’” she said.

Depicting the feeling of “blooming” love, the album also includes “BB,” “Cherry Kisses,” “Drive” and “From Now On,” composed by fellow solo artist Baek Ye-rin.

The 22-year-old singer originally debuted as a member of the temporary girl group I.O.I that was created through the popular audition show “Produce 101” in May 2016.

Since the group disbanded in January last year, Chungha has made a successful transition from a beloved I.O.I member to a successful K-pop solo artist. Her debut EP “Hands on Me,” featuring the lead track “Why Don’t You Know,” and the EP “Offset,” featuring “Rollercoaster,” topped local music charts.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)