Sandara Park wants her ‘charisma’ to shine in next album

Sandara Park wants a ‘charisma’-filled album and to star in a rom-com K-drama | Screencap from Dive Studios/YouTube

From classrooms to sites packed with “inspirational” quotes, we’re always told that change is inevitable. Sometimes, though, it feels like an even bigger requirement in the music realm—artists get pressured to transform in any way possible. 

An exciting new set of visuals? A different genre explored? A completely unexpected “era”? Add another aspect they need to factor in: “Staying true” to who they are as artists, which can also mean different things to their fans. 

Finding one’s unique voice can even be an entirely different quest; even the most passionate musicians may not be able to crack the code overnight. 

In the latest episode of Dive Studios’ “Daebak Show,” viewers witness that host Korean-American artist Eric Nam and his guest, K-pop star Sandara Park, can resonate with this. The interview—which was a mix of Korean and English—deeply reflected on the latter artist’s personal evolution in music.

“I think when you’re finding your color as a musician, particularly as a solo artist, like even for me, it took me so long to figure out. Like, ‘What is the Eric Nam voice?’ I don’t know what to do, and I always fought with the crews about the color of music,” the “Runway” singer confessed, to which Park expressed that she could relate.

“[I[] always fought with them. ‘You should sing a ballad and cry.’ I didn’t want to do that, just leave me alone with my own musical colors. Then they also asked me, ‘What is your musical color?’ I would have to find the songs and the artists I love and that I respect,” he added.

The former 2NE1 member shared a similar experience: “I really, really love 2NE1 songs, so it was really hard. Because I fought a lot with the company because they wanted me to do cute music, bright music. But I said, ‘No, I have charisma!’ But I think they don’t believe in me.”

“But now I think they know what I can do on stage alone because I performed in Jung-Hwa’s concert last week,” she added. “I wanted to show them that I can do this kind of music, too.”

The two performers mused about Park’s unique artistic journey. It can be recalled that the 39-year-old began her career in the Philippines—with Star Circle Quest being a springboard to her success. Later on, she starred in multiple films and series, and even produced her solo music.

Recently, Park has ventured into solo music again. In July 2023, she released “Festival”—her first solo EP since her 2NE1 debut in 2009. 

In the conversation with Nam, the K-pop star expressed that she still experienced stress with the process. 

“I was really stressed again because I don’t know what kind of music is good for me. Because I know I cannot sing 2NE1 songs. I couldn’t. I know that I cannot sing those kinds of powerful and cool songs by myself,” she said. “So I was wondering which music will suit me? So I think I started with this bright, happy album.”

As the idol is no stranger to transformation—and she’s also been spontaneous, boot—it’s also no surprise that Nam asked about her plans for her next album. The keyword? Charisma.

“I think I want to show a dark or a sexy side of Sandara Park for my next album,” she revealed. “It’s not like a very sexy type of thing, but a little bit of sexy and a little bit of charisma, because my eyes have charisma in it.”

She even shared that she met a fortune teller that said her eyes have “charisma” in them.

Apart from music, the K-pop star is also hoping to make an acting comeback, especially in a romantic comedy role that’s full of “optimism and happiness.” 

“I’ve never done that before,” she said. “I’ve done many dramas and movies, but I didn’t have any romantic relationship with a male character.”