HuiAe (희애), the artist who chooses to touch rather than shine. On August 28, I had the chance to speak with her by email. Through her simple and modest answers, a voice began to take shape. This is HuiAe (희애), the fourth candidate of Eurovision Asia. She doesn't step on stage with a persona, a visual concept, or a marketing strategy designed to catch the eye. Her approach is more direct: she comes to sing. Simply. From the very first notes, her music creates a particular silence — the kind you offer to a personal confession rather than a performance.
Her path stands apart from the usual images associated with contemporary Korean music. Far from polished productions or grand visual shows, HuiAe has shaped herself through the sobriety of ballad, acoustic sounds, and R&B. Her style relies entirely on the vocal line and the texture of her voice. She favors airy arrangements, silences that let the words breathe — a clear heir to the great Korean vocalists of the 2000s who knew how to move without overplaying. There is something singular about her presence at Eurovision Asia: HuiAe has never left Korea before.
This contest marks her very first trip abroad. For her, the experience goes beyond the professional frame; it is the concrete discovery of a world she had only seen through a screen. Crossing borders carried solely by her music brings a rare innocence and honesty to this level of competition. Her song, 사랑을 잘 몰라서, reflects this orientation.
No choreography, no visual effects to draw attention away. The track explores, with restraint, the regrets and misunderstandings of a past love, leaving space for the details of the lyrics and the nuance of her interpretation. It is a deliberate choice of simplicity in a context that often rewards spectacle. Where others seek visual impact first, HuiAe chooses attentive listening. And it is often these stripped‑down performances that leave the most lasting impression.
1. To begin, could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and describe your musical color?
HuiAe (희애): Nice to meet you! I'm huiAe (희애), a singer active in Korea. I mainly create songs in the ballad, acoustic, and R&B genres. I love music where vocal details can be felt, where the instrumental sounds are delicate, lyrical, and naturally harmonized. I understand the importance of lyrics, which is why I appreciate warm and sincere texts.
2. What motivated you to participate in this project/event?
HuiAe (희애): A close composer friend told me about this well‑known European competition and encouraged me to give it a try. After a few days of reflection, I decided to apply together with the producer I usually work with.
3. How would you describe the song or performance you will present? Is there a particular message you want to convey?
HuiAe (희애): Our song 사랑을 잘 몰라서 (If I Knew Love) has no spectacular instrumental performance or choreography. It isn't trendy or stimulating. It's pure, simple, almost raw music that must be carried solely by the voice. I will sing with sincerity the lyrics expressing the desire to hold on to a past love, along with the poignant melody. I hope my voice can touch the hearts of many people.
4. Your style is often described as very original. What are your main musical or artistic influences?
HuiAe (희애): Since childhood, I've listened a lot to Korean music, especially the voices of male ballad singers like Lee Ki‑chan, Sung Si‑kyung, Jo Sung‑mo, and others. I used to listen to their songs and transpose them into a female key to practice. People often tell me that my music conveys a lot of breath, space, and a particular softness. I think this training method had a strong influence on my style.
5. How did the preparation process go (composition, rehearsals, building the performance)?
HuiAe (희애): I wrote the song with producer JUNGL$ (정글스), exchanging ideas together. We also rented a large rehearsal hall, similar in size to the actual stage, to work on the live performance and gestures.
6. What was the most difficult part of the preparation?
HuiAe (희애): Managing my voice was the hardest part. Because of unstable weather, I caught tonsillitis, and the pressure made me very sensitive, which affected my condition on the recording day. To make things worse, I developed an ear condition called 'patulous eustachian tube,' which is terrible for singing. But I couldn't stop — I kept thinking of all the people supporting me. I had to hold on. Today, I'm trying to believe in myself more.
7. What emotion would you like the audience to feel during your performance?
HuiAe (희애): I hope they think, 'I want to listen again.' I will sing without altering my voice, without autotune, with my true sincerity. During those few moments, I want to share my emotional line with the audience. Even if our languages are different, I believe our hearts can understand one another.
8. Did you collaborate with other artists, choreographers, or producers for this performance?
HuiAe (희애): I wrote the song with JUNGL$, a producer I respect deeply and who is also my closest friend. He has a strong musical sense and many ideas — someone I can always rely on. Composers Tomajo and Noi added extra depth through their piano work, and Kijin (박기진), who helped with the arrangement, also deserves my gratitude. I worked with talented people who know me well, and that made the process truly enjoyable.
Credits: © Baek Seung-min
9. In your opinion, what impact could this event have on your career?
HuiAe (희애): I would love to have many fans, but even if that doesn't happen, I will continue to sing. I've released several singles, but I never considered them a true official beginning. For me, the Eurovision Song Contest is my first real professional step. I've never traveled abroad, so imagining that a young Korean girl could make her voice heard in other countries... it feels unreal. I want to use this opportunity as a springboard to become an even better artist.
10. What are your plans after the event (new music, performances, collaborations)?
HuiAe (희애): I have a lot of passion for creating. I would love to collaborate with many composers and artists if the opportunity arises. I hope this event opens new doors and new connections. I also plan to invite other singers to join songs I've already started. Just thinking about it makes me excited.
11. A message for your international fans?
HuiAe (희애): I've often watched videos on YouTube, but foreign countries still feel like an unknown world to me. Thanks to the Eurovision Song Contest, a few international fans have sent me messages. It was strange, moving... and it gave me ambition! One day, I want to create an opportunity to sing live in front of my international fans. Please remember huiAe (희애), an artist who sings with sincerity. I hope I can touch your heart.
