Sindy’s journey through the music took her in various directions. From her early days of learning piano at just three years old to performing in her teens, music has been an ever-present force in her life. While her path may have begun in South Korea, it soon led her to Japan, where she blossomed into a dynamic artist, gaining recognition and improving her skills in an unfamiliar environment. Throughout her career, Sindy has not only thrived as a solo artist and member of the duo Rainy but also as a vocal coach and composer, lending her talents to a wide range of artists across Asia.

During the interview with the artist, Sindy took me through her career, reflecting on the first moments that shaped her, including her move to Japan and how that experience moulded her both personally and musically. She shares the challenges of balancing solo work with collaboration, the joys of mentoring young talent, and the fulfilment that comes from seeing others bring her compositions to life. Now, with the encouragement of her fans, she’s ready to return to the spotlight, working on a long-awaited solo album that will show her growth as both a performer and a songwriter. This is Sindy’s story of finding her voice – again and again – in a constantly shifting music market.

View of the Arts: First of all, let’s talk about how it all started. Was music always a path that called to you, or was there a moment when you realised that music was meant for you?

Sindy: My mother majored in vocal music and led the church choir, so I think I was naturally exposed to music even while in her womb. Growing up, I listened to and sang hymns and popular songs from an early age. I started learning piano when I was three and prepared for university entrance exams with a classical music major. At the same time, I performed a lot on stage, starting at the age of 15, and eventually debuted in the music industry when I sang the OST for the movie Mr. Hong at 18. At the moment of deciding on my university entrance, I asked myself whether I was happier with classical piano or singing, and I ended up majoring in practical music at university, leading me to where I am today.

VOA: You started your music career in South Korea but later moved to Japan to further your career. What prompted you to make that move, and how did the experience in Japan shape you as an artist?

Sindy: I had no plans to work in Japan, but by chance, I met a director of Korea Amuse, who was connected to a Japanese agency. Through conversations with him and my manager, I participated in an Asia-wide audition organised by T-product, which was held in four countries. After winning first place, I moved to Japan and started my activities there. While it wasn’t the direction I initially wanted, and everything was unfamiliar, looking back, working as a singer in Japan became a great opportunity for me to grow both musically and personally. Working alone in a foreign country taught me how to overcome loneliness, and I also learned Japanese and English. I broadened my perspective by experiencing different cultures, which benefited me greatly.

VOA: What differences did you notice between the Korean and Japanese music markets regarding audience expectations and the creative process?

Sindy: Although I was more active in Japan than in Korea, which makes it hard to compare, one clear difference I noticed was that in Japan, artists are given more space to focus solely on their music. I felt a greater sense of joy and emotional fulfilment when singing in Japan compared to Korea.]

VOA: After returning to Korea, you formed the group Rainy and continued your work as a singer-songwriter in a female duo. How did working in a duo differ from your solo projects?

Sindy: Having spent my whole life performing and singing solo, I always admired those who worked in groups. Each part has its pros and cons, but as I worked with Rainy, I found great comfort and strength in relying on my partner. While solo work allows you to take full control over the music and receive all the attention, in a group, everything needs to be shared. You must consider your partner’s opinions, even when something doesn’t fully match your vision. However, with my Rainy partner, we harmonised well, and I appreciated that aspect of group work. We were very considerate of each other, which made the experience enjoyable.

VOA: What do you enjoy most about creating music as part of a group, and how does it influence your songwriting compared to your solo work?

Sindy: I feel incredibly happy and proud when my partner really likes the songs I’ve created. Certain sections of a song that would have been challenging to perform alone are made possible by dividing the parts between us. This opens up more creative opportunities, allowing us to take on songs that wouldn’t have been possible as a solo artist.

VOA: As someone active in the industry for years, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced while balancing your work as both a solo artist and part of a duo?

Sindy: I think the biggest challenge, which applies to all artists, is the desire for a song I love to be heard by many people, hoping they feel the same way and find happiness in it.

VOA: You’ve also worked as a vocal coach for many years. How has teaching and coaching singers impacted your own approach to singing and music production?

Sindy: I can confidently say that my singing skills improved significantly while teaching. Previously, I only had myself as a practice target, but through lessons, I had to study various songs and adapt them for students with different skill levels. This widened my range of sounds, rhythms, and genres, which I could apply to my own music.

VOA: What’s the most rewarding part of being a vocal coach, and have any of your students’ successes inspired or influenced your own work?

Sindy: I’ve experienced many rewarding moments, but the most gratifying was when I helped a student go from last place to first. Although I see students succeed by passing auditions and debuting, I’ve often had moments where I felt a dip in confidence, wondering if my time in the spotlight had passed and that it was now time to nurture the next generation.

VOA: Your long-term production project, Sindy Holic, comprised ten albums. What inspired you to take on such an ambitious series, and what did completing the project mean to you personally and artistically?

Sindy: As a singer-songwriter, I used to write and perform only my own songs. However, there were times when I felt a song would suit a male vocalist or a duet better. Before Sindy Holic, I had never sold or given my songs to other artists, so I needed a way to introduce my compositions to others. Through collaborations with other artists, I was able to complete songs that I couldn’t do alone. This boosted my confidence, and I began working with various artists, including idol groups in China, Korea, and Japan, marking the start of my journey as a composer.

VOA: After releasing the 10th album in the Sindy Holic series, you took a break from solo music. What led to that decision, and how did that time away from releasing your music affect you as an artist?

Sindy: As I grew more invested in songwriting, I discovered the satisfaction and fulfilment that came from seeing others complete songs I had written. At the same time, after giving birth and raising children, I found myself focusing more on composing than performing. Over time, I distanced myself from singing, and after childbirth, my voice and confidence diminished due to a lack of practice.

VOA: You recently sold a song titled Juseyo to Kim Hee-jin, which was released on October 2nd. How did the collaboration with her come about, and what was your inspiration behind that song?

Sindy: Juseyo was a song I had composed quite a while ago for another artist, but the connection didn’t work out, and it remained unclaimed for some time. Eventually, it found its way to Kim Hee-jin, who, after recording it, told me that she had been pestering her company for a year because she really wanted to sing the song. I was thrilled to hear that. The word ‘juseyo’ [in Korean means “please give me” or “please”] is often used in everyday life, but the song’s lyrics carry a deeper meaning, asking a loved one to give their heart, while also expressing a broader desire for more.

VOA: You’ve also worked on several OSTs throughout your career. What drew you to this sort of work?

Sindy: When I was younger, singing OSTs for dramas felt like a huge accomplishment, and I was simply happy about it. Over time, as someone who loves watching dramas and movies, I became captivated by how my voice and music could enhance the atmosphere of emotional or poignant scenes. I found it incredibly appealing to contribute to making such moments even more powerful.

VOA: As a producer and composer, you’ve collaborated with various artists over the years. What has been your favourite collaboration, and how do you adapt your style to match the vision of the artists you work with?

Sindy: One of my most memorable collaborations, although it hasn’t been released yet, was a duet with a Japanese male artist. He travelled all the way from Japan to Korea for the recording, and although each country has its distinct musical styles, we were able to blend our voices and musical colours beautifully in the song. It was such a moving experience for me, and I hope to release it in Korea one day.]

VOA: When producing for other artists, how do you balance bringing out their unique style while also infusing your own musical touch into the project?

Sindy: Since I’m not a professional composer, I don’t consciously try to inject my style into a song. However, having experience both as a singer and a vocal coach, I think I have a knack for identifying the points where a vocalist’s voice can shine best, and I write songs that fit those strengths.

VOA: You’ve transitioned from being a performer to focusing on composing and producing music. How has that shift changed your creative process, and what excites you most about producing music for others?

Sindy: What excites me most about producing music for others is seeing them achieve what I couldn’t and feeling a sense of fulfilment through their success.

VOA: Is there a music/artist you like which/who never fails to make you feel good?

Sindy: As a Christian, I grew up listening to CCM (Christian Contemporary Music), and even now, I feel the most at peace and emotionally honest when listening to CCM.

VOA: It is the job of the artist to win over an audience, but listening is also an active, rather than a passive, process. How do you see the role of the listener in the musical communication process?

Sindy: I don’t think the audience needs much. I believe that as long as listeners let themselves freely experience and feel the emotions in the music without restrictions, that’s enough.

VOA: Looking ahead, do you have any plans to return to releasing solo music, or will you continue focusing on producing and composing for other artists?

Sindy: The desire for a solo comeback has always been in my heart, but I just lacked the courage to act on it. After finishing the Sindy Holic project, I started working on a solo album again. I couldn’t quit because fans were waiting for me, and that gave me the courage. I hope to meet you soon with a solo album.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of th ENTERTAINMENT

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We hope our audience will grow with us as we explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}