Heyoon Jeong, also known as HEYOON, has always been a force of nature, impressing audiences with her extraordinary talent as a dancer, singer, rapper, and choreographer. Born in Daejeon, South Korea, Heyoon’s journey from her early ballet classes to global stardom is an inspiring story for every female out there. She was a key member of the global pop phenomenon Now United, however, HEYOON has now stepped into a new chapter of her career as a solo artist. Her debut single, PIVOT, demonstrates her skills as a dancer and reveals her wonderful vocal skills. 

As mentioned earlier, the artist’s artistic journey began at three when she started practicing ballet. This early introduction to movement and expression laid the foundation for her passion for the performing arts, and over time, her ambition grew. By 2015, HEYOON had moved to Seoul, determined to establish a place for herself in the music industry. Her hard work soon paid off when she became an instructor at the prestigious 1MILLION Dance Studio, where her choreography videos gained massive attention on YouTube.

In November 2017, HEYOON was selected as one of the final members of Now United which brought together artists from different countries. The group debuted shortly after with their first single, Summer in the City, introducing HEYOON’s talent to a worldwide audience. Over nearly six years with Now United she played an integral role in shaping their identity through her performances and her creative contributions behind the scenes.

HEYOON’s time with the group presented her artistic range and influence. One of her proudest achievements was the 2020 release of Nobody Fools Me Twice, a single performed entirely in Korean. 

HEYOON’s talents extended far beyond the stage; the artist co-directed the music video for The Weekend’s Here, bringing her vision to life alongside director Dima Kovalchuk. She also directed the music video for Somebody, proving that she is a creative powerhouse. 

In March 2023, HEYOON made the bittersweet announcement of her departure from Now United, a decision that closed one chapter of her career and opened the door to another filled with untapped potential. Reflecting on her years with the group, she shares, “I’ve learned so much as an artist and as a person throughout my experience in Now United. It made me treasure every second and gave me confidence in things that maybe I didn’t think could’ve been possible.” 

Her career began with the recent release of her debut single, PIVOT –  a poignant, powerful song that speaks to independence and self-discovery. PIVOT’s lyrics touch on universal themes of growth and empowerment. HEYOON explains, “PIVOT is about the strength to set boundaries, protect your heart, and choose yourself when you know something isn’t serving you anymore. I’m at a very pivotal moment in my life too, and I know everyone has gone through experiences they can relate to.” 

And with HAYOON’s voice carrying the weight of the song’s message, she combines vulnerability and strength into its superb sound. 

Collaboration was key to PIVOT’s success, with American artist Armani White adding his signature energy to the track. Known for his dynamic style, Armani complemented HEYOON’s vision perfectly. 

“Armani is a sweet, fun person besides his talent. We clicked right away when he visited Seoul last time – we have similar tastes in a lot of things, so I knew he would come in with that energy and make the song even more special. Shout out to Armani!”, the singer confesses. 

The music video for PIVOT lifts the song’s narrative, presenting a visual feast of minimalist aesthetics intertwined with beautiful choreography. As a celebrated dancer and choreographer, HEYOON’s involvement went beyond performance. “I lucid dreamed of some of the big visual scenes and walked them through with director Nayeon and choreographer Che Yubina, who I’ve been friends with for a very long time,” she reveals. “There was a specific story I wanted to tell, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of strong female creatives to bring my vision to life.”

One of the video’s strong points is the inclusion of dancer GUMP, whose performance added an exciting and fresh layer of intensity. “GUMP is a badass!” HEYOON says with admiration. “I literally asked him to fight Jujitsu with me, get sucked into a bed, and act in an emotional fighting scene, and he absolutely killed it.”

With PIVOT, HEYOON is not only sharing her music; she’s inviting listeners into a new world, one that reflects her vision and creativity. “I want people to look at PIVOT as the first step into the universe I want to invite them to,” she explains. “I’m very hands-on with everything in the process, and I know the stories I want to tell are things people will relate to. I can’t wait to share more music and vision with the fans.”

Offstage, HEYOON recharges through quiet, reflective hobbies like crocheting, baking, and spending time with her beloved puppy, Tubu. These moments of calm allow her to balance the demands of her artistry with her need for personal peace. When asked about her musical inspirations, she names Frank Ocean as an artist who never fails to lift her spirits.

Looking to the future, HEYOON is determined to build on the momentum of her solo career. “More music coming up and hopefully some traveling so I can meet the fans in person again,” she says. “Lots of fun things are on the way, so please stay tuned!”

With her exceptional talent as a dancer, her emerging skills as a vocalist, and her clear artistic vision, HEYOON’s solo career, without a doubt, will be as impactful as her years with Now United, if not better. PIVOT is a declaration of who she is and where she’s headed. As she dances through life and sings into new beginnings, HEYOON is going to rock the world, one powerful step at a time.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Image courtesy of Universal Music Korea

_{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 are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to 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.}