Surviving in a K-pop scene overflowing with rising talents can be a tough task for any musician. Chungha, who has successfully cemented her place in the competitive industry as a promising solo act, talked about how she manages herself and her career, revealing a more personal side of herself. “There are times that are challenging as a soloist. But I don’t try to hide something by force or struggle to be shown as a strong person. I just get honest with my hardships and reach out for help, asking for advice from my friends, for example,” the singer told The Korea Herald in a recent interview in Seoul.Formerly of temporary girl group I.O.I, Chungha has made the transition from girl group member to K-pop solo artist -- a rarity in the K-pop scene.

Her debut EP “Hands on Me,” featuring lead track “Why Don’t You Know,” and the EP “Offset,” featuring “Roller Coaster,” topped local music charts. Her new single “Gotta Go,” released Wednesday, has also been going strong on the charts. Pursuing a solo career may come with a multitude of burdens and stress, but the 22-year-old singer said she gets help from various sources. “One of them is the radio,” she continued.

Also active as a radio disc jockey, Chungha said she feels comfort from listening to stories sent to her from listeners. “People often think that I have a special career, but what I learned from working as a radio DJ is that we all have similar problems, and that we are not alone in this world,” she said. “I really like listening to others’ stories and sympathizing with their struggles.”Chungha’s “Gotta Go” -- or “Already Midnight” in Korean -- sheds light on the singer’s more mature side, as she sings about having to leave a party at midnight after dancing with a stranger. The song was crafted by producing duo Black Eyed Pilseung and star producer Jeon Goon, who was credited for the singer’s hit song “Roller Coaster,” released in January last year.By Hong Dam-young ()