There comes a time when the bird has to leave the nest, and that time has come for Rothy, the rookie female soloist nurtured by veteran singer and producer Shin Seung-hyun. After throwing her hat into the K-pop ring with several pre-debut releases such as “Stars” and “Sullae,” the budding singer, who just turned 20, spread her wings as a soloist on Thursday with her official debut album, “Shape of Rothy.”The six-track album’s lead track, “Burning,” is an upbeat tropical house dance number that presents Rothy as a dancer rather than a balladeer. Just like the legendary Shin -- who is still called “the emperor of ballads” even after 28 years -- Rothy has a strong edge in ballads, and it shows in her previous works. “Just as the title implies, ‘Burning’ is the first stage of music I’m pursuing. I want to show people various aspects of myself. I used to do ballads in the past, so this time I wanted to showcase a more energetic side of myself through this song,” said Rothy during a media showcase for “Shape of Rothy” in Seoul on Thursday.

While “Burning” falls into the dance music genre, its lyrics feature the poetic fingerprints of popular songwriter Kim Ea-na, comparing love to a candle and a firefly.Although it was her first time dancing onstage while singing too, both art forms seemed to come equally naturally to Rothy. The Thursday event featured a surprise appearance by Shin, who’d been proudly monitoring his disciple’s first debut showcase from the opposite side of the stage. “Today’s spotlight should be on Rothy, not me -- that’s the reason I’m not going up on stage with her,” said Shin after an event staff member offered him a microphone. “I want to (express it like this),” Shin added. “With today’s showcase, Rothy’s ship, which had been waiting on (dry land), finally emerged into the water. But as she is still a novice, she needs a little push. As soon as she is equipped with the true attitude of a musician, I will stand by her side as her assistant and producer.”

The ambitious rookie replied, “I couldn’t sing a ballad in the past, but Shin recreated (my voice). Each day of those three years I spent as a trainee was so exciting and rewarding.” With such a unique, stylishly husky voice, Rothy could have been a star under any K-pop agency. But she said she’s never had a second thought about signing with Shin’s Dorothy Company. Asked if she’s eyeing a rookie award, Rothy shyly said yes, but said her first goal was to earn recognition. “I want to hone my own signature (vocal sound) and become an artist who can heal others’ hearts,” she added. ()