Sunmi shared the first teasers for her full-length album HEART MAID, revealing a chilling maid concept set to release on November 5.
The singer unveiled the complete tracklist and striking concept images through her official social media channels on October 23, immediately capturing the attention of K-pop fans worldwide.
The album, marked as her first full-length record in 18 years since her debut, features 13 tracks in total. Alongside the title track "CYNICAL," the album includes previously released single "BLUE!" from August and new songs titled "MAID," "Sweet Nightmare," "DDU DDU," "Mini Skirt," "Tuberose," "Bass(ad)," "Balloon in Love," "Happy af," "Midnight Walk," "Bath," and "Long Long Night."
The teaser images reveal contrasting visual concepts that showcase Sunmi's artistic direction for the project. One visual presents her delicately embracing her heart while the phrase "ALL TRACK MAID BY SUNMI" accompanies the image, hinting at her hands-on involvement in the album's creation. Another concept image portrays her with a cynical expression, dressed in neat attire and displaying a sharp, mysterious atmosphere that defines the project's overall aesthetic.
The teaser materials prominently feature the bold phrase "WHY SO CYNICAL?" written in red font, functioning as a provocative message that directly engages viewers and amplifies anticipation for her transformation. The combination of polar opposite moods, tenderness paired with sharp cynicism, creates the album's distinctive narrative identity.
Sunmi has once again demonstrated her commitment to her artistry by participating in the production of all tracks on the album, fully reflecting her musical world and creative vision. This hands-on approach aligns with her established reputation as a concept artisan known for reimagining herself with each release.
The singer, who has built her career on delivering unique performances and continuously reinventing her musical identity, has established herself as a trusted artist with a distinctive musical world. Previous hits, including "Gashina," "Heroine," "Heart Burn," "Playboy," "Noir," and "Main Character," have solidified her position within the industry.
HEART MAID arrives as a significant career milestone for Sunmi, marking her first studio album since her debut. The project is expected to demonstrate her strengthened and deepened artistic capabilities while consolidating the musical prowess she has developed throughout her career. The album will officially release on November 5 at 6 p.m. KST.
