Few K-pop stars have enjoyed a career as enduring as Sandara Park's. The 41-year-old first found fame in the Philippines in 2004, where she launched her career as a singer and actress after spending much of her childhood there. She later returned to her native South Korea and, in 2009, debuted as a member of the trailblazing girl group 2NE1 alongside CL, Park Bom and Minzy. Throughout the 2010s, the quartet delivered era-defining hits including "I Don't Care", "Ugly" and "I Am The Best"—songs that continue to rank among K-pop's most iconic anthems.
Following 2NE1's disbandment in 2016, Sandara shifted her focus to acting while continuing to carve out her identity as a solo artiste. She made her long-awaited solo debut in South Korea in 2023 with her self-titled EP, led by the buoyant single "Festival". After a string of solo releases, acting projects and reunion performances with 2NE1, the singer has returned with her new single album, REPRISM.
Featuring a reimagined version of "Festival" alongside the brand-new track "Nail", REPRISM marks a significant milestone in Sandara's career. For the first time after decades of performing songs penned by others, she steps into the role of songwriter and producer, taking the reins of her own musical direction.
In an interview with ELLE Singapore, Sandara opens up about revisiting “Festival” for REPRISM, life as a K-pop star and starting over.
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Describe this album in three words.
Honesty, colour and live performance. My sound, my colours, and the stage energy I want to show.
Which song was the most challenging to record, and which one was the most fun?
“Nail” was hard because the notes and emotion are delicate. “Festival” was fun because it felt like solving an old assignment in a completely new colour.
It has been years since your debut. What would present-day Dara tell rookie Dara on her very first day in the industry?
Don’t worry too much. Everything will pass. We will become stronger. Keep going.
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What’s something about being a K-pop idol that fans would be surprised to learn?
At some point, every artiste has to evolve. After being loved for youthful energy, you have to stand with your own colour and your own work. That takes more effort than people imagine.
You have one free day in Singapore with no schedule. What would your perfect itinerary look like?
I would love to see a live performance. I am very curious about Singapore’s live music energy.
Which era of your career would you love to revisit for just one day?
2023, when I released my solo album. I think I could have used my own voice more, but I hesitated. That is why I do not want to avoid doing so now.
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If your fans had to prepare a "starter pack" for someone becoming a Dara fan today, what would absolutely need to be in it?
“Festival”, “Nail”, some 2NE1 stages, orange and blue hearts. And the understanding that Dara keeps changing. Sometimes unexpectedly.
What’s the most unforgettable fan interaction you’ve ever had?
When new fans say my music gives them courage to start again. I want to show that you can have a kind heart and still make good music and good stages.
If you fans could take away one message from this new album, what would it be?
It is okay to start again. Challenge is scary, but it keeps us alive.
As part of her continued expansion across Southeast Asia, Sandara Park has appointed WILD as her strategic regional market development partner, working alongside her label, Aradnas.