Heyoon Drops Her Debut Solo Song ‘Pivot’ Featuring Armani White

Heyoon’s “Pivot” with American rapper-singer-songwriter Armani White heralds an important moment in the Korean pop star’s solo career and happens to be her first with Universal Music Global.

Sonically easy on the ears, “Pivot” is not so easy thematically; it’s a musical narrative addressing the many layers of a relationship, its complex dynamics beset by a fine line between intense attachment and latent toxicity. 

In “Pivot,” emotional intimacy and aloofness are palpable through Heyoon’s emotive vocals and White’s powerful rap lines; they effectively juxtapose love’s allure with the stress of unresolved tensions. Heyoon’s dulcet, pop-infused soundscape with White’s gritty, hip-hop flow draws attention to the narrative in its very essence.

In a press release, Heyoon says that “Pivot” is her self-acceptance, following her journey, and encouraging others to follow suit. Mulling over the song’s idea, she elaborates it’s a wake-up call about the person you’re in love with when things get toxic. “It’s that journey of turning away from toxicity and stepping back into self-love.”

White’s upbeat style accentuates Heyoon’s sensitive singing, making for a piece of American and Korean pop music—a unique vibe and sound. Stating on the collab, White shares, “I got the opportunity to take a more mellow approach. Our vibes clicked in person and on record, so it was easy!”

The accompanying music video explores the relationship between the subconscious and the creative process. Anecdotally, the visuals are built on Heyoon’s personal experience of lucid dreaming.

Her statement in the release, “In my dreams, I could play the song and visualize the main scenes,” underlines the connection between her inner world and what she puts out. She adds, “It was creatively fulfilling to work with such a talented director who took those dream elements and grounded them into captivating visuals like the character being pulled into a giant, whirlwind bed.” 

The music video blends the sultry and moody visuals with “boundary-pushing storytelling.” From the beginning, the video challenges visual expectations, forgoing a common narrative arc in favor of an unpredictable one. The visual language of the video is evocative, with “extensive dance sequences, acting, and a little bit of jujitsu,” in Heyoon’s words.

The choreography is both sensual and athletic, showcasing Heyoon’s physicality and command of the stage. The camera work is striking, with dynamic shots and angles that heighten the mise-en-scènes.

I like the images and transitions that defy easy interpretation, reflecting Heyoon’s process of creative exploration. The video’s nonlinear structure and intended ambiguity generate mystery, while the somber scheme of colors adds to the air. The video takes a more fluid and unpredictable approach within a very cinematic backdrop. 

“Pivot” opens a new chapter in Heyoon’s discography. Her switch to solo music follows her time with the popular international pop group Now United, which she departed a year ago. Reflecting on the occasion, she says, “I’m thrilled to be stepping into this new phase with Universal Music Korea, and I can’t wait for fans to experience everything we’ve created together.”