Whee In: ‘I’m Waiting for a Chance to Meet and Have Fun with My Indian Fans’

“Coco Water” beautifully cuts the mustard as a “Whee In song,” basking in the calming embrace of an idyllic, inviting summer night, like a sonic oasis of sultry rhythms, shimmering instrumentals, and soulful vocals. I delight in having a word with her—the Mamamoo member and solo artist—on the song, her new digital single, in a sense of gratifying contentment. I’ve been her fan for the K-pop star and adept singer that she is, and for how she maintains a cohesive and distinctive artistic identity in each of her appearances.

“Coco Water,” Whee In says, “is an R&B track with a chill mood and lyrics that fully convey the summer season from a child’s point of view, away from tiring daily life. It’s just perfect for this summer!” The tune is distinct in that its sonic objective is bright and warm. Whee In’s honey voice evokes languid comfort as if cruising down the open road, windows down, and the warm summer breeze stroking the face. Is it a narrative in your mind or an expression of emotions from a memory? “When you watch the music video, you’ll feel like reminiscing about fun memories from the past,” she replies, adding that instead of a hot summer, it recalls romantic summer days.

The slow and steady flow of “Coco Water” hits like sweet bursts, each one sweeter than the last. It’s a perfect beach song, in its boho feels, nature’s colors, the vibe of the waves, and the vibrant summer world, like music in itself melding with Whee In’s notes like a compliment. The video does have this awesome euphoric element in tandem; the mise-en-scene works perfectly. I’m told that the dancers who participated in her concert tour appeared in the video. “We all had a great time playing games, chilling in the water, and talking. We did hang out on the beach when we were touring in the United States, so it was a lot of fun to be all back in the ocean after a while! It might have been more fun because it was our last scene to film (Laughs). There was a lot of sunlight and heat because we filmed in the ocean in the middle of summer, but it was a very fun shoot.”

“Coco Water” was a surprise prelude to Whee In’s recent encore gig in Seoul, capping up her 17-city solo tour. “I felt so much love once again from fans around the world in each of the 17 cities I visited. I’ll work harder to repay everyone’s love with better performances and albums. I’m very grateful for my fans, and I’ll showcase more genres and activities.” Have you considered doing a show in India at some point? India, I promise you, loves you and Mamamoo, and we’re eager for you to bring your music here. “Absolutely!” she notes, “I would love to visit India whenever the opportunity arises. I’m ready and waiting for a chance to meet and have fun with my Indian fans.”

2014 saw Whee In make her debut with Mamamoo. In 2018, she started putting out solo music, launching Magnolia, her single album. Both her maiden solo mini-album, Redd (2021), and sophomore mini-album, Whee (2022), were major successes, followed by her first solo extended album, In the Mood (2023). We’ve additionally seen her as a featured artist and heard her on multiple popular K-dramas. So, hers has been an eclectic discography to date; I imagine it’s challenging for her to continuously reinvent her sound with every new work. “I listen to a lot of songs to explore many genres, and I also discuss a lot with the A&R team about the song’s direction. By doing so, I can be reminded of things that I didn’t know before and receive valuable feedback and ideas. Such steps motivate me to look back on what I’m good at and to improve myself continuously, resulting in my natural and consistent growth.”

Mulling over Whee In’s music, it’s palpable she’s a sucker for fluidity in music, wanting to explore its uncharted territories, multiple genres per se, and be perfect in performing them. I sense she’s one of those rare artists who defy the trappings of success in dedication to the quest for excellence and a commitment to singing, a passion that seemingly burns brighter than the spotlights, a desire to explore feelings and lived experiences through songs—a ballad, pop or dance number, a piece of rock music, or whatever. “I hope to showcase various genres in the future; I want to be a versatile artist; I plan to continue practicing and preparing.”

“Coco Water” is convivial and perhaps sums up the way she is. “There’s the line, ‘Mouth hurts from a smile; all day it’s funny’ in the song. Like this line, I find joy in speaking to and spending time with my family, MooMoos, friends, and colleagues!” “Coco Water” indeed emanates intimacy, inviting one to connect with her experiences and indulge in the pleasures of its warm fuzzy feeling. In a final message, Whee In says, “I hope I have a good opportunity to visit my Indian fans. Just like fans are my motivation, I aim to be their motivation by staying active in many ways. Thank you always, and with MooMoos, I can improve and move forward. Even though we’re far from each other, we’re always connected. I’ll make sure to work hard to meet all MooMoos, no matter where they are. Thank you!”