A New Mark: Swan on Forging Her Own Path as a Solo Artist

For many artists in the world of K-pop, setting out on the path of a solo performer can be a daunting endeavor. In an ever-changing industry that moves at breakneck speed and demands both hard work and the highest standards of talent to make it, crafting a unique artistic identity can seem next to impossible. But for Swan × Artist bio Swan Real name: Park Su-jinPosition: Soloist, Singer, SongwriterNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2003-07-11Birthplace: Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Swan is a South Korean solo singer-songwriter and former member of PURPLE KISS, known for her distinctive vocal tone and expressive singing style. Artistic, thoughtful, expressive, and introspective, with a strong personal connection to music and vocal performance. Tap again to view profile → Close , the life of a solo artist is the next big adventure in her journey as one of the great voices of her generation.

After debuting as a member of the group Purple Kiss in March of 2021, Swan rose to widespread recognition for her powerful vocals and unique tone that quickly became a trademark sound for the band. Throughout her idol career, she demonstrated a wide range of vocal abilities both within the group’s discography, and beyond. From popular song covers to K-drama OSTs, and even her first solo release “Twenty” in 2023, she firmly established herself as a name to be remembered among the vocalists of K-pop. And while Purple Kiss may have ceased group activities in November of 2025, it is far from the end of the road for Swan. On November 13th, 2026, this 23-year-old rising star is ready to set out on a journey that is all her own–this time, as a solo artist.

In a way, “NEW MARK” is a powerful antithesis to her first solo project, “Twenty”. Where the latter explored feelings of nostalgia and longing to return to the way things once were, “NEW MARK” seems to act as a grand opening to her new beginning. With this folk-inspired contemporary pop track, she steps confidently into the spotlight as she enters this latest chapter of her music career. This is a singer who knows who she is and where she wants to go from here. Swan’s willingness to embrace her past artistic roots, rather than distance herself from where her journey began, guides her into the future with strength built on years of hard work and a cherished partnership with her former members, who she continues to hold close.

Just ahead of her new single, Swan spoke to K-pop Angel about the personal meaning behind the song, her vision for her solo career as the industry continues to expand, and what her work as a Purple Kiss member has taught her as she embarks on this exciting new path.

Tell me about the project title, “NEW MARK”. What does it represent for you as an artist?

“NEW MARK” means not erasing or turning away from the time I’ve walked through, but carving another mark on top of it. The scars I once wanted to hide, I now embrace as part of me, and use them as a guide to go wherever my heart leads. As an artist, it’s like my first declaration: “This is the artist SWAN is going to be.” I think of it as the starting line for the stories I’ll tell through many different genres and looks.

You worked on your first solo single “Twenty” back in 2023. Does having experience with solo work help you feel more confident going into this release?

Yes, definitely. Having done solo work once with “Twenty”, the process felt a little more familiar this time. So I think I approached this release with more confidence than I had back then.

What was your creative process while deciding what your first step as a solo artist would sound like?

For every project, I set one core keyword and draw a mind map from there–genre, hair, makeup, even the composition of the photos all branch from that keyword. 

This time, the story came first: Not turning away from the time I’ve lived through, and moving forward while trusting myself. As I searched for the sound that could tell that story most honestly, I arrived at contemporary pop rooted in folk and country, starting from an acoustic guitar and gradually opening up. Rather than beginning with something flashy, I felt that starting calmly and then bursting open in the chorus was the right fit for a first step.

To choose “NEW MARK” I listened to about 240 demos and had the whole team vote on them–and I got to co-write the lyrics for the song that was picked, which made me really happy!

Were there any specific artists or genres that you took inspiration from when creating this song?

Rather than taking direct inspiration from any one place, I had thought it would be nice to end up with a song along the lines of IU × Artist bio IU Real name: Lee Ji-eunPosition: Soloist, Singer-Songwriter, ActressNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-05-16Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea IU is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress known for her distinctive vocals, songwriting, and extensive career in music and acting. IU is known for a thoughtful and introspective public persona and for taking an active role in the creative direction of her music. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s “eight” or MIYEON’s “Drive”. In the end, what we got was a song with a sense of freedom that’s entirely my own, and I’m glad about that!

Is there any experience from your time as a Purple Kiss member that you hope to bring with you as you continue to grow?

Stage experience. Standing on so many stages as a group taught me how to connect with the fans and how to show myself confidently in front of the camera, and that’s become my biggest asset now that I’m standing on stage as a soloist. 

Also, my relationship with the members. We’re still close–we share little everyday moments in our group chat and meet up for meals now and then–and just knowing we have a shared history of getting through things together will keep being a huge source of strength.

You shared with fans recently that you want to continue to grow as a solo artist outside the more traditional path of a K-pop  idol. Do you think options for artists in the K-pop space are changing?

The Korean music market has grown, and there are far more opportunities to reach listeners overseas. So rather than having to follow a particular trend, I think artists can now keep making their own music and steadily grow their own share of listeners–that’s what has changed.

In some ways, it’s a harder market for going down the path everyone conventionally thinks of as “making it.” But on the other hand, there are also many more people who can understand what’s uniquely yours, and I think that’s a good thing.

What are you most excited about while starting this new chapter in your career?

Being able to tell the stories I want to tell, from start to finish and in my own way. Deciding everything for myself–what story to tell, which genre and image to show. It isn’t easy, but it’s just as exciting. 

I’m also looking forward to the connection with fans who will join me on this journey, and to the records of my own that will build up along the way. Like the name “SWAN ARTCHIVE,” I want to enjoy the process of leaving each one behind.

Your first fan concert “ARTCHIVE 00” is coming up in December. If you could share one thing with your fans that they can look forward to, what would it be?

If I had to pick one thing: the surprise guests! It’s on December 12th, with two shows a day at 2 PM and 7 PM, and each show features a different guest with a slightly different setlist. From my newly released songs to a range of covers, it’s my first time standing on stage as a solo artist, so I’m preparing hard with a nervous, excited heart. Please look forward to it!

Swan is set to perform her latest single at her first-ever fan concert “ARTCHIVE 00” at the Seongham Art Hall in Seoul on December 12th, where she will celebrate her new beginning alongside the fans who have been with her every step of the way. “NEW MARK" is out now and available for listening on music platforms worldwide. Fans can stay connected with Swan through her official Instagram page @ur_swan.ing and find the "NEW MARK" lyric video linked below.