Celebrating 12 years 

 

In a world that offers countless ways to accelerate success, perfect appearances, and amplify visibility, there are also ways to reach outcomes more quickly in pursuit of excellence and self-actualization. Yet true growth is rarely immediate. The self is meant to take time to develop, to achieve, and to be recognized.

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Over the twelve years since OOHYO's debut, our journey has been one of slow, imperfect, often humbling growth. Moments of fulfillment and self-actualization have been few and hard-earned. It has been a process of gradually discovering an authentic voice and identity as an artist—often while navigating the expectations of the industry, professional guidance, and external pressures, sometimes requiring compromises that challenged personal goals, preferences, self-image, and reputation. It has also meant confronting the less glamorous realities and complexities of collaboration and public attention, and remaining honest enough to face difficult emotions, sadness, and discomfort in order to write each song authentically. The path has not been polished, but it has been real.

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There will always be ways to move more quickly in the building of a self, an artistic practice, or a brand. But the wish to reach completion before the work has fully taken shape can sometimes overshadow the patience, humility, and respect that meaningful growth requires, and in doing so, may also create unintended harm along the way. OOHYO will continue to grow at its own pace, remaining committed to its values and artistic identity despite the noise, distractions, and constant pressures that accompany life in this industry. We hope that those who engage with this project—whether as listeners, collaborators, or industry partners—will do so with an appreciation for that process and a shared respect for its integrity. In an industry that places immense value on visual presentation and visibility, OOHYO's identity as a writer and artist has emerged gradually and often without a clearly defined image in the minds of pop audiences. Even so, this project—messy, humble, hidden, and sometimes scattered—will continue to build itself upon truth, peace, and patience.

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If you have been quietly supporting us throughout this journey, we would like to thank you for an incredible twelve years. Your patience, trust, and continued presence have meant more than words can express. Whether you have been here from the beginning or found your way to us along the way, thank you for allowing this project the time and space to grow at its own pace. We are deeply grateful to have shared these years with you, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.

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With gratitude to our recent collaborators/supporters:

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Neung Ryong Lee (Seoul)
Joe Reinhart (Philadelphia, PA)
Paul Leonard-Morgan (Los Angeles)
Victor Le Bourhis (Paris)
Jae Hwan Kim (Seoul)

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