The REAL Reason Chungha’s Comeback Is a Big Deal

After exiting MNH Entertainment, nobody thought Chungha would want to stay in the industry—let alone make a triumphant return. Having been inactive for so long, most people assumed her comeback would barely make a dent, if it even happened at all. But in true Chungha fashion, she proved everyone wrong in a way no one saw coming. To understand why her new chapter is such a big deal, let’s take a trip back through her journey—from the very start to this unexpected comeback under Jay Park’s More Vision label.

Table of Contents

• Produce 101 and I.O.I: The Rise of Chungha
• Post-I.O.I: Solo Stardom Under MNH
• Breakthrough with “Gotta Go”
• Versatility and Industry Collaborations
• The Cracks Show: MNH Mismanagement
• “Querencia”: Delays and Lost Opportunities
• “Bare & Rare” and the Final Straw
• BVNDIT and the Bigger MNH Issues
• Departure from MNH: Chungha’s Next Step
• Signing with More Vision: A Game-Changer
• The Comeback: “Eenie Meenie” and ATEEZ’s Hongjoong
• From Nursery Rhyme to Bold Concept: What Makes “Eenie Meenie” Special
• The Now and Beyond: Chungha’s Future at More Vision

Produce 101 and I.O.I: The Rise of Chungha

Chungha’s first taste of stardom came in 2016, when she competed on Mnet’s survival show Produce 101. There, she showcased her standout dance skills and undeniable stage presence, eventually securing fourth place. This landed her in the project girl group I.O.I, where she shone as a powerhouse performer—contributing to the choreography for “Whatta Man” and proving she was far more than just another idol. Though I.O.I’s existence was brief, Chungha’s impact was unmistakable, setting the stage for an ambitious solo career once the group disbanded in January 2017.

Post-I.O.I: Solo Stardom Under MNH

Wasting no time, Chungha signed with MNH Entertainment and debuted as a solo artist. Her first mini album, Hands on Me, dropped in June 2017, featuring the lead single “Why Don’t You Know.” The tropical house vibe, paired with her smooth vocals and fluid choreography, struck gold on the Gaon Digital Chart and positioned Chungha as a rising force in K-pop. But she wasn’t content with just one hit. In 2018, she released Offset and its electropop track “Roller Coaster.” This comeback became a defining moment: it charted in the top ten, won awards, and solidified Chungha’s reputation as one of the scene’s most promising soloists.

By this point, Chungha had made it clear: she wasn’t here to be a fleeting presence. From her skillful dance breaks to her commanding vocals, every release felt like a level-up—showing fans a new side of her artistry each time.

Breakthrough with “Gotta Go”

In January 2019, Chungha hit a whole new stride with “Gotta Go.” Employing a sultry concept and an unforgettable hook, she demonstrated artistry and maturity beyond her years. Peaking at number two on Gaon and earning her first music show win, “Gotta Go” was more than just a chart-topping single—it was a turning point. Billboard named it one of the best K-pop songs of the year, and fans devoured her elegant yet commanding stage presence. At this point, Chungha wasn’t just making music—she was setting trends and showing she could consistently evolve with every release.

Versatility and Industry Collaborations

As her career expanded, Chungha stepped outside her comfort zone to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. Notably, she teamed up with Red Velvet’s Seulgi, (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon, and GFriend’s SinB for the project single “Wow Thing,” showcasing an exciting synergy of distinct vocal and performance styles. She also dabbled across genres, flitting between pop, R&B, dance, and even ballads without losing her signature flair.

This versatility not only kept fans engaged but also placed her at the forefront of the 3rd generation of K-pop soloists. Whether belting out emotional ballads or delivering hypnotic dance tracks, Chungha consistently revealed new layers to her artistry, proving she wasn’t afraid to experiment.

The Cracks Show: MNH Mismanagement

Despite the stream of early successes, Chungha’s time at MNH Entertainment wasn’t as smooth behind the scenes. By 2020, fans began noticing alarming signs—delays in comebacks, communication failures, and a perceived lack of adequate promotional support. While Chungha’s artistic achievements stood strong, frustration grew as the management of her career seemed to falter.

The tension became unavoidable when even her fans started pointing fingers at MNH, claiming they were squandering her potential. The once-flourishing synergy between Chungha and her label now appeared riddled with missed opportunities and misguided priorities.

“Querencia”: Delays and Lost Opportunities

In many ways, Querencia was meant to be a crown jewel in Chungha’s discography—a full-length album that would reveal her depth as an artist. Split into four parts with genre-blending tracks, it aimed to be her grand statement. But life had other plans. Between her COVID-19 diagnosis and numerous unexplained delays by MNH, the album’s release was repeatedly pushed back. Fans found themselves in the dark, unsure about its final drop date.

When Querencia finally arrived in February 2021, critics applauded its bold concept and eclectic sounds. However, the promotional efforts fell short of the album’s ambition. Live stages were minimal, interviews were scarce, and the visual storytelling felt incomplete. Many blamed MNH for failing to capitalize on the album’s potential, leaving Chungha unable to fully showcase this milestone work. Enthusiasm for the project gave way to frustration as fans wondered why she wasn’t being treated like the top-tier soloist she had proven herself to be.

“Bare & Rare” and the Final Straw

By 2022, Chungha was gearing up for another big musical statement—her album Bare & Rare. Promised to be more personal and refined, Part 1 was released in July, fronted by the catchy single “Sparkling.” Yet something was amiss. The promotional period was short and lacked visibility, and Part 2 never surfaced. Fans started suspecting deeper issues within MNH. These suspicions were soon confirmed when Chungha took to a live broadcast, revealing that Bare & Rare Pt. 2 was delayed indefinitely due to internal label problems, not creative changes.

The tension only mounted. Plans for a possible world tour were abruptly canceled, and Chungha learned the selfies and fan content she’d prepared weren’t even being posted. At that point, it was clear the issue wasn’t just “slow promotions”—it was a systemic mismanagement that stifled her career’s forward momentum. For someone who had once soared to top-tier charts, these obstacles were a bitter pill to swallow.

BVNDIT and the Bigger MNH Issues

MNH’s troubles didn’t just affect Chungha. Their girl group BVNDIT, once seen as a promising act, slipped into prolonged inactivity after their last comeback in 2020. Fans grew increasingly frustrated by the absence of new content or updates. Rumors swirled about MNH dealing with financial struggles or simply redirecting resources. The silence surrounding BVNDIT’s future added more weight to the theory that MNH was failing its artists across the board.

This context only fueled speculation that Chungha’s days at MNH were numbered. Observers noted that if the label couldn’t manage a high-profile artist like Chungha, the fate of other acts under them might be even more precarious.

Departure from MNH: Chungha’s Next Step

By early 2023, the writing was on the wall. Years of underpromotion, communication breakdowns, and internal disputes led Chungha to make the inevitable move: she chose not to renew her contract with MNH, effectively ending that chapter of her career. In a candid letter to fans, she confirmed Bare & Rare Pt. 2 would not be released under MNH—a disappointing but unsurprising outcome, given everything that had transpired.

Despite the emotional toll, Chungha expressed gratitude for the support she had received from fans and made it clear she was looking forward to a fresh start. Freed from MNH’s constraints, fans were left to wonder whether she would sign elsewhere or leave the industry for good. After all, the constant cancellations and broken promises had, understandably, taken a toll on her morale.

Signing with More Vision: A Game-Changer

The turning point arrived in October 2023, when Chungha officially signed with More Vision, the label founded by Jay Park. For an artist who had been battling mismanagement, creative restrictions, and the pressures of stardom, this move signaled a crucial reset. But it almost didn’t happen: just months prior, Chungha had been on the verge of walking away from the industry altogether.

Her departure from MNH in early 2023 left her at a crossroads—burnt out and uncertain about her future. Having entertained the idea of leaving South Korea to pursue studies abroad, Chungha was close to stepping away from music for good. Then came Jay Park, who empathized with her struggles, offering something more than just a record deal. He offered creative freedom. Drawing from his own experiences of wanting artistic control, Jay Park assured her that More Vision was designed to give artists genuine autonomy. That personal touch—meeting her as a fellow musician rather than a standard label head—rekindled her passion for performing.

The Comeback: “Eenie Meenie” and ATEEZ’s Hongjoong

Any doubts about Chungha’s future vanished in March 2024 when she dropped her digital single album, Eenie Meenie. It was a bold, high-energy comeback that immediately told the world she was back and stronger than ever. The title track featured Hongjoong of ATEEZ, whose electric rap delivery perfectly complemented Chungha’s smooth vocals. Critics hailed the track’s confident vibe and the chemistry between the two artists.

This wasn’t just another idol release. It felt like a statement—a declaration that Chungha was finally free to craft her music without corporate detours. Critics called “Eenie Meenie” an evolution in her sound, while fans embraced it as living proof that their favorite soloist had risen from the ashes of a frustrating era at MNH.

From Nursery Rhyme to Bold Concept: What Makes “Eenie Meenie” Special

Unlike her high-octane dance-pop days, “Eenie Meenie” leaned into a stripped-down, groove-heavy sound. Anchored by a deep bassline and a catchy guitar riff, the song exuded a cool, hip-hop-inspired aesthetic without losing Chungha’s signature fluid vocals. The playful refrain borrowed from the classic nursery rhyme gave the track a nostalgic twist, but the overall execution felt fresh and bold.

Some praised the track’s understated confidence; others felt it relied too heavily on the nursery rhyme hook. Regardless, the fusion of genres and her willingness to take creative risks demonstrated a new era of Chungha’s career—one not defined by label constraints but by her own artistic curiosity.

The collaboration with Hongjoong was a masterstroke. His rap flow not only added an edge to the laid-back production but also underscored Chungha’s knack for choosing the right partners. Their synergy breathed life into the track, turning “Eenie Meenie” into one of the year’s most talked-about releases among K-pop solos.

The Now and Beyond: Chungha’s Future at More Vision

So, what is Chungha up to these days? On February 12, 2025, she launched her first mini-album under More Vision, titled Alivio—a Spanish word symbolizing “comfort” and “relief.” This project presented a deeply personal snapshot of her journey, with songs tackling everything from self-doubt to emotional liberation. The lead single, “Stress,” stood out for its raw lyricism and a riveting music video that earned praise for visual storytelling.

A surprise duet with Sunmi further elevated Alivio, pairing two of K-pop’s most respected soloists. Their collaboration merged distinct vocal colors and performance styles, delivering a striking mix of nostalgia and innovation. Ranging from introspective ballads to groove-infused pop, Alivio showcased just how far Chungha’s artistry had come—and where it could still go.

For Chungha, this comeback signaled more than just a new mini-album. It was a message: she’s not defined by her past struggles, nor by the label drama that threatened to derail her. Freed from the creative constraints that once held her back, she’s embracing a fresh wave of self-discovery—and the industry is paying attention. From her days at I.O.I to her triumphant reinvention at More Vision, Chungha’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and unwavering talent. If “Eenie Meenie” or Alivio is any indication, she’s only getting started—proving that when you fight for your creative freedom, you can come back stronger than ever.