Interview: chorim on Embracing New Beginnings and Emotional Maze in “Play the ground” and “mini game”
chorim’s sound is a fearless exploration of the self—raw, reflective, and deeply personal. In “Play the ground,” she steps into the spotlight, confronting her stage fright with raw courage as she embraces the new beginning that lies ahead. But in “mini game,” she flips the script, exploring the intricate web of identity and empathy in relationships, where no one quite fits the mold. Together, these songs offer a window into chorim’s evolving artistry—a mix of introspection, self-discovery, and the courage to face the complexities of modern life.
Photo Courtesy of Chorim
Released on November 19 last year, the end, marks a pivotal point in chorim’s artistic journey.
With every step, every shadow stretching behind, “Play the ground” captures the raw anticipation and courage of standing on the edge of a dream. A stage once distant becomes the proving ground for a new beginning—where fears rest and the first note sparks a bold journey forward.
“mini game” captures the messy, unpredictable maze of emotions that we navigate in relationships. With MBTI as the backdrop, it paints a sharp, witty picture of clashing personalities and the fragile balance between empathy and indifference. A song that’s both relatable and unsettling, it turns the chaos of emotional warfare into a melody you won’t forget.
HALSUG had the opportunity to connect with chorim to uncover the story behind the end. In our conversation, we explored the creative process behind the two tracks, the inspiration fueling its creation, and how it reflects chorim’s growth as an artist. Diving into the themes and emotions at its core, we discovered the essence of a song that resonates far beyond the surface.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello, I’m chorim, a singer-songwriter from Korea. It’s nice to meet you!
Q: What inspired you to become a singer?
When I was 16, I listened to Crush’s songs and dreamed of creating great music like that. While I do feel satisfaction from composing a song, I find even greater fulfillment in singing and completing it, which is why I chose to become a singer-songwriter.
Q: What does “Play the ground” mean to you metaphorically, beyond just performing on stage?
I have stage fright, and every time I had to perform, I used to break down. For me, “Play the ground” is more than just a song about singing on stage—it represents a great act of courage and a significant personal challenge.
Q: How did you experience the process of weaving the complex emotion of “Play the ground”—where endings and beginnings coexist—into your music and lyrics?
“Play the ground” is a song I wrote while reflecting on the day of my college graduation concert. It symbolizes both the end of my journey on the school stage and the beginning of my life as a musician.
When I was writing the lyrics, I remember feeling more excitement than fear. During my time in school, there were many moments when I couldn’t fully immerse myself in my own projects because of assignments. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to create and share more fun and diverse music with everyone.
Q: The imagery of a shadow growing longer as you step forward in the song "Play the ground" is striking. How do you perceive the relationship between progress and self-awareness in your journey as an artist?
As I grow as an artist, there are times when feelings like anxiety or fear become more apparent, and I even find myself doubting who I am. But I’ve come to realize that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, understanding these emotions better has made me stronger and allows me to express myself more honestly in my music.
Q: What inspired the idea of framing interpersonal dynamics as a “mini game”?
The idea of framing interpersonal dynamics as a "mini game" was first inspired by the School Game episode from YouTuber Jin Yongjin's Movies that Don’t Exist series.
These days, there's a lot of talk about the "MZ generation," and while I might seem "MZ-like" to others, I sometimes struggle to fully understand my peers, even as someone with an empathetic "F" personality.
This song was born out of my personal experiences and reflections on these moments, turning those feelings into a playful yet critical exploration of how people interact and empathize—or fail to empathize—with one another.
Q: If you could visualize the emotional maze described in “mini game,” what would it look like?
If I were to visualize the emotional maze described in “mini game,” it would resemble a labyrinth with winding paths that constantly shift, symbolizing the unpredictability of interpersonal dynamics. At the center of this maze lies a "wall"—the emotional barrier that represents the disconnect between empathy and misunderstanding. The maze would have both light and dark areas, reflecting the tension between moments of connection and disconnection. Each turn in the maze could feature small, interactive challenges—mini games—where players must navigate the complexities of personality clashes, like encountering an enigmatic “twisted you” that tests their patience and understanding. The overall atmosphere would be slightly melancholic yet playful, mirroring the melody of the song. It’s a space where the goal isn’t necessarily to overcome the wall but to find a way to move forward and make the journey itself meaningful.
Q: What do you hope listeners learn about themselves and their own “mini games,” and what emotions or thoughts do you hope the song stirs in them?
"mini game” isn’t a song meant to teach a specific lesson. Instead, I hope it gives listeners a chance to reflect on the complex emotions they feel in their relationships with others and themselves. Rather than trying to find the “right answer,” I want them to embrace those feelings naturally and interpret them in their own unique way.
Q: The song “mini game” references MBTI personality types shifting repeatedly. Was this intended to reflect the fluidity of identities in emotional situations, or did it stem from a different perspective?
The reference to MBTI personality types shifting in “mini game” comes from my own experiences in social situations. While navigating relationships, I’ve noticed how I can shift from being introverted to extroverted, depending on the context. Similarly, as someone with an empathetic “F” personality, I often try to understand others, but there are moments when I encounter someone whose emotions or actions I just can’t relate to.
In these situations, I sometimes feel like an “emotional trash can,” overwhelmed by others’ feelings, and I find myself leaning toward a more logical, detached “T” perspective. This dynamic reflects how fluid and situational identities can be in the complex maze of emotions and interactions.
Q: How has your approach to music and storytelling evolved since your previous releases?
The storytelling in my music has always had an extreme quality to it. For example, “How to Be Good at Music,” which I released in October 2023, was written during a time when I felt emotionally healthy and balanced. It reflects a period of confidence and positive energy in my life.
In contrast, “Macguffin',” which I released in April 2024, tells a completely different story. It was created during a time when I felt like I had forgotten how to compose music and doubted if I was good at anything.
My latest album, “Play the ground,” is about finding the courage to pursue my dreams. It captures the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with embarking on a new chapter.
Each of my songs reflects the state of my mind and experiences at the time, aiming to convey these emotions in an honest and raw way.
Q: With "Play the ground" symbolizing a beginning, what new chapters or challenges do you see opening up for you as an artist?
With “Play the ground” marking a new beginning, I want to focus more deeply on songwriting—something I couldn’t fully immerse myself in while in school. This year and next, I hope to release albums more frequently and connect with a larger audience through my music.
I’m also thinking about how to get even one more person to listen to my songs, and I plan to actively use platforms like YouTube and Instagram to reach more people. While live performances and being on stage still feel a bit unfamiliar to me, I’m eager to challenge myself with various shows and eventually spread my wings freely on stage.
Additionally, I recently enrolled in a conversational language school to communicate more comfortably with international listeners. I’m making efforts to connect with more people through music, regardless of language or borders.
Q: Any last message for our HALSUG readers?
Hello, this is chorim! I’m sure I’m still a very unfamiliar face to many of you, but it’s such a pleasure and honor to greet everyone reading this interview through HALSUG.
You know how listening to a song from a few years ago can bring back the atmosphere of that time? That’s what I hope my music can be for you—a part of your life, like a scent of nostalgia. I want my songs to bring joy when you’re happy and offer warmth when you need comfort.
I hope this message and my music can make your day just a little more special and warm. I look forward to bringing you more great music and having more conversations with all of you. Please show lots of love for chorim!
Lastly, I’d like to sincerely thank the HALSUG team for giving me this interview opportunity. It has been a meaningful chance for me to reflect on myself and get to know myself better. Thank you!
Have you listened to “the end” yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on Instagram and X.
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Artist Facts:
Name/Stage name: Seo Cho Rim/chorim
Birthday: May 24, 2002
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
MBTI: ISTJ
Fave Foods: Braised kimchi with pork
Fave Drinks: Pepsi Zero
Fave Movies: Thriller Disaster Movies
Day or Night?: Day
Song/cover you’re most proud of:
Among my original songs, I’d like to introduce “How to Be Good at Music”
Edited by: Divina Aloisa Tolentino