Singer Byul released her first new album in 14 years on Wednesday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut.
"I'm a singer with a 20-year career, but I'm not proud of it because I rarely focused on my musical activities when I was in my 30s," she said in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo last week ahead of the album's release.
Byul debuted in 2002 at the age of 20 and gained huge popularity with her first album. She began building her career, producing several hits, but became less active in the 2010s.
Byul married singer and TV personality Haha in 2012 and devoted herself to raising their three children.
She had planned to release the anniversary album last year, but had to delay it after her youngest child fell ill with a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome.
"I was able to finish the album for release because my daughter was cured, thankfully," she said. "It is a special album that shows the direction I want to pursue. So I hope you listen to all the tracks."
Recalling her 20s, she said she feels bad for her younger self.
"At that time, I didn't want to seek help, no matter how hard things were, because of my pride. Now I'm comfortable being older because I can allow myself to be comforted by others and I have many experiences to share with others."
"I'm still struggling with childcare, but I hope my songs can comfort people in their 20s who are having a hard time just like I did. I will also keep working hard to set a good example for younger singers and show that marriage -- or anything in life -- should not be an obstacle to our careers as female singers."
