Letter to Myself
{{Use American English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Letter to Myself
| type = EP
| artist = Taeyeon
| cover = Taeyeon - Letter To Myself.png
| alt =
| caption = Digital cover
| released = {{Start date|2024|11|18}}
| genre =
| length = 17:53
| language = Korean
| label =
| prev_title = To. X
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Letter to Myself
| type = EP
| single1 = Letter to Myself
| single1date = November 11, 2024
}}
}}
Letter to Myself is the sixth Korean-language extended play and the ninth overall by South Korean singer Taeyeon. It was released by SM Entertainment on November 18, 2024, and contains six tracks, including the lead single of the same name.
Background and release
On October 27, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Taeyeon would be releasing her sixth extended play titled Letter to Myself with the lead single of the same name on November 18.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 'Letter to Myself'로 컴백..11월 18일 발매|trans-title=Taeyeon, comeback with 'Letter to Myself'...released on November 18th|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003728061|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Na-yul|date=October 28, 2024|access-date=October 28, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111353/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003728061|url-status=live}} Two days later, the promotional schedule was released.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'11월 18일 컴백' 태연, 새 미니 스케줄 포스터 오픈...서정적 무드 '기대'|trans-title='Comeback on November 18th' Taeyeon opens new mini schedule poster...Lyrical mood 'Expectation'|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/311/0001789495|via=Naver|publisher=MT Star News|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Ye-na|date=October 30, 2024|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111435/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/311/0001789495|url-status=live}} On November 4, the prologue teaser video featuring the track "Disaster" as instrumental audio was released.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'18일 컴백' 태연, 신보 프롤로그 영상 공개...가을 여자|trans-title='Comeback on the 18th' Taeyeon releases new album prologue video...autumn woman|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0007885151|via=Naver|publisher={{ill|News1 (South Korean company)|ko|뉴스1|lt=News1}}|language=ko|last=Hwang|first=Mi-hyeon|date=November 4, 2024|access-date=November 4, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111524/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0007885151|url-status=live}} Highlight clips for the album tracks "Blur",{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 'Blur' 하이라이트 클립 공개..쓸쓸한 무드|trans-title=Taeyeon, 'Blur' highlight clip released..lonely mood|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003729965|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Na-yul|date=November 7, 2024|access-date=November 7, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111601/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003729965|url-status=live}} "Hot Mess",{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연 신보 감성...불완전함 속 위로 찾는다|trans-title=Taeyeon's new album emotions...finding comfort in imperfection|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/009/0005393620|via=Naver|publisher=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|last=Ji|first=Seung-hoon|date=November 8, 2024|access-date=November 8, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111632/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/009/0005393620|url-status=live}} "Strangers",{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 18일 컴백 카운트다운 라이브..앨범 언박싱→팬 토크 예고|trans-title=Taeyeon, comeback countdown live on the 18th...album unboxing → fan talk preview|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003281205|via=Naver|publisher=MT Star News|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Seung-hoon|date=November 11, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111717/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003281205|url-status=live}} "Blue Eyes",{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 솔로 컴백 D-6...'Blue Eyes' 하이라이트 클립 공개|trans-title=Taeyeon, solo comeback D-6...'Blue Eyes' highlight clip released|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/312/0000688709|via=Naver|publisher=Ten Asia|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Min-kyung|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116111751/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/312/0000688709|url-status=live}} and "Disaster",{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'18일 컴백' 태연표 러브송 온다...이토록 완벽한 재앙|trans-title='Comeback on the 18th' Taeyeon-pyo's love song is coming...Such a complete disaster|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0007903600|via=Naver|publisher={{ill|News1 (South Korean company)|ko|뉴스1|lt=News1}}|language=ko|last=Hwang|first=Mi-hyeon|date=November 13, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241116112906/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0007903600|url-status=live}} were released between November 7 and 13. The music video teasers for "Letter to Myself" were released on November 14 and 15.{{Cite AV media|script-title=ko:TAEYEON 태연 'Letter to Myself' MV Teaser #1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYdONlYy9s0|publisher=SM Entertainment|language=ko|date=November 14, 2024|access-date=November 16, 2024|archive-date=November 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113150330/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYdONlYy9s0|url-status=live}}{{Cite AV media|script-title=ko:TAEYEON 태연 'Letter to Myself' MV Teaser #2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyrQcjs0J4E|publisher=SM Entertainment|language=ko|date=November 15, 2024|access-date=November 16, 2024}} The extended play was released alongside the music video for "Letter to Myself" on November 18.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:1년 만에 돌아왔다...태연 "몸과 마음으로 즐겨 주셨으면"[일문일답]|trans-title=Returned after a year...Taeyeon "I hope you enjoy it with your body and mind" [Q&A]|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/445/0000258664|via=Naver|publisher=MHN Sports|language=ko|last1=Kim|first1=Jong-hyun|last2=Kim|first2=Hyun-sook|date=November 18, 2024|access-date=November 18, 2024}}
Composition
Letter to Myself contains six tracks. The lead single, "Letter to Myself", was described as a pop rock song featuring "melodic guitar rhythm" with lyrics narrating "an honest letter conveying [Taeyeon's] present self to her past self with the awkward but solid words of comfort that was buried in her heart".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'컴백' 태연, 'Letter to Myself'로 들려줄 폭발적 보컬|trans-title='Comeback' Taeyeon, explosive vocals with 'Letter to Myself'|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0001161320|via=Naver|publisher=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Jeon|first=Hyo-jin|date=November 6, 2024|access-date=November 6, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116112226/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0001161320|url-status=live}} The second track, "Hot Mess", was described as a pop song defined by "charismatic atmosphere" featuring "rough guitar distortion and cool synth rhythm" with lyrics about "not hesitating to choose imperfection even in a chaotic world".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 빨간 속옷을 옷 위에? 파격 콘셉트 소화력 '시선집중' (종합)|trans-title=Taeyeon, red underwear on top of your clothes? Unconventional concept digestibility 'Focus of attention' (comprehensive)|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0005192132|via=Naver|publisher={{ill|Osen (newspaper)|ko|OSEN|lt=Osen}}|language=ko|last=Choi|first=Yi-jeong|date=November 8, 2024|access-date=November 8, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116112346/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0005192132|url-status=live}} The third track, "Blue Eyes", was described as a R&B song highlighted by "sweet guitar line and rhythmic trap drums" with lyrics that "metaphorically expressing about falling in love without hesitation even in the midst of emotions crashing like huge waves".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 수록곡 '블루 아이즈'로 컴백 예열... 역시 믿듣탱|trans-title=Taeyeon, warming up for her comeback with the b-side song 'Blue Eyes'... As expected, it's incredible|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/241/0003394040|via=Naver|publisher=Ilgan Sports|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Ji-hye|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116112419/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/241/0003394040|url-status=live}}
The fourth track, "Strangers", was described as a R&B song distinguished by "delicate piano line and gently resonating guitar rhythm" with lyrics conveying "the loneliness and freedom that a stranger in an unfamiliar city feels among people, depicting a moment when unfamiliar yet strange emotions intersect".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연, 11월 18일 'Letter to Myself' 발매 기념 라이브 개최|trans-title=Taeyeon holds a live event to commemorate the release of 'Letter to Myself' on November 18th|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/052/0002112226|via=Naver|publisher=YTN|language=ko|last=Kwak|first=Hyun-soo|date=November 11, 2024|access-date=November 11, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116112523/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/052/0002112226|url-status=live}} The fifth track, "Blur", was described as a R&B song driven by "groovy guitar rhythm, sensuous bass, and heavy drum beats" with lyrics delving into "the emotions felt when realizing one's own standards have become blurred while trying to match everything to other people's standards".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:태연 표 R&B 'Blur', 몽환적 분위기+짙은 가을 감성 예고|trans-title=Taeyeon's R&B 'Blur', dreamy atmosphere + deep autumn sensibility heralded|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/052/0002110436|via=Naver|publisher=YTN|language=ko|last=Kwak|first=Hyun-soo|date=November 7, 2024|access-date=November 7, 2024|archive-date=November 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108215247/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/052/0002110436|url-status=live}} The final track, "Disaster", was described as a pop rock song featuring "rough and dynamic drum beats combined with overwhelming synth lines" with lyrics conveying "the willingness on jumping into a love even though knowing that the end will be a disaster".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:재앙이라도 기꺼이 뛰어들게...태연이 부르는 사랑노래 '디재스터'|trans-title=I'm willing to jump into it even if it's a disaster...Taeyeon's love song 'Disaster'|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/408/0000242248|via=Naver|publisher=MBC Entertainment News|language=ko|last=Baek|first=Seung-hoon|date=November 13, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241116112811/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/408/0000242248|url-status=live}}
Promotion
Prior to the release of Letter to Myself, on November 18, 2024, Taeyeon held a live event called "Taeyeon 'Letter to Myself' Countdown Live" on YouTube and TikTok, aimed at introducing the extended play and connecting with her fanbase.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'컴백' 태연, 카운트다운 라이브 11월 18일 진행..글로벌 팬 만난다|trans-title=Taeyeon's 'Comeback', Countdown Live will be held on November 18th..meet global fans|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003730642|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Park|first=Seo-hyun|date=November 11, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116112816/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/112/0003730642|url-status=live}} The live performance clip for "Letter to Myself" was released on November 21, followed by "Blur" on November 25, and "Disaster" on November 27, presented through her YouTube channel.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:이래서 태연, 태연 하는구나...독보적 가창력 'Letter To Myself' 라이브|trans-title=So that's why Taeyeon, Taeyeon... Unique singing ability 'Letter To Myself' live|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/311/0001798618|via=Naver|publisher=Xports News|language=ko|last=Jo|first=Hye-jin|date=November 22, 2024|access-date=November 23, 2024|archive-date=November 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123003501/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/311/0001798618|url-status=live}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Letter to Myself track listing
| extra_column = Arrangement
| title_width = 25%
| lyrics_width = 25%
| music_width = 25%
| extra_width = 25%
| title1 = Letter to Myself
| lyrics1 = Ha Yoo-na (153/Joombas)
| music1 = {{Hlist|Dino Medanhodzic|Johanna Jansson|Rena Lovelis|Nia Lovelis|Casey Moreta}}
| extra1 = Dino Medanhodzic
| length1 = 3:04
| title2 = Hot Mess
| lyrics2 = Cha Yi-rin (153/Joombas)
| music2 = {{Hlist|Tommy Driscoll|Larzz Principato|Upsahl}}
| extra2 = {{Hlist|Tommy Driscoll|Larzz Principato}}
| length2 = 2:29
| title3 = Blue Eyes
| lyrics3 = Han Ro-ro
| music3 = {{Hlist|Chantry Johnson|Ryan Follese|Alexander DeLeon}}
| extra3 = Chantry Johnson
| length3 = 3:02
| title4 = Strangers
| lyrics4 = Ha Yoo-na (153/Joombas)
| music4 = {{Hlist|Anthony M. Jones|Lauren Larue|Lindsey Lomis}}
| extra4 = Tone
| length4 = 2:50
| title5 = Blur
| lyrics5 = {{Hlist|Choi In-yeong (Sweden Laundry)|Wang Se-yun (Sweden Laundry)}}
| music5 = {{Hlist|Meron Mengist|Mike Squillante|Nick "Squids" Squillante}}
| extra5 = {{Hlist|Mike Squillante|Nick "Squids" Squillante}}
| length5 = 3:15
| title6 = Disaster
| lyrics6 = {{Hlist|Bay (153/Joombas)|Ephy (153/Joombas)}}
| music6 = {{Hlist|Rob Resnick|Sarah de Warren|GiGi Grombacher}}
| extra6 = {{Hlist|Rob Resnick|Sarah de Warren|GiGi Grombacher}}
| length6 = 3:13
| total_length = 17:53
}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Letter to Myself|publisher=SM Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment|location=South Korea|at=Credits|type=photobook|last=Taeyeon|year=2024}}
Studio
{{div col}}
- SM Yellow Tail Studio – recording {{small|(track 1)}}
- SM Wavelet Studio – recording {{small|(track 1, 3, 6)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 3)}}
- SM Droplet Studio – recording {{small|(track 1, 3, 5)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 5)}}
- SM Aube Studio – recording {{small|(track 1–2)}}, engineered for mix {{small|(track 2)}}
- SM LVYIN Studio – recording {{small|(track 2, 4, 6)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 4)}}
- MonoTree Studio – recording {{small|(track 6)}}, Pro Tools operating {{small|(track 1–2, 4–6)}}
- 77F Studio – digital editing {{small|(track 2)}}
- SM Starlight Studio – digital editing {{small|(track 1, 6)}}, mixing {{small|(track 3)}}
- GCA Studio – engineered for mix {{small|(track 4)}}
- SM Concert Hall Studio – mixing {{small|(track 1)}}
- SM Blue Cup Studio – mixing {{small|(track 2, 6)}}
- KLANG Studio – mixing {{small|(track 4)}}
- SM Blue Ocean Studio – mixing {{small|(track 5)}}
- The Mastering Palace – mastering {{small|(all tracks)}}
{{div col end}}
Personnel
{{div col}}
- SM Entertainment – executive producer
- Taeyeon – vocals, background vocals {{small|(all tracks)}}
- Ha Yoo-na (153/Joombas) – lyrics {{small|(track 1, 4)}}
- Dino Medanhodzic – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 1)}}
- Johanna Jansson – composition {{small|(track 1)}}
- Rena Lovelis – composition {{small|(track 1)}}
- Nia Lovelis – composition {{small|(track 1)}}
- Casey Moreta – composition {{small|(track 1)}}
- Cha Yi-rin (153/Joombas) – lyrics {{small|(track 2)}}
- Tommy Driscoll – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 2)}}
- Larzz Principato – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 2)}}
- Upsahl – composition {{small|(track 2)}}
- Han Ro-ro – lyrics {{small|(track 3)}}
- Chantry Johnson – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 3)}}
- Ryan Follese – composition {{small|(track 3)}}
- Alexander DeLeon – composition {{small|(track 3)}}
- Anthony M. Jones {{small|a.k.a.}} Tone – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 4)}}
- Lauren Larue – composition {{small|(track 4)}}
- Lindsey Lomis – composition {{small|(track 4)}}
- Choi In-yeong (Sweden Laundry) – lyrics {{small|(track 5)}}
- Wang Se-yun (Sweden Laundry) – lyrics {{small|(track 5)}}
- Meron Mengist – composition {{small|(track 5)}}
- Mike Squillante – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 5)}}
- Nick "Squids" Squillante – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 5)}}
- Bay (153/Joombas) – lyrics {{small|(track 6)}}
- Ephy (153/Joombas) – lyrics {{small|(track 6)}}
- Rob Resnick – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 6)}}
- Sarah de Warren – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 6)}}
- GiGi Grombacher – composition, arrangement {{small|(track 6)}}
- Lee Joo-hyung – vocal directing, Pro Tools operating {{small|(track 1–2, 4–6)}}, background vocals, recording {{small|(track 6)}}
- Emily Yeonseo Kim – vocal directing {{small|(track 3)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 1, 6)}}
- Noh Min-ji – recording {{small|(track 1)}}
- Kang Eun-ji – recording {{small|(track 1, 3, 6)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 3)}}
- Kim Joo-hyun – recording {{small|(track 1, 3, 5)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 5)}}
- Kim Hyo-joon – recording {{small|(track 1–2)}}, engineered for mix {{small|(track 2)}}
- Lee Ji-hong – recording {{small|(track 2, 4, 6)}}, digital editing {{small|(track 4)}}
- Woo Min-jeong – digital editing {{small|(track 2)}}
- Jeong Yoo-ra – digital editing {{small|(track 1, 6)}}, mixing {{small|(track 3)}}
- Eom Se-hyun – engineered for mix {{small|(track 4)}}
- Nam Koong-jin – mixing {{small|(track 1)}}
- Jung Eui-seok – mixing {{small|(track 2, 6)}}
- Koo Jong-pil – mixing {{small|(track 4)}}
- Kim Cheol-sun – mixing {{small|(track 5)}}
- Dave Kutch – mastering {{small|(all tracks)}}
{{div col end}}
Charts
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{Col-2}}
=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Monthly chart performance for Letter to Myself ! scope="col" | Chart (2024) ! scope="col" | Position |
| scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Circle){{cite web|title=Circle Album Chart – November 2024|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=11&hitYear=2024&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=December 12, 2024|archive-date=December 12, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241212031210/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=11&hitYear=2024&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|url-status=live}}
| 27 |
|---|
{{Col-end}}
Sales
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release history for Letter to Myself ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Label |
| scope="row" | Various
| rowspan="2" | November 18, 2024 | {{Hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | South Korea |
| November 29, 2024 |
| April 28, 2025
| LP |