Hwasa’s Vocals Set the Emotional Direction of Newly Released Film ‘Project Y’

The crime film ‘Project Y’ has officially hit theaters, and one of its most talked about elements appears before the story even begins: Hwasa’s opening vocal performance.

Rather than contributing a conventional soundtrack later in the film, Hwasa’s voice introduces ‘Project Y’ from its very first moments. Her opening title vocals accompany the film’s initial scene, shaping the mood before the characters are fully revealed.

Sound as the Film’s First Narrative Device

Directed by Lee Hwan, ‘Project Y’ follows Mi-seon (Han So-hee) and Do-gyeong (Jeon Jong-seo), two women navigating a glamorous city while quietly searching for a way out of their circumstances. When desperation outweighs caution, they make a single decision—to steal black money and gold bars—that sends their lives into irreversible territory.

The film’s opening relies on sound rather than exposition. Hwasa’s restrained vocal delivery establishes tension, unease, and emotional distance, functioning as the audience’s first entry point into the characters’ inner worlds.

A Controlled Vocal Performance

Hwasa is known for being selective about non-album projects, and her role in ‘Project Y’ reflects that approach. Her performance avoids dramatic flourishes, focusing instead on subtle intensity and pacing. The vocals are designed to coexist with silence, allowing the scene to breathe while reinforcing the psychological weight of what lies ahead. Rather than standing out as a standalone song, the opening functions as part of the film’s storytelling structure.

Music Direction Led by GRAY

The opening sequence also marks the beginning of the film’s original score, overseen by GRAY, who serves as music director. His production style marked by restraint and atmosphere supports the film’s focus on moral ambiguity and mounting pressure. Together, the opening vocals and score establish the film’s emotional baseline within minutes.

A Film With International Recognition

Ahead of its release, ‘Project Y’ drew international attention, earning invitations to both the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, and receiving Best Film honors at the London Asian Film Festival. With its theatrical debut now underway, audiences can experience the film’s opening sequence as intended on the big screen.

Hwasa’s Expanding Creative Scope

Following sustained success in music and live performance, Hwasa’s involvement in ‘Project Y’ highlights her growing presence in narrative-driven projects. Her contribution underscores an artistic direction that prioritizes storytelling and emotional impact over visibility.