Korean American soloist Jessi recently guested on DIVE Studios‘ podcast, Daebak Show with Eric Nam. During the 54-minute episode, she got vulnerable and opened up about getting older, going independent, etc.
I can literally gladly say that I’m actually really independent now yeah like everything I take accountability for everything.
— Jessi
Daebak Show S3 EP22 with JESSI is OUT NOW!
JESSI and Eric discuss about her recent updates, future goals, and the start of her new journey. ❤️🔥
Join the live premiere now: https://t.co/ZcPiivQES4#JESSI #EricNam #DaebakShow #DIVEStudios pic.twitter.com/FgUaSAdqxB
— DIVE Studios (@thedivestudios) June 18, 2024
In 2022, Jessi shocked fans when she departed from PSY‘s P NATION since she was the first artist to join in January 2019 when PSY first launched the agency. The company made an announcement via press release regarding Jessi’s contract expiration.
Hello, this is P NATION.
First of all, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone for their love and support for Jessi.
This notice is to inform you that our exclusive contract with Jessi has recently expired.
As the first artist of P NATION and being with the company until now, Jessi has become an artist that has been loved even more by her fans due to her constant effort and passion. The way she conducts herself and her achievements have been a positive and enjoyable influence on all of the members of P NATION.
We will continue to support Jessi’s future works as an artist and support her various activities.
Thank you to the fans who cherish Jessi and please continue to give her your support.
— P NATION
At the time, Jessi addressed netizens’ speculations in a now-deleted Instagram post. In other interviews, she claimed she wanted to explore things previous companies wouldn’t permit her to.
I understand people can make assumptions right now based on my current situation… but the truth shall reveal itself in a matter of time.. Respectfully… please give me some time to collect my thoughts and breathe a bit.. (I haven’t rested since 2005) but one thing for sure is that this GIRL is NOT retiring. I’m only getting started🙏 Thank you Jebbies for your unconditional love and support.. And lastly love you Pnation for life❤️
— Jessi
Jessi departed her friend Jay Park-founded agency MORE VISION in January of this year after just nine months. They both denied any conflicts between them a month before the announcement.
Now, Jessi has opened up about her reasoning behind going independent. She explained that she wanted to explore.
But listen, everyone thinks, ‘Oh my God, Jess, why are you changing? Why does this girl? She’s the problem.’ Why the … would I stay in one company for the rest of my life? Why would I not explore?
— Jessi
Jessi finally revealed why she left P NATION after years of cryptically addressing the speculations. She admitted that of all the companies she had been signed to, P NATION was the best in every way.
It just didn’t feel right with me, you know, it’s not about they did me wrong or nothing I would have to say P Nation was probably one of the best companies I’ve been in… in a sense of being creative … Yes, I did probably made the most money there too, yeah, but did that make me happy ultimately? It didn’t, right.
— Jessi
Jessi refuted any theories that she and PSY had issues. She shared that PSY has been most supportive and empathetic.
This is the one thing I want to clear up because everyone’s like, ‘Oh, she left P Nation like you know she left P Nation like she probably was a pro–‘ No, me and PSY, we cool as f*ck, and you know what he was actually so understanding when I left … because I told him it’s not about the money or none of that for me I want to go out there, and I want to try something that I’ve never tried before, and he got that because he’s also been in that experience where he was in a label and then made his own company pation right so he was like, ‘Go thrive, go do what you got to do,’ you know and for me, that meant so much to me, and that’s why till this day … I respect PSY oppa so much for that because he’s helped me grow … the thing about him too is he’s a genius, he’s crazy, but he’s a genius, but you can’t just be a genius, you gotta be crazy too. He’s a creative genius like I don’t think I know anyone who is a genius who’s not crazy…
— Jessi
Time and time again, Jessi has reiterated that she and PSY are still on good terms.
Watch the full episode below.