Singer Lee Hyo-ri has put aside even her marriage plans to focus on her next big challenge. She is set to write her name on the album jacket of SPICA, a girl group in the same agency who will release a new album this month, as a producer. Sources say that Lee Hyo-ri oversaw everything from the overall concept of the album to the title track and choreography. It is not that unusual for Lee Hyo-ri to produce a young girl group considering that she, too, was a member of the 90s’ sensational girl group FIN.K.L. However, she is a little different from other singers-turned-producers, such as Yang Hyeon-seok and Park Jin-young.

First, as the saying goes, only former girl groups know about girl groups. Lee Hyo-ri is the first girl group member to produce a girl group. From her experiences as a member of FIN.K.L, she knows better than anyone else about what it takes for girl groups to succeed. From the overall comeback preparations to subtle expressions, she is the best person to give advice to a rookie girl group. Moreover, Lee Hyo-ri will not be alone; her long list of friends will support her. The list includes not only musicians, but also fashion designers, entertainment show hosts, and comedians. In short, she has a “dream team” composed of representatives from various fields to help SPICA get better and get more recognition from the public.  

What’s more, Lee Hyo-ri is more enthusiastic than ever about this project. She has already mentioned in several interviews that she would like to produce a girl group. The chance came along her way, right when she needed to wrap up her first part of her life as a celebrity before her marriage. She is ready to change, from a shining star to someone at the back who makes others shine. From a girl group member to a solo artist and a socialtainer, Lee Hyo-ri has jumped from one image to another. Her new role as a producer hints at how she will continue her activities after her marriage.