Querencia

Querencia (stylized in all caps) is the debut studio album by South Korean singer Chungha. It was released on February 15, 2021, under MNH Entertainment and 88rising. Originally set for a January 4 release, the album was delayed to February 15 after Chungha tested positive for COVID-19 on December 7, 2020, to focus on her recovery. It is the singer's first full-length album since her debut in 2017. The concept of the album lies in its title, "Querencia" which is a metaphysical concept in Spanish referring to a place where "one can be one's true self". Querencia consists of 4 themes: Noble, Savage, Unknown, and Pleasures, and contains a total of 21 songs. The album features guest appearances from the DJ and record producer R3hab, Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa and South Korean singer-songwriter Colde. Singer-songwriters Sumin and Baek Yerin were also involved in the making of this album, the two artists co-wrote "Bother Me" and "All Night Long" respectively. The album is primarily a pop record that combines EDM, synth-pop, R&B, afrobeat, house, korean ballad and latin-pop elements. The album received both commercial success and generally favorable reviews from music critics, who complimented the wide variety of music genres featured in the album as well as the singer's musical growth. Querencia was supported by five singles: "Stay Tonight", "Play" featuring Changmo, "X", "Bicycle" and "Demente", the first two became top ten and twenty hits on the Gaon Digital Chart. The album also includes the singles "Everybody Has" and "Dream of You" with R3hab. Background On March 10, MNH Entertainment announced that Chungha had signed with American agency, ICM Partners, for her America and global promotions. On April 12, 2020, Chungha released an ad image titled "pre-release single #1". According to the image, a photo teaser, an online cover image, and a music video teaser would be revealed on April 20–24. The image contained a dreamlike moonlight and hand-shaped sculptures that stretch toward it. On the April 21, the official cover of the single was revealed. The music video teasers were released on April 22 and 23. On June 18, Chungha released a teaser video for the second pre-release single titled "Play" and later announced that it would be released on July 6, 2020. On July 1, the official cover of the single was revealed. On the same day the music video teasers were released.