After a two-year absence from the music scene, Jessica Jung released a much-anticipated single, “I Can’t Sleep.” The track made its debut on August 27 at 6PM KST, exclusively on Municon, a music platform that promotes Korean and Japanese music.
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Municon announced the new track on August 24, sharing a handful of music video teasers across their YouTube and Instagram accounts. “I Can’t Sleep” doubles as the OST for Jessica’s upcoming travel series with her younger sister, “Jessica & Krystal – US Road Trip.”
“I Can’t Sleep”
A relaxing, jazzy track, “I Can’t Sleep” and its simple composition highlights Jessica’s stellar vocals and the track illustrates the painful loneliness that follows a breakup. With lyrics like “even resembling my story/all of the movies I’ve been playing are about farewells,” it’s no surprise it has brought out feelings of dealing with your own, albeit imaginary, heartbreak.
The music video itself is composed of dreamy shots of Krystal and Jessica, likely footage from their upcoming travel series. The ever-stylish sisters are shown exploring their urban environment, and doing what they enjoy most – eating.
jungsis: food is everything#WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung#CantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung pic.twitter.com/KQrYPFxvjJ
— ✿ (@aes4walls) August 27, 2021
Reception and Fan Reactions
Despite such a long break from creating original music, Jessica’s fans, affectionately dubbed “Sparkles” by the singer, were quick to express their excitement for the new release, using the hashtags #WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung and #CantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung on Twitter. Upon its release, “I Can’t Sleep” ranked in the top 5 on Genie’s HOT chart and OST chart, and debuted at #27 on MelOn. Jessica herself stayed trending on MelOn’s real-time search rankings.
Fans weren’t just excited to hear Jessica – seeing the close-knit sisters filming content again was also a source of joy for many.
DON’T SLEEP ON JESSICA’S NEW SINGLE. IT IS A RELAXING SONG PERFECT FOR ANYONE TO CHILL ON. SINGER JESSICA DAEBAK, ALWAYS! #WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung#CantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung pic.twitter.com/u71lvllZyw
— girls’ generation's hoe (@oncemysonervlv) August 27, 2021
I'M CRYIIING! THE MV THE MUSIC AND SINGER JESSICA IS SO OVERWHELMING!! 😭♥️♥️#WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung#CantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung pic.twitter.com/BvQONO916B
— yoona's fan 🇵🇸 (@yoo_radiance) August 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/lynnsone_soshi/status/1431194419907084288
the cutest#CantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung #WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung pic.twitter.com/6WCe40dgKW
— ㅈㅅㅈ (@krystclass) August 27, 2021
after listening I Can't Sleep a few times #ICantSleep27AugWithJessicaJung #WelcomeBackSingerJessicaJung https://t.co/YzAGzjjDdW
— #FreePalestine (@sooyeonwine) August 27, 2021
A Multi-Faceted Creative
Since her departure from SM Entertainment’s Girls’ Generation in 2014, Jessica has stayed busy. Always known for her fashion-forward and on-trend looks, Jessica is the founder and creative director of the fashion house BLANC & ECLARE. The brand has proven to be an idol favorite and boasts a collaboration with global beauty powerhouse, Revlon.
Last September, Jessica added “New York Times Bestseller” to her list of accomplishments with the release of her first young adult novel, Shine. Said to be part Crazy Rich Asians and part Gossip Girl, the novel gives an inside look into the nitty-gritty of debuting as a K-pop idol.
Jessica is also active on her YouTube channel. With an audience of over 700,000 subscribers, she shares everything from fun vlogs to hair tutorials and fashion inspiration.
In a recent Q&A on her channel, Jessica hinted at some projects for the upcoming year – including a new album and the sequel to Shine. With the release of “I Can’t Sleep,” and these future projects, we can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for her.
Lisa’s solo is coming and the teasers are just the tip of the iceberg! Check out what fans can look forward to with the electrifying teasers here.
Thumbnail Courtesy of Coridel Entertainment
