Hello (Joy EP)

South Korean news outlet Star News reported on May 12, that Joy would be releasing her first solo album later in May.[2] SM Entertainment later confirmed to Newsen that the singer was preparing the project, but did not specify a release date at the time.[3] On May 17, it was announced that Hello will be released on May 31, consisting of six remake songs released from the 1990 to 2000s.[4] On May 26, "Je T'aime" was pre-released, the song is a remake of the same name song by Hey released in 2001.[5] The extended play was released digitally on May 31, alongside the music video for the title track, "Hello".[6]

The album contains six covers of classic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.[8] The title track is a modern rock remake of singer Park Hye-kyung's "Hello" released in 2003.[9] The song features Joy's "cool" vocals in harmony, "cheerful" brass, and a "speedy" arrangement.[9] Its lyrics share a "hopeful" message to forget the past and welcome a new day.[9] "Je T'aime" is a cover of the song released by Hey in 2001.[10] The song was reinterpreted from the track's original "fresh and jazzy vibes" into a "colorful and classical arrangement".[11] The track includes a dance-like piano performance and has an "elegant string melody" that maximizes the "fantastic atmosphere" of it.[12] The lyrics are noted for "Joy's lovely confession with a sweet tone".[13] "Day By Day" is a remake of the song of the same name released in 1999 by the female duo As One.[14] The song is a medium-tempo R&B ballad song with a "groovy" bass rhythm and lyrical sound that "stimulates emotions".[14]

"If Only" featuring Paul Kim, is a remake of a song by singer Sung Si-kyung released in 2002.[15] It creates a "poignant and romantic atmosphere" with a band arrangement and soft flute performance. "Happy Birthday to You" is a medium tempo ballad remake of a song released by Kwon Jin Won in 1999.[16] with an acoustic sound-based arrangement, Joy's vocals "vividly express the happiness and excitement you feel on the way to celebrate your loved one's birthday".[16] "Be There for You" is a solo version of Toy's song released in 1996.[17] The track was reinterpreted into a retro synth-pop using a variety of keyboard instruments such as piano, synths, and melodies.[17]

Joy's special album "Hello" reached number one on the iTunes Album charts of 26 countries and entered the Top 5 of the US iTunes Album Chart.[18] Joy's title track "Hello" reached the Top 10 of the Gaon Digital Chart, with all 6 tracks from her special album debuting on the chart.[19] Joy's title track "Hello" also reached the Top 10 of Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100, with 5 tracks in total from her album also entering the chart.[20]