Kim Jonghyeon, a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor who is well-known as the leader, main dancer, and main rapper of his former group, NU’EST, has recently ventured into a solo career. In November 2022, Jonghyeon debuted with the release of his first mini-album, Meridiem. 

In addition to his work with NU’EST, Jonghyeon participated in various TV programmes, including Produce 101 Season 2, Night Goblin, and Love Catcher. He also became a brand ambassador for cosmetics and beauty products in addition to pursuing a career in acting, appearing in dramas like Let Me Be Your Knight.

In January of this year, Jonghyeon released his second mini-album, Brilliant Seasons, which displays a diverse range of musical genres, diverging from the artist’s prior music with NU’EST. When discussing his exploration of these different musical styles, Jonghyeon reflected on his desire to experiment with new music. And while Meridiem depicts themes of self-reflection, Brilliant Season represents a spirit of growth and optimism. 

Apart from talking about Jonghyeon’s latest mini-album, we also spoke about his songwriting process and what it means to be a solo artist. 

VOA: In January of this year, you released your second mini-album, Brilliant Seasons. This release presents a variety of genres. How was the experience of experimenting with different musical styles, and what were the influences or inspirations that led to this diverse sound in Brilliant Seasons? 

Kim Jonghyeon: I’ve always had a desire to explore various types of music. As I keep working on albums as a solo artist, I gradually try out things I’ve always wanted to do. I hope my exploration of various genres and sounds has been interesting and enjoyable for the audience as well.

VOA: As Brilliant Season is filled with various genres, it is hard to choose a favourite song, as I really enjoyed listening to all of them. That said, looking at this release, on which song would you say you delivered your best, technically and emotionally speaking, and why? 

KJH: I would like to choose the song I’m so dirty, How can I love you. Rather than saying “I did well” objectively, I believe it’s a track where my personal growth is most evident. I spent quite a long time practicing and recording multiple times because I wanted it to be perfect. It’s a song that allowed me to experience significant growth throughout the process.

VOA: The title song of the aforementioned mini-album is MOTTO, which depicts a decade of your experiences. Could you elaborate on the specific moments or inspirations from the past ten years that influenced the making of this song and the positive mindset it conveys?

KJH: Over the past decade of my life as an artist, I’ve encountered various experiences and emotions. Among them, the people who have consistently had a positive impact on me are &Us. The moments with my supportive fandom are always the best, and they inspire my musical endeavours.

VOA: The music video for MOTTO is visually vibrant, with fast-paced choreography and an overall positive vibe. How did you collaborate with the creative team to visually represent the song’s themes, and what significance do these visual elements hold in bringing your message to the audience?

KJH: It seemed like the most crucial aspect on the set of the music video was “monitoring”. I believed that, especially for better visual expression to represent the song’s theme, as the one appearing in the music video, I needed to understand the cinematography better than anyone else. To ensure that I was capturing the key points effectively, I consistently monitored the progress with the director and the creative team. By contributing ideas and holding discussions during the shoot, I aimed for a more favourable outcome. I hope that the effort and attention we put into the shooting process translate into an enjoyable experience for those watching the music video.

VOA: How would you describe the overall mood and feel of Brilliant Seasons to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?

KJH: This album, Brilliant Seasons, is like a gift that includes various emotions everyone experiences in life, ranging from excitement to joy and poignancy. It also showcases a diverse range of musical genres that I’ve wanted to show you, from Dance to Hip-hop. Regardless of the emotions you’re feeling at any given moment, the album was created with the wish that you “enjoy every minute and every second”. Notably, the album includes several self-composed songs by myself, providing a glimpse into my mature inner self!

VOA: What do you hope listeners will take away from Brilliant Seasons in terms of emotions and connections to their own personal experiences?

KJH: I believe that music holds various powers. I hope my album can serve as a small sanctuary for listeners on weary days. Also, I hope they receive a lot of positive energy from the title track, MOTTO.

VOA: On your first mini-album, MERIDIEM, you were actively involved in the songwriting process. With Brilliant Seasons, your second mini album, you continued this involvement. How would you describe the evolution of your approach to songwriting from your debut to this latest release? 

KJH: It’s difficult to say that “something has evolved”. My goal has always been to create music that resonates with people when working on albums. However, I believe the methods to achieve that goal, from on-stage performances to participating in lyrics-writing, have gradually become more diverse.

VOA: And how did you come up with the mini-album’s title itself? 

KJH: For this album, I tried to express life through the metaphor of “seasons”. From my experience, not every day can be filled with clear and warm spring weather. But even after storms rage or thunder and lightning strike, a brilliant rainbow always appears at the end. Through this, I wanted to convey a positive message that “every experience ultimately contributes to making life brilliant”. That’s why the album’s title became Brilliant Seasons.

VOA: You began your career in a boy group, NU’EST, and now you are a solo artist who is also involved in acting and other activities. How would you describe your development as an artist in terms of interests and challenges, searching for a personal voice as a solo artist?

KJH: At first, there was a lot of pressure to fill an entire album with just my voice. However, as I’ve been creating albums one by one, rather than feeling burdened, the process of discovering my voice has become enjoyable. I look forward to where I will continue to grow in different aspects.

VOA: How does it feel when you release music in general? Personally, I believe that when artists share their work, it’s like they reveal their soul to the public. I have immense respect for that, and I’m curious to know how you feel when putting your music out there for people to judge.

KJH: The predominant feeling is excitement. It’s a joyful experience to see an album that I’ve worked hard on being released into the world. Regardless of the feedback, whether it points out areas for improvement or highlights positive aspects, I aim to fill the gaps in the next production and further enhance what was already good.

VOA: When you are not working and writing songs, what do you do to get away from it all and relax?

KJH: Typically, I spend my time at home. Nowadays, I enjoy reading books or webtoons. I also engage in discussions with &Us about the books I’m reading. We recommend books to each other and share our thoughts. I feel proud that &Us and I have created a healthy fan culture [smiles].

VOA: If you got a chance to come to the UK, what would be your message for your British and European fans?

KJH: To all the European &Us – thank you so much for your support from afar. If I have the chance to visit, I’ll work hard to prepare the best performance and then fly to meet you all. Let’s create wonderful memories together! Love you, &Us!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}