It was a hot and humid day in Seoul when I met Jung Gyumin at a beautiful Hanok café near Changdeokgung Palace. The air was warm and thick, yet the setting carried quiet tranquillity as if the heat itself held a certain calm. It was the perfect moment for a conversation that would bloom into something thoughtful and full of meaning. For over an hour, we discussed Gyumin’s work, life, and his relentless drive to expand his creative horizons.

Gyumin, known to many as so many ego, is an artist whose talent includes painting, visual arts, acting, and rapping. His creative world is one where these different mediums influence and complement each other, and he shared how each form of expression adds depth to his work. “People in visual arts admire music, and vice versa. That was kind of a cornerstone for how I started,” he shared, reflecting on how his different artistic forms effortlessly come together. “When I write music, I imagine a picture or vivid colours. And when I paint, I think about music in the same way.”

This multidisciplinary approach means that for Gyumin, music is not just about sound – it’s a complete sensory experience. He is meticulous in ensuring every element, from the music to the visuals, fits perfectly before releasing anything. As he explained, “If it’s a rough song, I need the right outfit to match the music, and the visuals must reflect that as well.” Every artistic choice is intentional, enriching the depth of meaning within his works.

I’m the kind of person who expresses what I feel, and I’ve learned that’s what used to hold me back. Now I try to act first, but I’m also secretive – Gyumin

His first EP, Street Couture, is an exploration of ambition and the persistent pursuit of success. The lyrics are filled with power and resolve, and when I asked about the personal experiences that shaped it, Gyumin opened up about a moment on a film set that changed him. He recalled an instance where, as an extra, he was forced to step into a freezing tub of water while the main actor received heated water. “At that moment, I felt huge discrimination, like I was nobody. That experience made me think, ‘I have to succeed.’”

The themes of endurance and reckoning are especially distinct in Like a Killer, a track that carries a cool, methodical tone. Gyumin explained that the song reflects how success often requires precise planning and strategy – something he’s learned from observing how others in the industry operate. “I’m the kind of person who expresses what I feel, and I’ve learned that’s what used to hold me back. Now I try to act first, but I’m also secretive. I vow to myself that I will surpass the people who hurt me. When writing Like a Killer, I thought of a cold-hearted killer who plans everything, but you don’t know what he’s up to.”

Read more about Jung Gyumin’s Life as an Artist

In contrast, his song DONGMYO celebrates his journey from humble beginnings to his current position, using the famous vintage market as a metaphor. He shared how discovering hidden gems in the market, like a pair of vintage shoes, resembles his own rise. “I didn’t know much about Dongmyo before. I used to save money to buy big brands and expensive clothes from department stores. But then I saw some friends who looked stylish and cool, and they told me they were getting clothes from this vintage market. I went there and found amazing stuff, like vintage shoes that would normally cost 2 million Korean won. People think it’s just old stuff, but it’s a great place to shop. Markets like that are rare, and once in a while, you come across a diamond, like those shoes. I felt like I could be like those shoes, waiting to be discovered.”

For “Silhouette“, I thought of the energy you feel at a party when you can only see people’s silhouettes. I wanted to capture that confidence – Gyumin

Despite his success with his latest release, Gyumin remains acutely aware of the pressures and urgency that come with striving for perfection in a competitive city like Seoul. How Long, a track from his EP, captures that feeling of chasing success while being constantly surrounded by it but not quite reaching it. “The sound of the city’s busyness, the gap between rich and poor, and how success feels so close but just out of reach,” he explained. It’s a raw reflection of his own life experiences, breathed into the beat before the lyrics were even written.

When we touched on his creative process behind songs like Silhouette and View Point, Gyumin emphasised how imagery drives his music. “For Silhouette, I thought of the energy you feel at a party when you can only see people’s silhouettes. I wanted to capture that confidence.” For View Point, he had originally envisioned a video of him dancing like a shaman in a traditional Hanok house, a perfect mix of traditional and modern, though the idea had to be put aside due to budget constraints.

Collaboration also played a key role in making his debut EP. Working with producers Ten Off, Koo, Only Child Kim, and trashtownboy, Gyumin learned to trust the process, letting go of some of his initial control. “I want to thank all of my producers. I asked for a lot, and they delivered more than I expected. Initially, I didn’t trust anyone because I started as a painter and checked every little thing. But through these collaborations, I learned to let go and was given something even better. It was a humbling experience, and their abilities greatly influenced the final results,” Gyumin confessed and added “When making this EP, I imagined everything first and then contacted the producers. To avoid creative differences, I made a PDF with all the details, including the outfits I’d wear for each song. It took time to convince them, but we have similar tastes, and they respect the work I’ve done.”

I have many songs I want to release – gentle love stories based on my reality – Gyumin

As our conversation wrapped up like the final notes of a cherished melody, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future holds for Gyumin. His ambition and focus shine brightly. He shared his plans for more music, particularly gentle love stories drawn from his own experiences, “I have many songs I want to release – gentle love stories based on my reality. For my next album, all the songs will feature another artist, which takes time, so things have been delayed more than I expected. In the meantime, I’ll be doing other projects. By the time this interview comes out, I’ll have done a bit of commercial work, and I think more opportunities will come from that,” Gyumin confessed with confidence. 

Whether through music, painting, or acting, Gyumin is a rare talent who sees no stop button in his creative world. “I’m going to give it my all,” he said with determination. This is just the beginning for an artist whose vision is as limitless as his talent. 

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Translator: Roc Lee

Featured image © Nicole Rayo for View of the Arts

_{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.}