ACE, also known as Jang Woo-young, started his journey with VAV in 2015. Now, he’s stepping into a new chapter as a solo artist, showing how much he’s grown through music and experience. From sweeping international tours with his group members to launching a solo career, Ace has never been one to take the obvious route. With two digital singles already under his belt – one in Portuguese and one in English – he’s establishing himself as a multilingual artist with something meaningful to say.

While many idol-turned-soloists rush into the center stage with glamorous production and high-profile collaborations, ACE took his time. Between VAV’s 2020 Made for Two and his solo debut in 2025, there was military service, the group’s bittersweet departure from ATeam Entertainment, and years of growth. But through it all, music remained his constant.

Through his multilingual solo debut, ACE opens a new door, not only stepping into the spotlight alone, but doing so with words and melodies that are entirely his.

“From my time with VAV to now as a solo artist, I’ve had the chance to explore and experience many different music styles,” he shares. “Through that journey, I’ve discovered the kind of music I enjoy and the styles that suit me best. With this experience, I believe I’ll be able to share even better music with more people moving forward.”

I want to keep challenging myself musically and continue growing as an artist. My goal is to always deliver fresh, new music and remain an artist who constantly evolves.

That evolution, whether personal, emotional, or musical, is at the core of his new work. His debut solo track, Minha Razão, was sung entirely in Portuguese. “When I performed in Brazil, the fans welcomed me so passionately that I was inspired to create a song just for them,” he explains. “That’s how the Portuguese-language track came about. I’d love to release songs in different languages in the future as well.”

And the enthusiasm he felt from fans around the world didn’t just inspire Minha Razão, it shaped his artistic vision. “Yes, I want to keep singing in different languages,” he says. “Touring various countries has made me want to release music in each of their languages someday. That’s something I’m planning to take on as a challenge.”

His second single, NEED U, represents his first full English-language release. “I’ve always wanted to release a pop album, and that’s what led me to record a full English version of my songs this time.”

The track’s lyrics strike a vulnerable tone, with lines like “I’m so hungry for your love / I wanna make you mine.” When asked about them, ACE responds simply: “I think love is something that should be expressed directly. Rather than overthinking it, I prefer to speak from the heart. When recording this time, I had our fans in mind the entire time. I always want to feel their love and give love in return.”

Touring various countries has made me want to release music in each of their languages someday. That’s something I’m planning to take on as a challenge.

NEED U is paired with LEAN ON ME as a double title release. “This album features double title tracks because I wanted to show two contrasting vibes,” ACE explains. “One track has a refreshing rock sound, while the other is a piano ballad. I thought it would be nice to show different emotions and colours through this dual concept.”

The contrast between the two runs deeper than sound. “I wanted to express love as the main theme of this album. While NEED U conveys love in a very direct way, LEAN ON ME represents a warmer and more mature kind of love,” he says. “Both songs are about expressing your feelings to someone you care about – you could call them confession songs.”

Throughout the process, ACE worked closely with his collaborators, including COE and Coup D’etat. “I always work with friends who make music with me, and we truly enjoy the process. It never feels like work,” he says. “I think that sense of fun and passion comes through in the final result.”

The feelings ACE shares in his solo music come from a place of genuine experience. For him, the connection with fans has always been important. “The most memorable experiences for me have been our overseas tours,” he says. “Traveling to different countries and meeting fans in person left an impression. Performing on stage is when I feel the most excited and alive.”

He also credits fans for influencing his creative choices. “Absolutely. I gain a lot of musical inspiration from our fans,” he reflects. “Performing in front of them helps me understand their tastes better, which in turn allows me to create music that they can truly enjoy.”

All of the VAV members genuinely love music. Even now, we exchange ideas and share a lot musically. I think there’s a good chance you’ll see some exciting collaborations between us in the future – please look forward to it.

Though the current moment is focused on his solo growth, ACE hasn’t turned away from his roots. “All of the VAV members genuinely love music. Even now, we exchange ideas and share a lot musically,” he says. “I think there’s a good chance you’ll see some exciting collaborations between us in the future – please look forward to it!”

For now, he’s focused on pushing himself further. “With this album, I wanted to show my expanded musical spectrum,” he says. “I tried genres I hadn’t explored before, and I also aimed to show both delicate and powerful sides of my vocals.”

And what’s next? “I want to keep challenging myself musically and continue growing as an artist,” ACE says. “My goal is to always deliver fresh, new music and remain an artist who constantly evolves.”

In a field that’s always changing, building a solo path and creating music beyond the group is already a success worth celebrating. Now, all we can do is patiently wait and see what ACE will surprise us with next.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of ACE of VAV

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}