If you are new to K-pop, JUNHEE is a name worth knowing. A member of A.C.E – a group long respected for its great work – and now a solo artist, he is entering a new phase of his career. Like many idols, he has also stepped into acting, embracing the multi-hyphenate nature of the industry with an ease that only performers themselves can truly explain. While I was already familiar with A.C.E’s music and had seen them live in London before, JUNHEE came into sharper focus for me as a soloist after his cover of Your Idol from Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters. Shortly after our interview, he released The First Day & Night, a strong eight-track debut mini-album that revealed not just his musical direction, but his identity as an artist.

What distinguishes JUNHEE is not only his work, but his presence; he is approachable, something rare in the industry; there is a warmth and calmness to him. For a journalist, that openness is refreshing. After completing his European tour with another promoter, JUNHEE made a one-off stop in London at Oslo Hackney, presented by Korean London. It was no surprise to see a packed, sold-out venue waiting for him.

READ MORE: JUNHEE on His Growth, Grace, and Letting Go

Opening with Supernova, JUNHEE stepped onto a modest but small stage. The production was minimal, and while one might have hoped for something more visually dynamic, the space’s limitations were clear. Still, he worked with what he had – colourful lighting and his naturally cheeky personality carried the moment. By the time Sugar was performed, he had warmed up to the set, delivering cleaner, more confident vocals. “I love you, British people,” he joked, reacting to the crowd singing along.

That said, the transition from group performer to solo artist is never simple. Many idols struggle to step out from the shadow of a group, and while JUNHEE holds his own, there are moments where the staging could benefit from more depth and creative direction. Vocally, he delivers, but visually, there is still room to expand and enhance the experience.

The setlist included a few songs by other artists. His performance of Bazzi’s Beautiful showed strong control and clean high notes, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Taking on Justin Bieber’s Go Baby is no easy task, yet he approached it with confidence, and his take on Soft Spot by Keshi revealed a more delicate side. While JUNHEE is clearly a strong vocalist, it was a little surprising to hear such reliance on backing tracks, particularly since his ad-libs are more than powerful enough to carry those moments on their own. When he used his natural voice fully, the difference was noticeable. I realised this while he sang Umbrella (10:00). Confident and in tune, it lifted the crowd, who sang every word back to him. It was a strong reminder of how much he is appreciated by his London audience.

Night (02:00), one of my favourite songs from his debut mini-album, was beautifully performed. Beginning as a soft, almost fragile exchange between voice and guitar, the song gradually built into something far more intense. Elsewhere, his cover of Your Idol was powerful and fully owned; it also showed exactly what he is capable of when he trusts his voice. JUNHEE’s interpretation of Blinding Lights by The Weeknd brought a burst of energy, while moments like tasting British food on stage added humour and spontaneity, earning laughter from the crowd.

READ MORE: JUNHEE on His Debut Mini-Album, “The First Day & Night”

The inclusion of A.C.E songs such as Clover, Just Better, My Girl, and Effortless was a reminder of where his journey began. Yet this night was not about looking back; it was about moving forward. Even when slight nerves appeared at the beginning of the show, they quickly faded, replaced by a growing confidence that carried him through most of the show and into the encore. By the end of the night, there was no doubt that the sold-out crowd had been fully engaged. JUNHEE’s warmth and natural charm created a wonderful bond with his fans. He is, without question, an artist in transition; there are still areas to shape further, particularly in production and stage development, but the foundation is undeniably strong.

Overall, he delivered a good performance. Most importantly, the show he brought to London clearly satisfied his fans. And if this performance is anything to go by, his solo career has a promising future.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Maggie Zhu for View of the Arts

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}