Got Me Talking In My Sleep

[INTERVIEW] Wonho shares exclusive unseen images as he releases his latest track ‘What Would You do.’

"My fans always show their love for me, so I want to repay them by showing an honest filterless side of me"

K-pop idol Wonho is a hard-working powerhouse. He’s as meticulous and precise with his fitness workouts as he is with his performances. Softly spoken and considerate in person, his explosiveness manifests itself when he takes to stage. With a body of a Greek God that has been carved out of marble, and his penchant for a cut-out Paul Mescal-length short short, the ‘Open Mind’ singer’s physique often gets attention both online and in interviews. Despite his tough training regimen in the gym, Wonho’s music takes a much softer side with plenty of ballads with romantic and emotionally raw lyrics with a fusion of EDM, pop and R&B.

After being away for two years to complete his military service in Korea, he’s returned with his comeback single ‘What would You do.’ The quasi-ballad, sang in English, is full of melancholy lyrics that explore the concept of trying to get the person who broke your heart to understand the weight of their actions. In this sad-boy arena, Wonho showcases his exceptional vocal range, that floats right up to lofty falsetto heights as the drums crash beneath him in the song. 

Mandatory military service in Korea, which lasts almost two years, is a long time for an artist to step off the gruelling K-pop Idol schedule, but it can also give time for reflection and growth, both personally and sonically. As Wonho prepares to do his first solo trip to the U.S to bee reunited with his devoted fanbase called ‘WENEES’ and solo Jingle Ball debut, he tells us about his time away from the music industry, as well as sharing some exclusive images with us that give us a glimmer into his world.

How has the landscape of the music industry changed since you have been away? Have you noticed a difference with anything?

The music scene moves very quickly, so I wanted to focus on keeping my originality and making music that you can listen to for a long time.

What did you miss most about the WEENEES?

What I missed most is definitely being able to directly meet my fans and hear their cheers in person. That’s the thing I want to hear the most, and I really missed it. So I am really happy! 

How about your music? Were you able to write and explore your music at all over the past few years? 

So, I definitely continued to work on my music and I think I had a lot of opportunities to do so. I also tried picking up new instruments and this is definitely a more relaxing time for me to make music and I felt very happy and didn’t have too many worries during this time.