[INTERVIEW] Elementâs Sun talks new album HAPPINESS
Since first coming onto the idol scene as Elementâs main dancer when the group began to release their pre-debut singles in 2016, Sun has managed to make a name for himself outside of his group by branching out into activities in areas such as radio, modeling, and collaborative and solo music of his own. In December 2020, he released his first ever full-length solo album HAPPINESS after debuting solo with his first mini-album a year earlier. Exclusive got to have the first interview with Sun about the release of his new solo album. Read what he had to say below!
Your album is called HAPPINESS. How does the concept of your album relate to its title?
âHAPPINESS is an album thatâs about feelings to the opposite. In our daily lives, we tend to neglect them for whatâs easier to deal with. This album, and I, reject the idea that we must push away negative emotions. Itâs for anyone who doesnât always feel happiness, and feels guilty for that.â
What was different in the preparation process of this album in comparison to In Sensitivity?
âIn Sensitivity was a much shorter preparation period, for one. There, it was an incredibly fast creative process as well. With HAPPINESS, I had the opportunity to work with our companyâs different creative teams to create a cohesive album that means something every step of the way. This album, I also wrote largely on my own, which is not something I was able to do with In Sensitivity. Iâd like to think of them as a natural progression in finding my place as a solo artist.â
What was it like working with Knightâs Duri, CHARMâs Aidynn and Dai, and Originâs Joohwan as featuring artists on your album?
âTheyâre lovely to work with! Theyâre friends, which made working with them all the more smooth. Iâm very thankful that they all took time from their busy schedules to lend me their talents. Every song they helped me with wouldnât have been the same, had it just been me. Each of their unique colors brought something magical, so Iâm very happy to have been able to work with them.â
You were heavily involved in the songwriting, composing, and producing process of the album. Which song was the hardest to write/compose/produce? Why?
ââSeoulâ. Many of the songs on the album were difficult to write for the state of mind that was required to write them, and Iâm not sure if comparing them is proper. However, with âSeoulâ, thatâs a song that was years in the making. Iâd originally begun the song as a trainee, and it grew alongside me and my personal growth through the years. Growth is one of the most difficult things to force yourself into, and without that, âSeoulâ wouldnât exist.â
What worries and concerns did you have while working on HAPPINESS?
âI often worried that my intention wouldnât come across. Until now, Iâm still unsure. The album isnât only about sitting in sadness, but that itâs okay to do so, and helpful, in order for the natural winds to pass. I hope that it is more of a comfort, than something that brings down listeners.â
Did you have any major inspirations for this album?
âOne massive inspiration was for the song âMoonchildâ. The inspiration came from a fan, actually. [On] my radio show, Sunâs Goodnight, I ask listeners to send in their stories and communicate with me on a more intimate level. Over the last two years, Iâve become well-acquainted with many of my regular listeners. Weâve grown together in sharing similar troubles, and I end up remembering the details of their lives. One of my listeners recently got married, and Iâd been hearing about their relationship since their engagement. âMoonchildâ is a response to those people I feel like Iâve come to know, and the connection we have with one another. Honestly, my fans inspire me every day.â
What do you hope people take away from listening to this album?
âWe all feel all kinds of emotions. Not all of them are pleasant, but that doesnât mean they arenât important. I hope anyone who listens to HAPPINESS will take the journey to experiencing negative emotions fully, and embrace them, so they can be let go. Itâs a difficult journey, but one I believe anyone can take on and win. Anyone hearing this, please let HAPPINESS be your friend on the path.â
Do you have any other comments youâd like to make to your fans?
âEvery Aether and every one of my own fans, you inspire me every day to continue the work that I do. Your support is the only reason myself and the rest of Element have come this far. Iâm eternally grateful for your support, your stories, and your hearts. I hope that HAPPINESS can give support back to you, the same way youâve been gifting me support all of these years.â













