SS501‘s Kim Hyun Joong is making a comeback with his second solo mini-album, ‘Lucky Guy‘. For this latest work, he experimented with a variety of genres, from the punk-rock feel of “Lucky Guy” to the sweet ballad, “I’m Your Man“.
The star recently sat down for an interview with the Korea Times, where he revealed his thoughts on ‘Lucky Guy’, his solo promotions, and the overabundance of idols in the industry.
Q : Do you have any particular expectations for this album?
Kim Hyun Joong: “I just hope a lot of people listen and enjoy it. I’m interested in hearing what the public has to say about it, more than my actual fans. The sales for ‘Break Down‘ weren’t bad, but I wasn’t satisfied, which is why I focused a bit more on the music this time.”
Q : You are only promoting your album for three short weeks. Is that enough time?
Kim Hyun Joong: “I wish I could promote it a while longer, but I have a performance that was scheduled prior and wanted to release the album before then. It’s too bad, but I’ll work hard during the time I have.”
Q : Which song is your favorite?
Kim Hyun Joong: “Lucky Guy”. Why? Because it’s the title song (laughs). I want to have a good time performing this song on stage, because I couldn’t when I was performing “Break Down”.
Q : Is it lonely performing as a soloist after being in a multi-member group?
Kim Hyun Joong: “Not at all. I want to focus on making a phenomenal album, and when it’s all said and done, I’ll put on a free concert for my fans.”
Q : What do you mean, when it’s all said and done?
Kim Hyun Joong: “The career of a dance artist is short-lived. It’s not realistic for me to be in my mid-thirties and dance to 20 songs in a row on stage. I want to hold a final concert for my fans, while I’m still in my prime.”
Q : Rain has just enlisted in the military, meaning that there is now a void in the ‘male solo-artist’ domain. Are you looking to become the next Rain?
Kim Hyun Joong: “Rain has accomplished so much during his career. It’s a little different for me though, because I debuted with a group. Although it may not be me, there will be a solo artist who will surpass Rain’s achievements.”
Q : Don’t you think that K-Pop these days focuses too much on the music of idol stars?
Kim Hyun Joong: “I too was an idol star, but I don’t really have any particular thoughts about that. The music the idols are performing now might just be the music pushed by their agency. The stubborn ones will probably break out and produce a solo album to do the kind of music that’s right for them.”
Q : Have any junior idols caught your attention?
Kim Hyun Joong: “Not sure, I didn’t really watch any music programs, except when I was promoting “Break Down”. I’m keeping a close eye on SNSD though, because I know they are making a comeback at a date similar to my own.”
Q : Aren’t you a little intimidated to go head-to-head with the SNSD girls?
Kim Hyun Joong: “No, not really. I’m not trying to win against SNSD, I just think that the industry will be more lively with their comeback. There will be people who will listen to my music, despite SNSD releasing a new album.”
Q : Any plans to go back into acting?
Kim Hyun Joong: “I think I could maybe in June of next year. Nothing specific has been decided yet, but looking at my schedule, I think that would be best. I played two gentle roles for the last two, so this time I want to play the rough, bad boy.”
What appeals more to you, acting or singing?
Kim Hyun Joong: “Both have their own appeals. With my music, I can show you what I’m about, but when you act, you live the life of another person. When I sing, I want to act, and when I act, I want to sing (laughs). It’s just hard to do both, is all. With singing, though, you get rated once a week on music programs so it definitely keeps you grounded.”
What are your plans for this album?
Kim Hyun Joong: “The media and the public shocked me by asking if I was really releasing another album already. I thought maybe I rushed myself, but it’s something I put a lot of effort into and I want to work hard until early next year. I thank my fans for always keeping up with me, and if you have $0.70 to spare, how about you download my new single, haha.”
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