U-KNOW Yunho of TVXQ! has released his first full-length solo album, "I-KNOW"―an ambitious set fueled by curiosity and, yes, plenty of passion. He says the seed for the project was planted during his military service, and he’s finally ready to bring that concept to life.
Unveiled at a press event in Seoul on Nov. 5, lead single “Stretch” is a hard-hitting electronic pop track where hushed, chant-like vocals ratchet up the tension. Its lyrics explore his inner relationship with dance and the stage, a theme that pairs with the double title track “Body Language.”
“I always scribble down what I learn from each experience,” U-KNOW Yunho shared. “When I put out my last record, I said, ‘The next one’s a fake documentary.’ It’s meaningful to see that idea become an album. I’ll go home after this press conference and write about how it felt―those notes always turn into ideas for my music.”
As for why his drive still burns bright more than two decades into his career, he added, “People call me the ‘passion guy,’ but I’m not intense about everything. If I’m not interested, I say no. When I do care, I give it everything―and if I can, I want to experience it firsthand. Stack that up over time and it reads as passion to other people.”
Asked who could carry that torch next, U-KNOW Yunho pointed to SHINee’s MINHO and KEY. “It depends on the field. In sports, no one can keep up with MINHO. For overall activity, KEY is pure passion―he’s everywhere on TV and keeps the music coming.” Among the rookies, he shouted out RIIZE: “They’re endlessly curious and incredibly driven. They’re working on an album, and you’ll see that passion on full display.”
The “Stretch” music video pits U-KNOW Yunho against his shadow in a taut, kinetic face-off, and it connects narratively with the previously released “Body Language” visual.
U-KNOW Yunho’s first studio album "I-KNOW" drops Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. KST on major streaming platforms, with the physical release arriving the same day.
Photo: SM Entertainment
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)