Solo artist Kim Jae-hwan, formerly of Wanna One, has returned. He comes back with a heart and music that have grown stronger since his military service, and above all, with a clear message of "comfort." His digital single "I'll Be There" is a track that contains the questions he asked himself for a long time and the answers he provides to his fans.
When we met recently at a location in Gangnam, Seoul, Kim Jae-hwan appeared much more relaxed and stable than before. Having moved past the intense competition and pressure of his Wanna One days, he said he has now learned "how to let go." During his 18 months of military service, he took the time to reorganize his music and the direction of his life.
"I thought a lot while in the military. I would run 7 to 8 km every day and just sort things out in my head. In the past, I had a huge desire to succeed, but now I think more about 'how I can make music while being happy.'"
The conclusion Kim Jae-hwan reached was clear: "Let it go." He realized that "sustainability" and "happiness" were more important than achievements, rankings, or competition. He said, "I have almost no desire for chart results anymore. It is more important to sing well on stage and to enjoy the process."
His new song "I'll Be There" was born as an extension of those thoughts. He wrote the song while thinking about the fans who waited for him during his military service and the time they had to continue waiting even after his discharge.
"The fans kept waiting for me. So, I wanted to say, 'Now, I will come to get you.' I made this with the hope that it could provide even a little bit of comfort in their tiring daily lives."
His musical direction has also become clear. Unlike the past, when he experimented with various genres, this time he focused on "music that is most like Kim Jae-hwan." The answer he chose was to return to the beginning. That was the "guitar." Kim Jae-hwan has been playing the guitar since elementary school and even spent 4 years as a band trainee. To him, the guitar is not just an instrument, but something close to his "essence."
"People around me always told me that they liked seeing me sing while playing the guitar the most. So I thought about trying guitar-based music like folk or rock ballads." This album is an extension of that. Kim Jae-hwan took charge of the lyrics, composition, and even the guitar playing himself, making his musical color more distinct.
His attitude toward the stage has also changed. Unlike the past, which was centered on competition, it is now centered on "care" and "understanding."
"In the past, when I went on variety shows, I wanted to be number one no matter what, and my competitive spirit was very strong. But I think that phase has passed. It feels more natural to be considerate and understanding now. However, I still believe that you have to be passionate on stage. That is the only way the audience can be moved."
His thoughts on Wanna One have also deepened. Expressing his gratitude, Kim Jae-hwan said, "I don't think I would be doing music now if it weren't for Wanna One." He added, "I believe that because Wanna One existed, the fans are here now, and I am able to do music," and he did not hide his affection for the members he recently reunited with. Mentioning his interactions with members like Park Ji-hoon, he emphasized that the reason for a potential Wanna One reunion would be the "stage."
It is not just his music that has changed since his military service. His self-care routine has also become more intense. Kim Jae-hwan maintains a rigorous routine that includes 1 hour of weight training, 50 minutes of cycling, 10 km of running, and 2 hours of futsal every day. This change was also influenced by Yoon Do-hyun, whom he considers a role model. His statement, "I want to be an artist who makes music for a long time," contained a resolve that went beyond a simple goal.
"I think the guitar sound itself is an instrument that provides warmth. I want to deliver that warmth through my music."
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-hwan's digital single "I'll Be There" will be released on various music sites at 6 PM on the 22nd.
Photo= WAKEONE
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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