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[INTERVIEW] 'We, From the First': Jung Seung-hwan sings of unrequited love
- May 26, 2021
[INTERVIEW] 'We, From the First': Jung Seung-hwan
sings of unrequited love
Updated : 2021-05-26 09:51
By Dong Sun-hwa
With the roaring K-pop boom, Korea's music scene is often misunderstood to be brimming with only the music of idol groups. There are, however, a plethora of other musicians who are boosting variety for listeners with different sonic styles. One of them is ballad singer Jung Seung-hwan, the crooner of the sentimental "If It Is You" (2016) ― a song featured in the soundtrack of popular TV series "Miss Oh Again."
Jung first became known to the public on the fourth season of SBS's audition program "K-Pop Star" (2014-15). After finishing the show as the runner-up contestant, he joined Antenna, a record label established by singer-songwriter/producer You Hee-yeol, one of the judges on the program. Prior to the release of his debut mini-album "His Voice" in November 2016, Jung took multiple music streaming charts by storm with "If It Is You," carving out a strong presence as an up-and-coming ballad singer. Since then, he has dropped dozens of songs such as "Dear, My Universe" (2019) and "Whenever Wherever" (2020).
Now, the 24-year-old is ready to make another splash. On Wednesday (KST), Jung is poised to put out his new mini-album "Five Words Left Unsaid," which is fronted by the lead single "We, From the First." The album also offers four more ballads including "The Spring Day Passes" and "Love Letter." Asked why he only included ballads instead of showcasing tracks of diverse genres, Jung said he wanted to display himself doing something he is good at.
"I wanted to get back to the basics this time," he said during a recent media interview at the headquarters of Antenna located in southern Seoul. "My latest releases might have sounded quite unfamiliar to those who know my original style. So this time, I decided to make an album that can be seen as an upgraded version of my debut album and brought to the fore the ballad tracks that I can pull off the best. Although demand for ballads has been decreasing in the market, I believe it will not disappear ― Therefore, as a musician, I will just focus on doing what I can."
According to the singer, "We, From the First," is a piece about a man who has fallen in love with his longtime friend ― a love that is unrequited. Jung penned the lines in cooperation with Yoo Hee-yeol and prominent lyricist Kim Ea-na.
"The lyrics are not based on my personal experience and, honestly, I am quite different from the man in the song," he said. "But this is why I strived to experience his feelings indirectly through dramas and films. Kim Jung-hwan, a male character in popular drama Reply 1988 who loved his friend, helped me understand people like him better. Before recording We, From the First, I repeatedly watched the scene of Kim confessing his love and attempted to sing on his behalf."
Another number included in the album, "Love Letter," is composed by high-profile singer-songwriter IU.
"Last year, IU unveiled her song Love Letter on KBS's music program Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook, which was not included on her album," he said. "I was really fond of the track, so I covered it and shared the video on social media. IU later came to watch it and then got a hold of me, asking me to sing the song."
"Given that she's always has a busy schedule, I could not see her that often while working on the track, but she still gave me detailed feedback. I am really thankful to her."
Previously, Jung and IU teamed up for his releases "The Snowman" (2018) and "My Christmas Wish" (2019).
"I love the lyrics written by IU," Jung said. "It would be great if she sang the full version of The Snowman, in which she covered some parts in the past."
Wrapping up the session, the musician disclosed his greatest hope.
"I wish my songs could remain on people's playlists for a long time without being deleted," he said. "Since the album contains the songs of various stories, I hope numerous people can find it relatable."
With the roaring K-pop boom, Korea's music scene is often misunderstood to be brimming with only the music of idol groups. There are, however, a plethora of other musicians who are boosting variety for listeners with different sonic styles. One of them is ballad singer Jung Seung-hwan, the crooner of the sentimental "If It Is You" (2016) ― a song featured in the soundtrack of popular TV series "Miss Oh Again."
Jung first became known to the public on the fourth season of SBS's audition program "K-Pop Star" (2014-15). After finishing the show as the runner-up contestant, he joined Antenna, a record label established by singer-songwriter/producer You Hee-yeol, one of the judges on the program. Prior to the release of his debut mini-album "His Voice" in November 2016, Jung took multiple music streaming charts by storm with "If It Is You," carving out a strong presence as an up-and-coming ballad singer. Since then, he has dropped dozens of songs such as "Dear, My Universe" (2019) and "Whenever Wherever" (2020).
Now, the 24-year-old is ready to make another splash. On Wednesday (KST), Jung is poised to put out his new mini-album "Five Words Left Unsaid," which is fronted by the lead single "We, From the First." The album also offers four more ballads including "The Spring Day Passes" and "Love Letter." Asked why he only included ballads instead of showcasing tracks of diverse genres, Jung said he wanted to display himself doing something he is good at.
"I wanted to get back to the basics this time," he said during a recent media interview at the headquarters of Antenna located in southern Seoul. "My latest releases might have sounded quite unfamiliar to those who know my original style. So this time, I decided to make an album that can be seen as an upgraded version of my debut album and brought to the fore the ballad tracks that I can pull off the best. Although demand for ballads has been decreasing in the market, I believe it will not disappear ― Therefore, as a musician, I will just focus on doing what I can."
According to the singer, "We, From the First," is a piece about a man who has fallen in love with his longtime friend ― a love that is unrequited. Jung penned the lines in cooperation with Yoo Hee-yeol and prominent lyricist Kim Ea-na.
"The lyrics are not based on my personal experience and, honestly, I am quite different from the man in the song," he said. "But this is why I strived to experience his feelings indirectly through dramas and films. Kim Jung-hwan, a male character in popular drama Reply 1988 who loved his friend, helped me understand people like him better. Before recording We, From the First, I repeatedly watched the scene of Kim confessing his love and attempted to sing on his behalf."
Another number included in the album, "Love Letter," is composed by high-profile singer-songwriter IU.
"Last year, IU unveiled her song Love Letter on KBS's music program Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook, which was not included on her album," he said. "I was really fond of the track, so I covered it and shared the video on social media. IU later came to watch it and then got a hold of me, asking me to sing the song."
"Given that she's always has a busy schedule, I could not see her that often while working on the track, but she still gave me detailed feedback. I am really thankful to her."
Previously, Jung and IU teamed up for his releases "The Snowman" (2018) and "My Christmas Wish" (2019).
"I love the lyrics written by IU," Jung said. "It would be great if she sang the full version of The Snowman, in which she covered some parts in the past."
Wrapping up the session, the musician disclosed his greatest hope.
"I wish my songs could remain on people's playlists for a long time without being deleted," he said. "Since the album contains the songs of various stories, I hope numerous people can find it relatable."
Reporter : sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr
