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| Photo Credit: H&P Entertainment. |
Being a leader in any group can have its challenges, steering them through uncertainty while staying true to yourself individually as well as a team. JUNHEE of A.C.E has always done just that, balancing the qualities of an artist who is full of imagination and just bursting with colour and ideas. That has all cultivated wonderfully in his latest release.
His first solo single, “Supernova”, has already shown many sides to his artistry. Starting with the cinematic mini film 'Molt' and concept photos that look straight out of fashion week. But above all, he’s a humble person who is just living his dream and being grateful every step of the way.
At the same time, K-pop demon hunters has the world at its fingertips right now, and in the centre of that is JUNHEE. His fantastic cover of Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” went viral, leading him to collaborate with AleXa and their rendition of “Free”. We at KpopWise had the pleasure of speaking with JUNHEE about the creative process for “Supernova”, his goals, and the path to success.
Greeting from JUNHEE
KpopWise: June saw you release the mini-film ‘Molt’ which you produced and starred in. Can you tell us what fuels your creativity, especially when combining your music with visuals?
JUNHEE: Personally, I think my imagination is the biggest driving force for me. When I get lost in my own thoughts, I start to picture ways of expressing things or colours that only I can bring out. And when I focus on those things, I feel like a lot of fun ideas just start coming to me.
KpopWise: Would you say that project was an introduction to your solo comeback and a personal statement marking a new beginning for you?
JUNHEE: Yes, you can interpret it that way. It carries a message about shedding the things that used to surround me before.
KpopWise: Do you think your experience in acting, particularly in dramas, helped you bring that vision to life?
JUNHEE: It helped me a lot. I think it lets me be seen from different angles, whether through direction, expressions, or acting. It wasn’t something I planned, but looking back now, my past experience with acting is truly one of the best decisions I made.
KpopWise: Your pre-release single “Supernova”, released on August 14th, blends elements of retro, disco, and Europop. What did you hope fans could take away from the track, and how does it set the tone for the rest of your solo era?
JUNHEE: I expect it to be one of the most exciting and addictive songs you hear this year. I felt that way myself when I first listened to it (laughs.) Since "Supernova" will also have a dance performance, I think fans who were looking forward to JUNHEE's dancing will have their expectations fully met.
KpopWise: Before releasing new music, do you think about what fans might expect? On release day, do you tune into their reactions and reception?
JUNHEE: Honestly, since what fans want varies so much, I don’t think I can predict exactly what they are expecting (laughs). That’s why seeing their reactions after the release feels like the most exciting and thrilling moment. It’s the time when I finally get to show them something I worked so hard on.
KpopWise: What do you hope fans, especially new ones, learn about you through your solo music?
JUNHEE: I hope they feel, “The artist JUNHEE has an even greater potential than I expected.” I also hope they see that this is the kind of music I wanted to create and that I can do it well.
KpopWise: Your recent concept photos showcased a sophisticated, darker, more mature side of you. Where do you find ideas for the visual aesthetic? Do you try to match the visuals to the music, or is it more about revealing various sides of yourself?
JUNHEE: I think I try to do both. But the problem is that it is never easy. Still, if I had to choose one, provided that I have a clear idea of what message I’m expressing through the music, I focus more on matching the visual concept to the music and expressing that message clearly. I think that is what makes everything feel like a complete piece of work.
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| Photo Credit: H&P Entertainment. |
KpopWise: Speaking of different sides, K-pop Demon Hunters is without a doubt dominating the scene. Your cover of Saja Boys’ ‘Your Idol’ was a huge success. What made you decide to cover that song, and how do you feel it has helped bring more recognition to the film in the West?
JUNHEE: It was entirely because of the fans. They told me there was a song that sounded like my voice, and I agreed with them. So I prepared it lightly, more as a special event, thinking the fans would enjoy it. But I was amazed by how much love it received.
Also, these days, we live in such a global era where not only the arts but also different fields collaborate and share across cultures, technologies, and content. I am a part of that as well. If I was able to contribute even a small part to it, I feel truly honoured.
KpopWise: Your duet with AleXa on ‘Free’ also exploded. How did the duet come about, and what was the most fun part of the collaboration?
JUNHEE: From the planning stage, I had AleXa in mind for the cover. She graciously agreed to the collaboration proposal. I truly love her vocal colour. She is such a talented singer.
Recording with her was an absolute joy for my ears. At one point, she mentioned wanting to do another take because she felt it could be better, but to me, every version she sang just made me melt. Being able to collaborate with such a skilled singer is pure fun and happiness, don’t you think?
KpopWise: For those who just discovered you through these viral covers, what song from your own discography would you recommend they listen to first, and why?
JUNHEE: I’d recommend my recent release, “Supernova”. It’s the pre-release track for my upcoming album, and it also shows my vocal colours very well.
KpopWise: You’ve mentioned that your fans, along with your own imagination and daydreams, motivate and inspire you. How does that mindset shape your creative process, especially when you’re writing or preparing for a performance?
JUNHEE: It removes the idea of limitations. In life, we often face standards that say, ‘You can’t do this because of that,’ or, ‘That’s not allowed for this reason.’
Of course, we can’t break every rule, but as long as it’s not morally wrong, I don’t want to live by boundaries others have set for me, at least in the field of music and entertainment. I just want to try things. There’s no single right answer in this world anyway.
KpopWise: As the leader of A.C.E and now the founder of your own agency, H&P Entertainment, how has your leadership experience helped shape your direction as a soloist and founder? What’s it like balancing both roles?
JUNHEE: I think it definitely had some influence. Either way, it made me the type of person who has to be careful in every moment, and it taught me to look at situations more broadly and further ahead. Thanks to that experience, I am who I am today.
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| Photo Credit: H&P Entertainment. |
Of course, now as the company’s CEO, and as both the team leader and a solo artist, I do feel more responsibility, and I’m always careful about how even one of my actions might affect things. My shoulders feel heavy every day. But I have to keep moving forward. I made this choice, so I have to go for it.
KpopWise: Did any of your A.C.E members give you any words of encouragement or advice for this comeback?
JUNHEE: They said, “We completely trust you, so go ahead and do everything you’ve wanted to.” I don’t think there are any words that could make me feel the members’ love more than that. I would have said the same thing to the other members too.
KpopWise: With all the things you’ve achieved and continue to do, you seem incredibly determined and undeterred. Where do you get that positive attitude, and how can others learn from that?
JUNHEE: I’d like to say sometimes you just need to prioritise action over thoughts. Just thinking stays in your head, but taking action is the most basic and reliable way to actually change reality.
KpopWise: With that mentality, it's inspired by your fans who are incredibly supportive, with everything you’ve released this past year and the journey ahead. What's something you’d like to say directly to your fans—those who’ve been with you from A.C.E to now, and those who’ve just discovered you?
JUNHEE: If everyone reading this interview ever felt the smallest thrill or joy through my music, that alone is enough reason for me to keep making music. Please watch closely. I’ll show you exactly how I continue to grow.
Follow JUNHEE:
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify
What an inspirational interview!
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