Between a U.S. tour, plans for a future album, and a European comeback, South Korean superstar WONHO is ready to peel back the layers and take on the world once again.
Talking over Zoom with South Korean superstar WONHO feels like a cosy catch-up with a long-distance friend. Dialling in from Seoul with an iced latte in hand, he radiates the kind of warmth that makes the distance between us feel like a minor technicality. There’s a certain duality in the way he approaches our conversation: a playful yet shy and bashful smile lights up his face when we revisit older moments from his career so far; a quieter, contemplative energy takes over when the questions push him to reflect more deeply. Above all, WONHO appears genuinely excited to talk about his music and growth, regardless of our late 10 PM timeslot.
Although most artists are expected to be “on” for every fan interaction or media appearance, there’s an authenticity with WONHO that feels unfiltered and entirely natural. That sincerity has always been a defining trait of his artistry, but it feels particularly resonant now as he re-emerges into the public eye.
Our conversation marks WONHO’s return following two years of mandatory military service. For male idols, the hiatus is often clouded by uncertainty; fans are left hoping for their return, while artists are left wondering who will still be waiting. Fans are loyal, yes, but two years without new content or live performances can feel like an eternity—especially in the hyperactive world of K-pop, where multiple comebacks in a single year are the norm and the pressure to stay relevant is constant.
True to his character, WONHO took those two years to focus on self-improvement, both as a person and an artist. It’s a testament to his connection with his fans, known as WENEE (a name with dual meanings: “WE are NEw Ending” and “WE NEED”). If you’ve followed WONHO’s story, you’ll know that his relationship with his fans is more than a typical idol-fan connection. It’s steadfast, even symbiotic. Their unwavering support during his hiatus has become an anchor for WONHO, and he doesn’t take that for granted. “I truly exist because of them. They are the reason I sing,” he says simply when we talk about his fans, his voice softening in a way that makes it impossible to doubt his sincerity.
Now, with his first post-service single, “What Would You Do,” WONHO is once again staking his claim for the crown. The English R&B-tinged track, which he describes as “a new challenge,” feels like a fresh direction, showcasing his knack for intimate, emotionally layered storytelling.
Between a US tour and plans for an eventual album and European comeback, WONHO is ready to peel back the layers and take on the world once again. WONHO isn’t just back; he’s better, bolder, and more concentrated than ever.
Firstly, congratulations on completing your military service. It’s interesting that today marks two years since you announced your enlistment. Looking back to that moment, what advice would you give to your younger self—not just as an artist, but as a person about to step into that chapter?
Wonho: I would tell my younger self to focus on learning new skills, especially in music, and to always prioritise his health. I’d encourage him to keep improving his music skills and to study more—particularly English—so he can grow both personally and professionally.
During that time, how did you stay motivated creatively? Did stepping away from the industry give you new perspectives on your artistry or the stories you wanted to tell in your music?
W: While I was serving, I made an effort to continuously listen to music and hold onto that connection to stay true to myself as a musician. Experiencing so many new things in the military gave me fresh ideas and perspectives, which I believe will help me create music in the future.
As someone who has followed your journey closely, I’ve always admired how deeply you express love and gratitude for WENEE, especially in songs like “Losing You,” which is dedicated to your fandom. Did your time away deepen your understanding of that connection with your fans? What does it mean to you now?
W: WENEE is my everything. I truly exist because of them. They are the reason I sing—they listen to my music and give me the strength to perform. I would say they’re like my heart.
You’re now diving back into music, and we’re all excited about your return and the new music coming out. I’m curious—are there any specific themes or emotions that feel important to you to share with your fans in this new phase of your career? Is there something you’ve been waiting to say?
W: There’s nothing particularly specific, but with the new single coming out, along with upcoming performances in the US and other countries, I’m excited to share those moments with WENEE. I’m also continuing to prepare for a new album in the future, and that’s something I really want to share with them as well.
Your lyrics often feel very personal, and I think that’s one of the reasons why your music resonates with me. Since you write your own lyrics, I was curious— is there a lyric or song from your catalogue that feels especially meaningful to you right now?
W: Right now, I would focus on my newest song, “What Would You Do,” since that’s what I’m concentrating on the most. The title itself—”What Would You Do”—encapsulates a lot of different emotions. So, at the moment, it feels the most meaningful to me.
Speaking of “What Would You Do,” this is your first release since your military service, and it’s also in English. What made this song feel like the right one to lead with for your return?
W: During my service, I had a lot to practise and many new things to learn. I think this song reflects those new experiences. It’s a little sad, but showing an R&B song in English feels like a new challenge for me, and it fits my style really well.
As you mentioned, “What Would You Do” is an R&B song with quite a sensual and intimate vibe. That’s the feeling I got when I was listening to it, even though the lyrics are a bit sad. When recording a track like this, how do you tap into that energy to bring out the emotions the song needs?
W: At first, I thought the lyrics were very metaphorical, which made it a bit hard to focus. But I was able to concentrate more on the melody, and through that, the different emotions started to come out. I think that’s how I was able to bring those feelings to life.
With songs like “Losing You,” “Ain’t About You,” and now “What Would You Do,” you’ve shown a real talent for expressing yourself in English. How do you approach conveying emotions and messages differently in English compared to Korean, especially considering the language barriers?
W: Thank you so much for the kind words and for listening to my music. I really appreciate it. Of course, English is not my native language, so recording in English always feels a little awkward, and I have to work harder at it. Looking back, there are always things I wish I could’ve done better. In Korea, English is widely spoken, so it feels familiar to me, and I also listen to a lot of global artists. I like to take their styles into consideration when working on my own music.
You’re also heading to the US soon for your tour and for Jingle Ball. I’m sure American WENEE are excited to finally see you and connect with you. You’ve mentioned feeling both nervous and excited about these activities. Can you share what’s behind the nerves, and what part of this new chapter is exciting for you?
W: The reason for my nerves is that I really want to show my fans a great performance when I go to the US. It’s also my first trip there as a solo artist, so I feel quite nervous about that. But I’m also excited for similar reasons. I’ll finally be seeing my US fans again after such a long time, and I’m looking forward to learning from the new experiences I’ll have with them.
Is there anything American fans can expect, maybe a surprise of sorts for the tour?
W: I haven’t shown this in Korea yet, but I’m planning to do different dance challenges during my US show. Also, I’ll be performing “What Would You Do” for the very first time in the States. Since I’ll be meeting my fans for the first time in a long time, it feels like a brand-new experience for me, and I’m really excited for that.
Your fashion and fitness have become really defining aspects of your public image. What’s something no one has ever asked you about that side of yourself, but you kind of wish they would?
W: I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me if I actually enjoy working out. If you ask me if I like sports, I’d say yes, but I don’t really like working out itself. A lot of people think I’m addicted to it, but honestly, I work out because I love eating. In order to show my fans a good visual, I have to work out. I also do it to stay healthy—so I won’t get injured or sick—and to be in the best condition, showing the best side of myself. Just like everyone else, there are mornings when I think, “Should I skip the gym today?” but I always end up going because I think of WENEE.
Looking ahead to 2025, can you tease any future plans? Could a European tour be on the horizon?
W: First, I definitely want to go to Europe. We haven’t confirmed the exact plans yet, but we might visit London and possibly other cities in Europe. I’ll do my very best to make it there next year. Hopefully, we can meet in Europe and have a European tour.
“What Would You Do” by WONHO is out now.
Words by Hasan Beyaz