Photo = JYP ENTERTAINMENT

 

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] DAY6 YOUNG K raised anticipation by giving a slight spoiler about the setlist for his solo concert.

 

YOUNG K met with Hanteo News at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul on the 22nd and talked about his 2nd full-length album 'YOUNGEST' and his solo concert set to take place next month. On this day, YOUNG K revealed that he had tried to include all 15 songs from the new album in the setlist, but ultimately decided not to, saying, “I want to leave just a little bit of regret.” He added, “There must be a separate reason why I want to leave some regret,” heightening anticipation.

 

Preparations are currently in full swing for his solo concert, 'Young K Solo Tour <YOUNGEST>,' which shares the same name as the new album. YOUNG K said, “We are preparing it very meticulously,” adding, “From the timing of when one song begins after another, to how it would be more effective to connect things in between, even when asking the audience to ‘make some noise,’ I want to include musical devices rather than just doing it plainly.” He continued, “If there is a section that is obviously meant for a sing-along but no one sings along, I think I would feel very disappointed, so for 'Shut The Door' at least, I hope everyone shouts it together,” adding, “I am preparing hard to make it a concert that people can enjoy together, rather than one where I simply present something.”

 

Group performances and solo performances are different from the mindset itself. YOUNG K said, “Unlike group performances, where the audience’s gaze could be dispersed and shared, there is a healthy sense of pressure that I have to carry everything alone,” adding, “I think that makes me push myself harder.” On the other hand, solo performances also have their own advantages. YOUNG K said, “Both of my hands are free,” adding, “I, who had been tied to a stand microphone, will be able to run around.”

 

He also honestly opened up about the limits and growth he felt while taking part in the overall planning of the album. He said, “After being discharged from the military, my range of activities expanded, and I felt that being in the position of producing as a producer was the most enjoyable, so this time I wanted to get more involved,” adding, “From planning meetings with the music video director to the creative team, marketing team, and concert planning team, I worked together with everyone from the planning stage. I also learned that more group chat rooms are needed than I expected, and I really felt that there is a reason professionals exist in each field.” As for his limitations, he drew laughter by saying, “Using the music video as an example, I realized that I do not have the vast knowledge to bring out references at any time, and on the marketing side as well, I realized that I do not fully understand how the world is currently moving, so I am diligently watching Reels.”

 

He also planned a short-form challenge himself for the first time. YOUNG K said, “Until now, my approach was to participate in every challenge that came in, but finally, I am doing my own challenge for the first time,” adding, “I have asked other singers to take part in a challenge with an official format.” He also revealed a dazzling lineup. YOUNG K said, “Jung Seung Hwan, who was active in the Gong K project where singers perform while wearing masks, is also expected to participate, and Paul Kim hyung, who appeared in the most recent episode, is also expected to be there,” teasing, “The lineup will be incredible.”

 

He does not yet have strong ambitions to walk the path of a producer. YOUNG K said, “While doing survival programs, judging, and producer activities, I found it fun, and I did think that someday I might be able to nurture juniors,” but added, “For now, I think I already have my hands full.” He continued with a laugh, “I have to produce YOUNG K first and raise YOUNG K well before that becomes possible, so I am playing a YOUNG K raising game.”

 

YOUNG K is currently a fixed cast member on tvN’s variety program 'Amazing Saturday.' YOUNG K said, “'Amazing Saturday' gave me such great positive energy because it removed the thing called fear,” adding with laughter, “I realized that no matter how much I fool around, MY DAY, the fandom name, will support me, but I will still live with a certain degree of restraint.” His various activities have expanded YOUNG K’s world. YOUNG K said, “I felt this when I was a radio DJ as well, but I learn and experience many things that are greater than the abilities I thought I had,” adding, “In the past, if someone told me to go out and dance, embarrassment would be the first thing I put on, but now, the fact that I first think, ‘How can I make this funnier?’ shows a shift in my thinking.”

 

YOUNG K’s 2nd full-length album 'YOUNGEST' will be released today at 6 PM.

 

grace@hanteo.com