“Just hearing the name U-KISS makes me angry, sad, and happy; it’s a group that contains my entire life. I feel like I can’t let go of the team. Even if I do better, I want to succeed as U-KISS rather than as a solo artist.”
Shin Soo-hyun (36) of U-KISS was solely focused on ‘U-KISS’. His present, past, and future were all connected to U-KISS, and he appeared to be someone dedicated to the group. For the leader and main vocalist of the team, U-KISS was more than just an idol group; it was his entire life.
On the 11th, Shin Soo-hyun released his first solo single album ‘I Am’. This album, released on March 11, coinciding with his birthday, represents not just a simple beginning but the first step he has long awaited and yearned for.
In celebration of the album release, Shin Soo-hyun met with Maeil Business Newspaper's Star Today and was excited. He stated, “This is an album I put my life on the line for. I can say it’s my last challenge. I prepared really hard and tried to show everything I can do best. I came out to show the various sides of Shin Soo-hyun.”
The album includes the title track ‘I’m Easily’ and the B-side ‘Another Beginning’. The title track is a serious expression of the emotions and inner changes Shin Soo-hyun has accumulated over time. It features a band sound with intense drums and guitar, topped with Shin Soo-hyun's powerful vocals, enhancing its completeness.
Shin Soo-hyun expressed strong confidence, saying, “As soon as I received the song, I thought it was the one I could do best, and I wanted to show a refreshing rock sound, and it was just the right song.”
‘Another Beginning’ is a remake of a song by senior artist Seo Ji-won. As a long-time fan of Seo Ji-won, he shared, “If I had the chance, I wanted to remake my senior’s song in my style, and the timing worked out for me,” showing his affection for the track.
After discussing the album and his recent activities, questions arose about U-KISS, his background and history.
Having debuted with U-KISS in 2008, he has been active as a singer for an impressive 17 years. During this time, a total of 10 members have passed through the five-member team. Despite the repeated departures and additions of members, leader Shin Soo-hyun has steadfastly maintained his position and played a key role in keeping the team together.
However, the team ultimately concluded its activities last November. But it is not a disbandment. Shin Soo-hyun clarified, “We stopped team activities due to realistic issues, but it is absolutely not a disbandment. I plan to carry the team to the end. First, the members each have their own paths they want to pursue.” He added, “In four years, it will be our 20th anniversary since debut. I am planning team activities with that as a goal,” expressing his infinite love for the team by saying, “U-KISS is a group that is too precious to me. I want my last activity to be with U-KISS.”
His deep love for the team led him to take the blame for the team’s lack of activity. He admitted, “It seems that the company and the team hit a realistic wall because the results didn’t meet expectations. I felt like it was all my fault. As someone who has continued without any departures until now, I often blamed myself, thinking, ‘Is this all there is?’ It was a difficult feeling as a leader,” sharing his honest feelings.
Despite his long career, Shin Soo-hyun approached this solo album with a fresh mindset. He shared that he went through a mentally challenging time last year, saying, “If I had been pressed for time while preparing music for a long time, this time I wanted to take my time to fully express my emotions and create my music. I hope you can feel my sincerity.”
Shin Soo-hyun identified his fans as his driving force. Shyly, he confidently declared, “Fans,” expressing his gratitude, “I am so thankful that our fans do not give up on us and continue to support us. They are the reason I am alive. I truly want to do better and give back to my fans.”
Throughout the interview, Shin Soo-hyun's passion was palpable. His determination to succeed in any activity, regardless of the field, stood out. He expressed, “I hope the public sees me as a friendly Shin Soo-hyun. I want them to feel comfortable with me, like a neighbor or older brother,” as he dreams of being a popular singer.
In conclusion, Shin Soo-hyun stated, “Above all, I want to continue to be active with our U-KISS team for a long time. My biggest wish is for all 10 members who have passed through U-KISS to gather and perform on one stage,” as he clasped his hands together.
Following the album release, Shin Soo-hyun is set to hold a solo concert in Seoul on the 15th and in Japan on April 11-12, engaging in extensive activities.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
