“I want to be a singer who resonates at festivals. If you just call me, I want to go anywhere.”
Jung Dae-hyun (32), a former member of the group B.A.P, had a unique mindset. Recently releasing his new song ‘Path’, he opened a new chapter in his solo career.
Jung Dae-hyun said, “Although I’ve gotten older, I don’t feel physically exhausted. It’s been a long time since I’ve been active, so there could be pressure, but I feel familiar with the stage as if it’s in my nature. I may have aged, but my heart is still close to my 20s.”
With distinct features, a tall stature, and visuals that still rival top idols, he is already a 14-year veteran in the industry. While the long hiatus may leave some regrets, he is a solid veteran with over 10 years of experience.
In particular, he has been recognized for his musical abilities since his debut as the main vocalist of the team. This is the reason he is pursuing solo activities.
Jung Dae-hyun, who stated that singing is what he does best and loves the most, candidly listed the reasons he must succeed as a solo artist.
“After group activities, the team’s progress became dull, and the hiatus extended. As I naturally aged, I started to wonder if this path was right for me. During those times, the members who stood by me and the fans were literally my reason for existence. They reignited my will to survive through music.”
Among them, there was a decisive moment that prevented Jung Dae-hyun from abandoning his path as a singer. He participated as a guest at a fan meeting for team member Moon Jong-up, where he couldn’t forget the cheers from fans welcoming him.
He emphasized that he made a vow to have as many stages as possible to meet with fans.
“I don’t discriminate between fan meetings, concerts, festivals, or celebrations. Musicals too.”
He revealed that he currently practices singing for at least 3 hours a day to become a prepared stage performer. “I’m primarily practicing my solo songs and I want to create my stage setlist by releasing many new songs in the future,” he said.
Now in his 30s, he finds himself in a position of a senior whenever he attends music broadcasts after his comeback. What caught his eye was that the youngest writer he had seen during his rookie days is now the main writer. “The scene has changed a lot, but I was grateful that they didn’t forget me and recognized me. I felt their care, and they approached me first and helped me, which gave me strength to continue my activities,” he smiled.
In fact, Jung Dae-hyun was able to prepare for the stage by securing rehearsal time for music broadcasts, which is usually hard to get. This was due to the consideration of the broadcasting station staff. Additionally, fans came to the scene to actively support him, and he expressed that he was deeply moved, saying, “The cheers from the fans still resonate in my ears. Thanks to them, I was able to perform beautifully, and I feel I can rely on and lean on my fans both in the past and now.”
Continuing his solo activities with a bright spirit has not been easy. Before enlisting in November 2020, he had been actively pursuing his career, but he faced the COVID-19 pandemic, which dealt a significant blow after his discharge. His agency reached a point where it could no longer support him, leaving him feeling stranded.
“There was nothing I could do financially. I had to let go of many things in my music activities, and I was stuck in a situation filled with worries.”
He developed depression and social anxiety but worked hard to escape the situation without relying on others. ‘Mind Control’. Jung Dae-hyun reflected on that time, saying, “I thought that if I could overcome this hardship, I would be able to rise again no matter what happens in the future.”
The new song ‘Path’ features a refreshing guitar sound and a driving band arrangement, conveying a hopeful message of standing up again and finding one’s own rhythm despite the wanderings and imperfections of youth.
As much as the song's meaning, he was also reflecting on himself. Jung Dae-hyun said, “These days, I’m thinking a lot as Jung Dae-hyun. What is life? I’m also feeling myself maturing with age.”
His sincerity was evident in the interview conversation. His attitude of answering every question with care stood out. “This is a really important time,” Jung Dae-hyun said, “I think I’m at a point where I can determine my life as a singer. There’s pressure, but I’m confident that there’s a stage where I can perform well right now.”
To support his passion, this new song was fully produced by B.A.P member Bang Yong-guk. He had strong faith in Bang Yong-guk. Jung Dae-hyun expressed his gratitude, saying, “Yong-guk has always been a reliable member and brother. He’s musically outstanding, so I thought I could just focus on the visual and vocal aspects this time. I’m proud that the song turned out so well.”
After about three weeks of activities, Jung Dae-hyun firmly stated that there would be no more hiatus. “I want to continue my singing activities and have a variety of experiences. The company is also considering events where I can meet fans offline, not just through content.”
Having endured a long time of over 10 years, he left a heartfelt request to his fans.
“The fans are what made me who I am today. Even when I think back to the difficult times in the past, the first thing that comes to mind is the support of the fans. The presence of the fans, which becomes clearer over time, is the driving force that pushes me beyond my limits. I will make sure that we can laugh and be happy together in the future, just as you have waited for a long time.”
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
