Wonho Is Teasing New Music Ahead of His Return to the US

Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week, Wonho makes his Fan Chant debut with a quick interview. If you enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!

Wonho is back. After completing his time in the South Korean military in September, the soloist hit the ground running, immediately reconnecting with his fans in Seoul. But he’s returned in an even bigger way now, already releasing a new English-language song, “What Would You Do,” and prepping for almost a full month in the US throughout December.

The time in America will mark his first-ever series of stateside fan meets, where audiences will have the chance to connect with the artist in a more laid-back setting than concerts always allow. Then, he’ll make his Jingle Ball debut.

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While the vocalist is very much on record when it comes to his love of being in the gym (he did immediately mention that he’d been working out the day of our chat), his demeanor is undeniably sweet. Watch the music video for “What Would You Do” below, and read on for my check-in with Wonho.

How’s your day been today? I know it’s night where you are.

It’s good! I worked out, and worked out, and worked out.

That sounds like a great day for you. I wanted to talk about “What Would You Do” and start by asking what made you want to go the pop-R&B route.

For this song, I really wanted to focus on my voice, rather than the dance and performance. I wanted to show a more mature side.

What was the studio process like then?

I was really focused on the pronunciation. I did a lot of different takes; it was a long recording, but I had fun with it.

Well, it turned out great. You’re going to be coming here to the US and spending some time doing a fan meet. What can fans expect?

Since I’m releasing a single, I’ll be able to show my fans a performance for the new song. The performance will also have different challenge videos with different sides. We’re working on those.

It’s been a while since you were in the US, right?

Yes, it’s been about five years. Being in the US is always very exciting.

You’re also going to be doing Jingle Ball while you’re in the US, which I think you’ll really enjoy. How were you approaching your plan for that performance?

It’s my first US solo stage. I’m so nervous and worried, since I have to perform and sing well, but I’m also looking forward to it. Are you coming to Jingle Ball?

I’m not! But I’ll be cheering you on from afar. I live in a city called Nashville, and no Jingle Ball here this year. 

I’ve never been to Nashville, but I want to go.

We can get you a cowboy hat.

Yeah! (lasso movement) I’ve heard a lot about Nashville. I’ve seen it in movies.

What are you most looking forward to with everything you have coming up?

Well, this is my first trip to the US as a soloist. It’ll be new for me, but I’m really just thinking about doing my best for the fans with the performance. I really want it to be a happy time; I’ll be there for almost a month.

Of course plans can still change, but I’m hoping for a new album to come out after my trip to the US. I’m working really hard on it. I’d try to go back to the US after that releases, but in the meantime, I want to spend this winter with the fans. I hope we have a great time when I’m there.

It’s an Amazing Week to Be Atiny

ATEEZ (photo courtesy of KQ Entertainment)

Between ATEEZ scoring their second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and their recent BBMAs nomination — their first ever! — it’s been a delightful week to be an ATEEZ fan. I will always be cheering these guys on.

Song Rec of the Week:

When I feel overwhelmed (as I have at a few different points this week), this album is one of the places I always think to turn. It’s so endlessly lovely and special.