Kim Jae-hwan shines in his solo show

When K-pop sensation Wanna One split up, fans couldn’t wait for Kim Jae-hwan’s solo album.  Among the 11 band members, Jae-hwan stood out for his unique voice and ability. 

In May, the multi-talented performer released his six-track EP Another on which he wrote and co-produced several songs including the chart-topping track, “Begin Again.”

After a successful fan meeting in Seoul, Jae-hwan has visited seven countries for his Asia tour, taking in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. 

On June 22 at Indoor Stadium Huamark, the singer met Thai fans at the event — 2019 Kim Jae-hwan Fan Meeting [Min:D] in Thailand. 

As colourful lights lit the dark hall like stars in the sky, Jae-hwan appeared to sing the opening song "Designer." Back on the TV music competition Produce 101, the singer used to cry because he wasn’t good at dancing and was afraid of being eliminated from the show. However, with great efforts to improve, both his singing and dancing were excellent. 

During the two-hour show, the singer chatted with an MC and sang eight songs in various styles with ballads “Love You Still,” “My Star,” “Sorry” and “Begin Again” as well as Demi Lovato’s “Sorry not Sorry,” Trey Songz’s “Neighbors Know My Name” and even a Bob Dylan song which he performed on guitar. Due to his great voice and cool dance moves, Jae-hwan was a charming performer. His quirky wit also made the interview interesting.  

Before the singer hit the stage, he met up with Thai press. Here are some highlights from the interview. 

What’s different as a solo singer?

Jae-hwan: The important part is I have to fill the stage by myself. 

Do you feel lonely?

Jae-hwan: Yes. I’m an only child, so I was born lonely. I’m lonelier as a solo singer.

What was your music inspiration for Another?

Jae-hwan: My inspiration came from singers who made quality music which I’ve listened to since I was very young.  

Do you think you’re sexy?

Jae-hwan: No, I’m not that sexy. I have to practice more to be sexy. 

How did you feel about acting in your music video for “Begin Again”?

Jae-hwan: Acting isn’t my main job, but my co-actress Kim Yoo-Jung gave me support, so we could get through the shoot smoothly. I think my acting wasn’t bad. If I have a chance, I’d like to challenge myself in acting. 

Have you ever wanted to fix anything you did in Produce 101?

Jae-hwan: I don’t want to change anything because who I was then made who I am today. If I fixed it, it wouldn’t guarantee that I could be successful. 

How did Wanna One’s members react to Another?

Jae-hwan: Some of them liked “Begin Again.” I was surprised that rapper Lai Kuan-lin said he liked “Begin Again” more than other songs because he personally likes hip-hop music, but “Begin Again” is a ballad. 

What does the name of your fan club WIN:D mean?

Jae-hwan: It was chosen by my fans. WIN:D refers to wind. I hope listeners can feel like flying with the wind in my songs.  

What are Thai WIN:D like?

Jae-hwan: They’re energetic. I can feel the love and interest in K-pop from Thai fans.