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| Singer Kim Dong-han debuted as a soloist with his new solo album "D-DAY." Courtesy of OUI Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Singer Kim Dong-han, 21, is now enjoying the popularity of his own "SUNSET," after kicking off his new trajectory as a soloist by dropping his first solo album "D-DAY," with the lead single "SUNSET" on June 19.
"Being a soloist has its advantages but I want to be part of a group as well, since I could communicate and interact with other members and show off our chemistry," Kim said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "It is not yet decided whether I would play as a soloist in the future or not."
Included in the five-track solo album are the title song "SUNSET," an EDM song about a man under the sunset, hip-hop track "D-DAY," a collaboration song with K-pop idol Wooseok of Pentagon titled "Ain't No Time," contemporary R&B track "Record Me," and ballad "Late Night Call."
"I was involved in the choreography for the song on the album this time, but songwriting is still quite demanding," the singer revealed.
The success of the solo challenge proven by the tracks topping the charts excited the singer, who became known after appearing on season 2 of Mnet's survival reality show "Produce 101" in 2017.
"I had to stay overnight every day, and suffered from emotional distress," Kim said as he revealed his experience as a contestant. "But now, it is a precious memory that trained and helped me."
Thanks to the show, the soloist earned his nickname "Dong Cen Ye," which means "Dong-han playing in the center of the group is beautiful." It came from Kahi, a former member of K-pop girl group After School who appeared as a dance trainer on the program.
Kim's rank at the beginning of the program was 78th out of 101 competitors, but he soared up to 29th in the end with his endeavors.
His efforts and enthusiasm for music and performance could easily be witnessed during the interview.
"I look pretty much like a rookie right now, so I want to get this over with," the singer said. "I want to cultivate my skills in every aspect, so I could grow up as a well-rounded talent, just like my role model singer-actor Rain."
Having particular affection toward singing, Kim disclosed his fervor about it as well. "I really want to sing well," Kim said.
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| Singer Kim Dong-han came back with a new solo album "D-DAY." Captured from Instagram |
Although he could not be a member of boy band Wanna One, composed of top 11 contestants who won multiple rounds of voting, he came back to fans as a member of a new, but temporary boy band JBJ in October 2017.
In the group were six members from the program with high ranks, including Roh Tae-hyun, Takada Kenta, Kim Sang-gyun, Jin Longguo, Kwon Hyun-bin and Kim.
Only 101 days after its debut, JBJ was ranked No. 1 on KBS Music Bank thanks to its hit "My Flower." On April 2018, the group was disbanded despite its popularity.
Still, people would automatically bring up Kim now whenever they appreciate sunset thanks to his solo gigs.
Kim is now blooming with happiness on and off the stage with love and support from his fans, despite being too busy to enjoy long-time hobby.
"I am fond of watching movies regardless of genres," unveiled the singer. "I want to watch 'Ant-Man and the Wasp, 2018' today."
The singer's eyes, which he picks as his charming feature, were gleaming as he disclosed the plan. But he had to take his words back after being reminded of hectic schedules.
He also revealed that he loves watching variety shows too, choosing SBS "Running Man" as the program that he wants to be featured in the most.
"I would have been a bodyguard or physical education teacher, if I had not become a singer," added Kim. "I was a member of cover dance team in the past, which gained many victories in tournaments."
Despite being mature and manly up on the stage, Kim was a witty and playful boy down on the chair for interview.
He joked that he enjoyed greater popularity while in a cover dance team than now. It was apparently just a joke, considering his upcoming fan meetings that will take place in Japan and Thailand.
"My future goal is to be covered on the front page of the Korea Times," said the soloist. "I love you, Korea Times!"
