Lee Jin-hyuk poses during a press event held to mark the release of his new album, "NEW QUEST: JUNGLE," at SBS Public Hall in Gangseo District, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Bill Entertainment

Solo artist Lee Jin-hyuk kicked off a new chapter in his idol career with the release of his latest album, "NEW QUEST: JUNGLE." This album marks Lee's return after approximately 20 months, signaling a fresh phase for the singer-actor.

Debuting as a member of the group UP10TION in 2015, Lee ventured onto Mnet's survival audition show, "Produce X 101" four years later, only to fall victim to the show's notorious rank manipulation. This setback prompted his solo debut later that year.

In 2020, Lee ventured into acting, further diversifying his entertainment career. He recently completed filming for the upcoming JTBC drama, "Frankly Speaking," set to premiere in May.

Despite a prolonged hiatus as a singer, Lee remains determined to carve his niche as a popular solo artist. A press event held at SBS Public Hall in Gangseo District, Seoul, Tuesday, marked the release of his 6th mini album, "NEW QUEST: JUNGLE."

"It hasn't fully sunk in yet. The anticipation and nerves of making a comeback after a year and eight months are really hitting me," the singer-actor frankly shared during the event. "But I'm ready to shake off the tension and give it my all, knowing I've poured my heart into this album."

Lee, 29, currently finds himself on the cusp of his thirties, after venturing into the K-pop industry when he was just 20.

"As I approach 30, I've realized the importance of crafting music that resonates with depth. I aim to infuse my identity into every track, combining my roles as an actor, a former UP10TION member, and a participant in a famous reality show," Lee explained.

The new album, a product of Lee's introspection, boasts six tracks, including the title track, "Relax," alongside "Good Boys," "Crush," "Trainwreck," "Slay," and "Above My Head."

Particularly noteworthy is the title track "Relax," an urban dance-pop anthem characterized by its uplifting lyrics, encouraging listeners to find solace in everyday moments.

In his creative process, Lee grappled with the concept of "universal popularity," aiming to strike a balance between personal expression and audience appeal.

"Previously, I've been all about maintaining a bit of that immature vibe while working closely with my favorite songwriters to create the music I envisioned," he shared.

"But this time, I felt it was important to shift gears and focus on crafting tunes that really resonate with everyone. While my earlier albums were definitely made with my fans in mind, this time around, I wanted to ensure the music had that universal appeal while still staying true to myself."

Regarding the future of UP10TION, Lee said, "There are currently no plans for group activities. Each member is pursuing individual endeavors, and discussions about the group's future have yet to take place."

In closing, Lee emphasized a desire to reciprocate the trust vested in him by his company.

"I aim to be an artist who not only achieves commercial success but also fosters a harmonious partnership with my label," he affirmed.