Take charge with Wonho
For his debut solo single, pop starWonho decided to take charge from the getgo. Born LeeHo-Seok, the Korean musician not only co-wrote “Losing You,” he also produced the track and sang it in English. The heartfelt ballad resonated with listeners, hittingNo. 1 on the iTunes TopK-Pop Songs chart in countries such as theUnited States, Australia andUnited Kingdom. Wonho said that working on his eight-track EP (“WONHO1st Mini Album Part. 1 Love Synonym(#1): Right forMe”) during the pandemic helped him maintain a sense of normalcy during an abnormal time. Accustomed to constantly jetting off to destinations for work, he said he tries to stay active every day. “It’s a really different realitywe live in now, (but) I’m making sure to keepmy routine going,” he said.“Workout daily, eat healthy, spend time inmy recording studio andwork on new music and production. And, of course, go out a bit for air.”
Q. Youhave traveledso much forwork. Was there one particular place you visited where you thought, “Iwould love to return here for a vacation one day.”
A. I always enjoy traveling and alwayswant to come back tomy fans. I do, however, want to travel to theUnited States withmy family to showthem all the great things I experienced.
Q. Howhave your travels influenced your music?
A. I love towatch the great street performers in each city— sometimes for hours. I ammostly inspired by the amazing musicians ofNewYork. They will make a bucket drum and (showcase their) amazing rhythm.
Q. Once this pandemic is over and you’re free to visit anywhere, where would you like to visit?
A. European countries. I would definitely take a lot of pictures of the beautiful scenery and stop at restaurants to taste different kinds of food. However, the most important thing I think about is hoping that everyone stays safe, healthy and happy in this current situation.
Q. During your first visit to theUnited States, was it like howyou imagined itwould be?
A. Itwas much more vibrant than theUnited States I had imagined. And our fans’ bright energy kept me feeling energized when I met them.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned fromyour travels?
A. That people all over theworld are the same. We all look for love. We all share similar emotions, struggles and being human. The language or culturemay be different, but that doesn’t change the human experience.
Q. Do youwork on your music when you’re traveling?
A. Sometimes, yes. Usuallymy schedule is very packed though. But I might capture an idea onmy phone or get to a studio if I can.
Q. What is your best and/orworst vacation memory?
A. My best memory is frommy vacation to Jeju Island. I’m usually so busy. But there, I spent a lot of time looking at the sea, relaxing and clearingmy head. I never look at any experience as theworst. I am grateful and humbled for everything in life.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. I think that every place has something that reminds me of home.
Home is where I live but it’s also, my fans, the people around me andmy family. I see good people everywhere I go, andmy fans are always with me. I also love to tryKorean food everywhere— besides, of course, the local traditional food— which keeps me even more connected to home.