Only one, Jae-hwan?

Former Wanna One member Kim Jae-hwan discloses to Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli his hopes and dreams as a newly minted solo artiste

NO serious fan of the Korean pop industry can ever forget how phenomenal this boy group was. I’m talking about that music outfit called Wanna One. Its members took not only their home base but also the whole world by storm as they topped various charts and set music records left and right. And all the while sending legions of female fans swooning with their silky charm.

Unfortunately, Wanna One was only a temporary project comprising the most talented and top 11 contestants of the extremely fierce reality competition show, Produce 101 Season 2.

Despite the boys having left a major impact on the global music scene, their contract ended in December last year after less than two years. Since then, they have had to start anew on their own by crafting their individual paths in the competitive world of showbiz.

Already promoting their respective new music are members Ha Sung-woon, Park Ji-hoon and Lee Dae-hwi. Hoping to gain recognition for his own musical prowess is Kim Jae-hwan, Wanna One’s main vocalist who is all ready to set hearts aflutter in a fan-meet event in Malaysia next month.

Perhaps with the group, the 23-yearold wasn’t able to showcase his potential to the fullest but now, the stage is all his, and, to the joy of some fans, his alone.

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT

“I want to show fans my versatility as an artiste and put out performances that make them happy,” says Kim in an email interview with the New Straits Times.

Last month, Kim successfully launched his highly anticipated debut EP titled Another, which carries six wondrous tracks that include Begin Again, Designer and My Star.

Kim admits to feeling the absence of his former groupmates as he had to do all the work of providing the vocals for the tracks. On top of that, he also helped compose all the songs and write the lyrics to four of the tracks.

“That is why the album is extra special to me. Please give it lots of love,” he adds.

Some performers may feel the jitters at the thought of going solo after sharing the stage for such a long time. Kim, however, felt no pressure in making the decision to go solo. “It felt really exciting and was lots of fun actually. I hope to perform for as long as I can.”

Perhaps he isn’t so worried now that he no longer needs to pull off those tricky dance moves as a Wanna One member.

K-Pop groups are known for their innovative, intricate and polished choreography which they execute with poise and precision during concerts. Soloists, on the other hand, are not required to carry out the mesmerising dance moves. Instead, most soloists prefer to showcase only their vocal chops to impress their audiences. Kim explains that he considers all the dancing and training he had undergone as extremely useful and character-building in developing his showmanship.

“Perhaps in five years’ time, I will be able to show all of you a great stage performance as well as great music, like Bruno Mars,” he elaborates.

DREAMS

Not one to shy away from ambitious dreams, the hunky lad says that he also nurses a desire to win a Best Male Singer award one day.

The 2019 Kim Jae Hwan Fan Meeting [MIN:D] In Kuala Lumpur will be held on July 27 at Stadium Malawati Shah Alam at 6pm.

Tickets, which are priced between RM282 and RM692, can be purchased via www.macpieticketing.com.

The event is organised by UnUsUaL Entertainment with MacpiePro as the supporting event partner.

I want to show fans my versatility as an artiste and put out performances that make them happy... Kim Jae-hwan