Jung calls new solo album ‘perfect’
Despite the fact that “One Fine Day” is CNBlue member Jung Yong-hwa’s first solo album, the star feels confident about his new work.He wrote all 10 tracks and collaborated with several local musicians, including rocker Yoon Do-hyun and rapper Verbal Jint, in an attempt to differentiate the record from what he has done with the band.
“All 10 songs are my children and I’m 100 percent satisfied with them,” said Jung in a recent interview with Ilgan Sports, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily.
“I don’t think there’s anything to modify. I think it is perfect.”
During his showcase for the new album a day before its release on Tuesday, Jung said he wanted to show the best of what he can do with the album.
“I think I wanted to show off that I can make these songs, or I can also sing these songs,” he said.
Q. What is the difference between your solo album and the albums you have released under CNBlue?
A. I didn’t try to change the color I have because I can’t just suddenly break dance just to make my solo album different from the group’s.
But I tried to differentiate my own work by putting in additional color through my collaborations with other musicians.
Would you also play an instrument on stage for a solo performance?
That was something I did differently. When I’m a member of CNBlue, I’m always on stage with an instrument, so I thought being without one could make a visual difference.
Is there a reason why you put songs from different genres on the same album?
I’ve been planning to make an album for more than two years and it’s been more than a year since I really started to make one. I’m not saying I wanted to get away from CNBlue; I just wanted to try something new. In fact, two years ago I was wondering whether I should try heavier rock music, but at some point, I started to like calm and softer music that is easier on the ears. Then I learned that I liked emotional songs.
Many of the songs are love stories. Do they reflect your own experiences?
Usually I put my own stories into my songs. But if you think about it, I would have to be dating three people every month just to make around the 20 songs I release per year, including the tracks on CNBlue’s albums. Otherwise, I would be out of stories. [Laughs] Instead I use experiences from TV dramas and movies whenever I’m out of ideas.
There are rumors that say you had a really hard time putting together this album. What was it like?
I went through a slump. I felt that everything that everyone was telling me was a lie and I couldn’t figure out why I was doing what I was doing.
I drank wine a lot by myself. I was so negative about everything and even words of worry from others like “Are you okay?” got on my nerves. But, fortunately, I think the emotions I felt spread throughout the album in a good way.
Are there any other artists you want to work with?
I didn’t work with any female artists, so I want to do a duet next time if it’s possible. I like Ailee and IU. I would also say singer Sunwoo Jung-a because her voice is so charming.
BY PARK HYUN-TAEK [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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