MONSTA X’s Kihyun is set to make his solo comeback after more than four years. Since returning from military service, Kihyun has been focusing on group activities while diligently preparing his solo album during his spare time. His upcoming release, Borderline, embodies his determination to push boundaries and firmly establish his unique musical identity.
Kihyun’s mini-album Borderline, scheduled for release at 6:00 p.m. (Korean time) on Tuesday, chronicles his journey of forging his own path rather than following a predetermined route.
The title track “So Good” showcases a crescendo of guitar sounds paired with Kihyun’s powerful vocals. It captures the moment when one decides to trust their own instincts in a world constantly demanding answers. Through this song, Kihyun conveys that years of introspection and experience can lead to self-assurance and freedom.
Since his 2015 debut as MONSTA X’s main vocalist, Kihyun has consistently impressed with his vocal prowess. He further solidified his solo presence with his first single “Voyager” and mini-album “Youth” in 2022. In a recent interview with News1, Kihyun shared his thoughts on releasing new solo material after a 3-year and 9-month hiatus due to military service.
【Continuing from the N-Interview】
– How did your fellow members react to your solo album preview?
▶ Hyungwon previously shared a solo track with me that fans adored. He actually offered another song this time, but I had to decline (laughs). While he was disappointed, I had a specific vision for this album. After listening, he said, “Even though you didn’t choose my song, making “So Good” the title track was a great decision. It really showcases your style.” Jooheon also endorsed “So Good” as the title track before we even recorded it. My songwriter friends provided lots of feedback too. I even shared it with I.M, who’s currently serving in the military. He liked the song but wondered if it might be challenging. He added, “It feels like a song only you can pull off,” which meant a lot coming from him. He’s not usually one for compliments. Haha.
– The members recommended “So Good,” but were you apprehensive about it?
▶ I can be quite stubborn, to be honest. While creating this album, I put a lot of thought into it and had to make numerous decisions since my input was heavily involved. The staff were getting anxious, urging me to make a final call. I eventually settled on “So Good” just a day before the deadline. It was the toughest decision, feeling like the absolute final choice. I know I put everyone through a lot. But looking back now, I have no regrets. The time spent deliberating feels worthwhile. This album truly reflects my determination and represents a significant artistic choice.
– With so many solo artists out there, what do you think sets you apart?
▶ While many artists are venturing into solo careers, I believe my unique strength lies in my confidence that I can deliver “So Good” better than anyone else. It may not perfectly align with current trends, but I feel it stands out in its own right.
– How do you navigate between your roles as a MONSTA X member and a solo artist? Have you experienced any identity confusion?
▶ I actually faced this situation recently at the Seoul Park Music Festival, where I performed solo one day and with MONSTA X the next. After my solo performance, I noticed a distinct difference when I took the stage with the group. I hadn’t anticipated such a stark contrast. Haha. I realized that leading alone versus performing with the members are quite different experiences. I think I need to find a way to bridge that gap, but I haven’t quite figured it out yet. For now, it doesn’t feel too jarring, so I’m managing to balance both roles.
– This solo album must hold special significance, coming out on your 11th debut anniversary.
▶ I’ve always believed my vocal strength lies in versatility, which can sometimes be a double-edged sword as it might lack a distinct signature. However, after years of exploring various songs and vocal techniques, I feel I’ve finally honed my unique sound with this album. I consider it a true representation of my musical identity.
– After 11 years in the industry, what changes have you observed in the music scene?
▶ The most noticeable change is the decrease in song lengths. MONSTA X’s debut track was around 4-5 minutes, whereas “So Good” is just 2 minutes and 36 seconds. While I would have preferred it slightly longer, this length feels appropriate given current trends. K-pop fans have also evolved significantly. Their musical tastes have broadened, and they’re more open to diverse styles. From this perspective, I believe the industry is evolving in our favor.
– What are your aspirations for this solo comeback?
▶ This album marks my return after four years. I rarely say this to fans, but I genuinely believe the quality of these songs is exceptional. I’m confident there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I hope listeners will explore beyond the title track, as I believe each of the seven tracks has the potential to be someone’s favorite. Through this album, I aim to clearly showcase my musical style. And while it might sound ambitious, I hope to see it chart well. Even if it’s not number one, I’d love to be in the top 50. Ultimately, I just want my music to reach and resonate with as many people as possible.