Jung Daehyun debuted in 2012 as part of the idol group B.A.P, but these days, he is embarking on his official career as a full-time solo artist. Although he released his first solo single “Shadow” in 2017, he is now working under the name Baby Hyun and getting a fresh, new start with a brand of music that is uniquely his own. He has a lot in store that he wants to show fans and will soon be doing so with the launch of his first solo mini-album.
What The Kpop was recently able to interview this talented artist and chat about both his past and his future. From serious music questions to fun questions about his favorite things, read below to learn more about Baby Hyun.
WTK: First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. Do you have anything to say to your fans before we get started?
BH: Hi, this is Daehyun. It’s been such a long time. Thanks for reaching out, and I do feel regrettable about how long it has been. I want to tell you guys a lot of stories as a solo artist. Please send me lots of love and support during this journey.
WTK: You were a member of B.A.P since 2012. Now that you are pursuing your solo career full time, what are the things you feel have changed the most? Are there any challenges you’ve been facing on your own?
BH: Before I was a member of B.A.P, I had vocal training for 10 months. After I became a trainee, I did about four more months of training, then I became a member of B.A.P and we debuted. Becoming a solo artist hasn’t changed things too much, but I do have to be on stage alone and do everything by myself. The biggest change I experienced at this point after becoming a solo artist is… everything feels new and different as I start afresh. It’s difficult, but it’s a rewarding experience each time I take a new step.
WTK: I’m sure you and the other members of B.A.P are really busy right now as everyone is starting their own solo careers and companies, but have you been able to meet up recently?
BH: I haven’t seen them much since the 2018 tour, but we still keep in touch and support each other from distance. I don’t think B.A.P separating has changed much with that. I still love, support, and miss everyone.
WTK: Do you have any plans for a solo fan meeting or tour overseas? I know so many fans would love to have you visit their countries.
BH: I can’t really go on an international tour right now because of my current circumstances, and also, I have some issues with my passport which makes it difficult. I do wish that I could meet and perform for them in order to make some great memories with my international fans. But as of now, I don’t have other ways than social media, so I’m trying to use that to return the love.
(Editor’s Note: Daehyun will be going to Japan in April for a joint fan meeting tour with fellow B.A.P member Jongup. You can click here for more information.)
WTK: You are primarily working on your own right now. Are you enjoying the challenge and freedom right now? Or do you find it difficult to do everything by yourself?
BH: Right now, it’s a process of building things up one by one. I plan to work as a single-person management company. I’m in the process of going through all of those procedures and setups. I can’t give this up or become too complacent and get lazy about it. Although the process is tough, I want to get to a certain point with it. I don’t know when that will happen, but I won’t stop or give up. It’ll be great if I had my fans’ support.
WTK: Everyone is so excited for your upcoming mini-album! Apart from the album, however, do you have plans for any additional activities like musical theater?
BH: I’m planning to show a lot of new and different things starting with this mini-album. However, musicals would be great as well if I get the opportunity. When the time comes, I hope a lot of the fans will come to see it!
WTK: Since you already have experience with acting through musicals, would you ever consider acting in a K-drama as well?
BH: I’m planning to get closer to the fans through music at the moment, but if I get an opportunity, I want to try acting too.
WTK: You have accomplished so much in your career as a singer. What’s the most memorable accomplishment to you?
BH: I did achieve a lot of things through my work and all, but I don’t get very attached to my past achievements. I get more motivated about the achievements to come in the future. One thing that never change though are the fans. No matter what the circumstances are, being with my fans is always so rewarding, precious, and dear to my heart.
WTK: Let’s talk about your upcoming album! What kind of songs will it include?
BH: All of the songs on the album have never been released before. It’s a way of declaring my brand new start as the solo artist Jung Daehyun. At the same time, I think I can show the fans a sound that’s more uniquely mine. Concerning other details, it’ll be great if you can check it out when the album comes out!
WTK: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would you choose?
BH: Since I just began as a solo artist, I want to show the people and my fans just my own music for a while.
WTK: Speaking of singers and music, what’s your favorite song these days?
BH: I listen to Luther Vandross a lot nowadays. He is a great artist. You can learn so much from him.
WTK: Do you have any new genres or concepts you would like to try as a soloist?
BH: When I’m somewhat satisfied with my music, I want to try jazz later on.
WTK: We’re really excited that you have a YouTube page now! What kind of videos and content do you plan on uploading?
BH: I plan to share a lot of things that I haven’t been able to share before— like my daily life and what goes on behind the stage. At the moment, I’m working on my videos. From now on, I plan to share a lot regularly through YouTube.
WTK: Your departure from TS Entertainment was very recent. Have you thought about taking a vacation and just enjoying some free time for now? Where would your dream vacation entail?
BH: I don’t think now is the best time for me to take a break. There are so many things I want to do and a lot of things I still need to improve on first. I plan to show a lot through music. My dream vacation would just be something like the sense of relief and relaxation that comes after a performance is finished.
WTK: Recently, a group of BABYz got together and wrote a song for B.A.P, even making a music video. Did you see it already? (Readers can click here to watch it.) If so, do you have a message for the fans involved in the project?
I saw it on YouTube. I was so moved. It is because of the fans like this who show support and love that I don’t give up when things are tough and I’m able to stick to music. I want to tell them that I truly am immensely grateful. I want to say this more than anything— while I’m alive, I will sing for you guys. I truly love you guys.
WTK: Since so many fans sent in questions, we would like to ask you a series of quick, silly questions for fun. Try to keep your answers to one word if possible. The first one is— spring or autumn?
BH: Autumn.
WTK: Favorite book?
BH: I don’t have one.
WTK: Chinese food or Japanese food?
BH: Japanese.
WTK: If you could travel back in time, which person would you like to meet?
BH: Luther Vandross.
WTK: What is your biggest goal for 2019?
BH: I don’t have a set goal. I am just going to work hard and be consistent. I just want to meet fans more.
WTK: Do you still love cheesecake?
BH: No.
WTK: What makes you happiest these days?
BH: Singing.
WTK: Favorite place in Busan?
BH: Sajik-dong.
WTK: Thank you! That was a lot of questions (laughs). We held a game recently and the winner was able to submit a video question for you. We’ll show it to you, but our readers can click here to watch the video. The question was, “How do you deal with art block/being exhausted creatively?”
BH: (To the fan) I think that no matter what you do, there will be tough times and slumps. Often they will be repeated too. Even if you attempt to overcome it in your own way, it’s difficult to overcome it completely. The important thing is who is beside you at that very moment. When I was in a slump, sometimes it was because of people. But when I got over slumps, it was also because of people. I couldn’t overcome it completely on my own no matter how much I tried. The people who are by your side in a challenging moment are really important.
WTK: It’s been seven years since you debuted and many things have changed. Where do you think you will be in the next seven years?
BH: For sure, I will be doing music.
WTK: Whether about life or music, what is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
BH: Experience was the best advice. I still need so much advice, but I know that it will come through life’s experiences.
WTK: I know all fans want you to know how much they love you and how special you are to them, as well as how they will always support you in all that you do. Do you have any last words to your fans?
BH: I want to say thank you to all the fans for all the support and love that were given in the past seven years. And I hope you guys love my music as a solo artist too. I think nothing has changed. I’m still Jung Daehyun, and I love singing. All I want is to be remembered for that. I am truly grateful, and I love you guys.
Thank you so much to Daehyun/Baby Hyun for participating in this interview with us! He is so kind and was happy to answer every single question we included. In addition, he is working hard with English to be able to communicate more with fans. Whether it’s through music, YouTube, acting, or more, we wish him the best of luck and will be rooting for the success of all his solo activities!
Did any of Daehyun’s answers surprise you? Did you learn anything new about this talented artist? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Media: Jung Daehyun
INTERVIEW TRANSLATIONS:
한국- 정대현 인터뷰
Entrevista en Español
Portugues- Entrevista
デちゃん インタビュー 日本語訳
Daehyun Перевод на русский интервью
Un interview avec l’artiste solo le plus récent de Kpop
大賢的訪問中文版