After a few SoundCloud mixtapes over the years, rapper and former VARSITY member Jin Junwoo (previously known as Bullet) finally made his official solo debut with the single album, Emptiness, on January 14th at 12 p.m. KST.
The album consists of two title tracks and captures conflicting moods represented by an upbeat dance track and a mellower acoustic song. Emptiness describes the way Junwoo felt after looking back at himself during VARISTY’s hiatus and subsequent disbandment.
Oases (an entertainment consulting production team that regularly posts content related to the album on their YouTube channel) as well as producer and longtime collaborator Woojae worked with the singer to bring the project into life. Both took to Instagram to talk about the creative process of the album.
Beginning its production in February last year, the album was originally scheduled to be released in July 2020. However, after a lot of difficulties, it was finally released as a gift for fans who have patiently waited and supported Junwoo.
“Drunk” is the first song on the album. It was written and composed by Junwoo and MILLE_0, telling the story of a man who gets drunk every day as a way to let him forget about his ex.
“Myself… (Acoustic Demo)” takes on a more mellow approach with Junwoo showcasing his vocals while delivering a sorrowful yet comforting message: “You and I are doing our best.”
The song was written and composed by Woojae who also recorded and mixed the entirety of the single album. He toured Germany and Poland with Junwoo between late 2019 and early 2020 through the support from promotor neXus (previously known as SKeY ACE ). The tour brought the rapper to Europe where he gained a large following of loyal fans.
Junwoo also took time to lend his talent to friend and fellow idol group member Boun (TARGET) to create the former’s third anniversary gift to fans, a song titled “Feel Like.” Much like Emptiness, Woojae recorded and mixed the track while also participating in its lyric writing, composing and arranging.
Junwoo is not the only former VARSITY member to make his return to the music scene in 2021. Members Seungbo and Yunho are set to re-debut under the stage names Dann and Arthur, respectively, in GF Entertainment‘s boy group, KINGDOM, on February 18th KST.
Congratulations to Junwoo on his long-awaited solo debut! Be sure to check out the MV for “Drunk” below!
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Justin is a K-pop fan from Australia, developing a passion for shining a spotlight on underrated and lesser known groups. A professional procrastinator who is currently spends his post-lockdown time trying to figure out how to interact with other humans, while seeking out the company of fictional ones through his favourite tv shows and dramas.
MEDIA: Jungle Entertainment, Oases