Choi Suhwan, a rising star in the South Korean music scene under LYNNA Entertainment, embarked on his musical journey on August 20, 2020, with his pre-debut single "Starry Night," captivating listeners with his unique style and emotional resonance. However, it wasn't until October 18, 2021, that he officially debuted with the electrifying digital single "New Hero."
Choi Suhwan first caught the public's attention during his participation in Mnet’s reality survival show Produce X 101, where he displayed his unwavering determination and raw talent. Although he faced the hardships of elimination during episode 11, ending with a final rank of 28th, Choi Suhwan remained undeterred, continuing to pursue his creative passions in music.
Building on his journey, Choi Suhwan went on to release the digital singles "Chance" and “Left on Read.” Each release added layers to his evolving artistry. His most recent release, "Losing Sleep," is a testament to his growth as an artist and his ability to resonate with audiences on a profound level.
In this exclusive interview, I dive into the inspiration behind his latest single, "Losing Sleep," explore his musical journey from Produce X 101 to becoming a solo artist and more.
Hello, Choi Suhwan! Firstly, thanks for taking the time to speak with Hellokpop. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Choi Suhwan: Hello Hellokpop! My name is Choi Suhwan, and I am currently working as a solo artist.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, "Losing Sleep"?
Choi Suhwan: I think the single “Losing Sleep” can be seen as a sad song about not being able to sleep while missing someone who left you (the listener) on a starry night.
"Losing Sleep" is described as a slow R&B song with a late 1990s or early 2000s vibe. What draws you to this genre, and how does it resonate with you as an artist?
Choi Suhwan: I was born in 2001, so I didn’t have much exposure to the R&B genre of the late 1990s and early 2000s growing up. There were some difficult parts, but I thought R&B was the genre that suited me best. So, to become a singer, I knew I needed to listen to more diverse genres and learn how to perform them to enhance my ability to absorb and interpret music more comprehensively. Despite the difficulties I faced along the way, I have grown a lot, and the results have been quite satisfactory.
Are there any artists or musicians from the late 1990s or early 2000s who particularly inspired your latest song?
Choi Suhwan: I had to listen to a lot of R&B songs, so I practiced a lot of Bruno Mars songs, and I think I also listened to and practiced a lot of songs from D.O. from EXO, who is currently exploring R&B in his solo album.HKP: What do you hope your audience takes away from "Losing Sleep" when they listen to it?
Choi Suhwan: The content of the song is quite sad, so it's good to just listen to it comfortably at night. I think people who are missing someone will be able to empathize better if they listen and focus on the message.
How has your journey from participating in Produce X 101 to becoming a solo artist shaped your music and style?
Choi Suhwan: When I appeared on Produce X 101, I think my singing skills and understanding of the genre were narrow. As I started my solo career, I started listening to and practicing more genres of music. During that period, I recognized that there were more things I could do and more things I had to do, which led to some difficult times. However, now I think it is important to feel a sense of accomplishment when you have achieved that much and to constantly pursue something rather than stay (motionless) in one position.
"Starry Night" was your pre-debut single. How does it feel to see how far you've come since then?
Choi Suhwan: When I released “Starry Night,” I was half excited and half afraid because it was just the beginning. But now, rather than feeling like that, I focus on how I can make this album well. I think there are many ideas that it would be nice to include, and I can't wait to share this album with my fans and the public.
You've released several digital singles like "Chance" and "Left On Read." How do these songs fit into your musical evolution?
Choi Suhwan: First of all, “Chance” and “Left on Read” were songs in a genre I had never tried before, and when I released them, many people especially liked “Left on Read.” So, I think that was the moment when I thought that this genre of song (R&B) suited my voice well and was my strength.
How do you infuse your personal experiences and emotions into your songs?
Choi Suhwan: Rather than just putting my emotions into a song and feeling them, I try to sing, thinking about how I can fully convey these emotions. In the end, as a singer, I don't sing songs to myself but to the people who are listening, so rather than thinking about my own feelings too much, I tend to try to convey these feelings to the listeners.
Your journey in the music industry has been remarkable. Can you share a memorable moment from your career so far?
Choi Suhwan: I think the moments where I just put out my own songs and perform them are the most special moments for me. Releasing a song and performing in a space where there are fans and the public who come to see and listen to it makes me feel like every moment becomes a new and special one.
What's the most important lesson you've learned as a solo artist?
Choi Suhwan: I feel that solo artists are never truly alone nowadays. Whether it's the people closest to me or those who work alongside me, everyone's contributions are essential to my job as a solo artist. So, even though I'm a solo artist, I firmly believe that I'm not alone, and I think it's crucial to always be grateful to those around me and give my best. That, I believe, is the most important mindset.
Your fans often appreciate the raw and emotional quality of your music. How do you connect with your audience through your songs?
Choi Suhwan: It seems like my fans particularly appreciate my voice when I sing emotional songs. Many of them have told me that they connect with my music on a deep level, and it brings them healing. I strive to enhance this aspect and draw from it, and when I hear that my songs empower others, it's a source of strength for me as well. This connection is what I find most significant.
Could you share some insights into any upcoming projects or songs you're working on after "Losing Sleep"?
Choi Suhwan: I think the next album will be the one that determines the future direction of me as an artist. I would be grateful if you could look forward to it.
Lastly, please leave a message to your fans around the world reading this.
Choi Suhwan: I would appreciate it if you would listen to my new single album, "Losing Sleep," which was released on November 2nd. I'm always thankful for your support of my music and for patiently waiting for an album like this. I'll do my best to repay you with even better albums and higher quality. Also, let's meet at future performances. Thank you, and I love you always.
Check out his discography on Spotify.
Special thanks to Choi Suhwan and LYNNA Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Images and Video Credits: LYNNA Entertainment