IN CONVERSATION WITH WONHO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Today we’re joined by global K-pop soloist WONHO, who has just released his new EP, CORE, his most personal and emotionally revealing project to date. Across seven tracks, CORE explores vulnerability, healing, and self-acceptance through themes of RAW, SHELL, and CRACK, while blending dance-pop, R&B, house, and atmospheric pop. WONHO also took part in the lyrics, composition, and arrangement, making this a deeply personal chapter in his artistic journey.  

all images courtesy of HIGHLINE ENTERTAINMENT

Congratulations on CORE! What does this EP represent for you personally?

I think this album represents a fresh start more than anything. I spent a lot of time thinking not only about the direction I wanted to take musically, but also about how I wanted to present myself moving forward. That process involved a lot of self-reflection, and this album means so much to me because it captures many of the thoughts and emotions I experienced along the way.

You describe CORE as your most honest project yet. What gave you the confidence to be this vulnerable?

I realised there was more honesty in expressing how I truly feel now than in trying to present a polished, idealised version of myself. Over time, I've become much more comfortable with who I am, and having my WENEEs by my side, supporting me no matter what, has given me the confidence to embrace that. 

The EP is built around the themes of RAW, SHELL, and CRACK. Can you explain how those ideas came together?

RAW represents your most vulnerable and honest self, where your scars are visible for everyone to see. The SHELL is what we build to protect those scars. It may look strong on the outside, but ultimately it's there to protect what's within. Even the strongest shell will eventually CRACK, and it's through those cracks that I can reveal my true self, the CORE of who I am.

Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired this album?

Rather than one specific moment, I think this album was inspired by the time I spent alone. I often find myself reflecting on the past when I'm by myself, and I also draw a lot of inspiration from my conversations with fans. In the end, most of my inspiration comes from everyday life.

You contributed to the lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Which song feels the most personal to you, and why?

Definitely Summer Blue. I was actually on the fence about including it on the tracklist until the very end. There's a lyric that says, "3 AM, deep in the night, I wrote this song Summer Blue." The song was inspired by something called "WONHO o'clock," which is what my fans call 3:01 AM or PM because my birthday is on 1st March. That connection makes the song especially meaningful for both me and my fans.

Every track explores a different emotion. Was it difficult revisiting some of those feelings while creating the album?

I'd be lying if I said it was easy. But instead of trying to ignore or push those feelings aside, I chose to accept both the good and the bad as parts of what shaped me into who I am today. In the end, creating this album gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

Fans first heard Down during your previous tour. What made it the right fit for CORE?

So many people loved Down when I performed it on tour that releasing it officially became a top priority for me. It's a song that really comes alive on stage because it's something people can dance and jump along to. It also has a summery energy that fits naturally with the overall mood of CORE.

Promises with Brother Su closes the album on a comforting note. Why was it important to end the EP that way?

If you listen to the album from beginning to end, you'll notice it moves through a range of emotions. Some songs are full of energy, while others are softer and more comforting. Promises isn't just about making a promise to someone else, it's also about making one to yourself. That's why I felt it was the perfect way to close the album on a warm and hopeful note.

How do you hope longtime WENEE will connect with CORE compared to your previous releases?

More than anything, I wanted this album to remind people that it's okay not to be perfect. Everyone has scars and parts of themselves they'd rather hide, but those experiences are also what make us who we are. I hope WENEEs connect with that message and learn to love and accept every part of themselves too.

You’ve grown tremendously as both an artist and songwriter. What have you learned about yourself during this era?

I've started approaching music a little differently. Of course, improving your technical skills is important, but I think what truly moves people is the message behind the music. Sometimes it's just one lyric or one phrase that stays with someone the longest. While creating this album, I paid a lot more attention to every word and every line, and I hope listeners can feel those emotions too.

Beyond the music, you’ve inspired fans through fitness and fashion. How do those passions influence your creativity as an artist?

To me, they're all connected. Fitness and fashion are just different ways I express myself, just like music. The experiences I have through those passions influence the music I create and the way I perform. At the same time, the emotions I experience through music often inspire my style and performances as well.

Looking back at your journey since your solo debut, what are you most proud of today?

If I could say something to my younger self, it would be, "Don't rush." I've always been someone who's focused on what's ahead, and that often came with a lot of anxiety and impatience. Looking back, I realise that constantly chasing the next goal helped shape the person I am today, but I've also learned the importance of slowing down and enjoying the journey instead of only focusing on the destination. More than anything, I'm proud that I'm still able to make music and perform on stage with my WENEEs by my side. No matter what I choose to do next, I don't think there's anything more meaningful than that.