"We shine when we're together"…Han, the sincerity of a first comeback (Q&A)

[Dispatch=Yuha Haneul Reporter] "When I'm with Mate, every day is heaven" Han&Soul releases its first mini album 'Glow' on the 27th at 6 p.m. It marks a comeback nine months after the debut single 'Waste No Time'. Han shared his feelings that morning. "I filled the album with a style I like," he said, adding "Just as good things become better when shared, I hope fans will enjoy listening." He also expressed anticipation about activities with 'Soul'. "Different chemistry comes out each time depending on which Soul I work with," he said. "I wanted to show you various sides and stages." The new album contains a total of five tracks: 'Glow', 'Dancing Anyway', 'Light The Fire', 'Wishlist', and 'Lovin' On Me'. The title track 'Glow' is in the pop house genre. It expresses the excitement of a free moment. The song stands out for its addictive synth and intense bass line. Han expressed confidence, saying "The moment you listen, it will be hard to resist an 'internal dance'" and "The performance is also great. Sharp hand movements are the point." The lyrics contain a hopeful story of youth. It depicts a process of shining brighter when together and finding meaning in life through each other's existence. Han said "I especially like the lyrics 'I shine when I meet you, arriving here while wandering, this place brightens me,'" adding "Fans naturally came to mind."

As this is his first comeback, he also emphasized growth. "I've developed a lot in performance compared to debut. I will show you a more fun and refined 'Glow' stage," he pledged. Han held his first fan meeting 'Let's Glow' at Seoul Exscala on the 26th. He conducted various events including surprise track performances, a dance challenge, games, and high-touches. "Seeing Mate up close excited me. I got to know better what fans like," he said, promising "I will try to be your light." <Han Q&A below>

Q. Now that Han&Soul is established as Han's brand, how do you feel presenting your first mini album

- I'm glad to be able to share various music under the name Han&Soul. The entire album is filled with a style I like. It's music you can dance to, but rather than focusing entirely on dance, it has a calm and composed feeling. Just as good things become better when shared, I have high expectations that fans will like it too.

Q. You have a unique activity format working together with 'Soul', what's good about it, and this time you've worked with different 'Soul' members—how was it

- I think viewers will continue to feel Han&Soul in new ways. I can show more diverse sides than being alone, and each time depending on which Soul I meet, there's different chemistry. These Soul members are all older than me, so I'm receiving a lot of care. The older members ask my opinion a lot and listen... Last time I had peers and younger Soul members, so I played that role, but having done both, honestly the youngest role feels more comfortable (laughs).

Q. How would you like to introduce the album title track 'Glow'

- It's an upbeat song, so the moment you listen, it will be hard to resist an 'internal dance'. The performance is also great and angular hand movements are the point, so I hope you look forward to it. Like the title 'Glow', I'd like to recommend this song to everyone who wants to shine and to everyone who continues to shine like now. The lyrics are beautiful too, and especially the part 'I shine when I meet you, arriving here while wandering, this place brightens me' resonates most with me. For some reason, fans come to mind with that part.

Q. What makes Han's daily life these days more 'Glow'

- I've gotten into cooking lately. It's not of a quality to show others, but recently I've made omelette rice, aglio e olio, and steak... Actually, rather than following recipes precisely, I tend to cook by feel. Still, I think I'm becoming more meticulous through cooking. If I could ever make food for fans, I'd go with my favorite bibim noodles!

Q. Picking one favorite track from the album aside from the title track

- I like 'Wishlist'. The melody is sweet and the lyrics express things in a sweet way like 'when I'm with you every day is heaven, tell me anything you want'. It's a style I like, so I listen to it often when exercising or taking walks.

Q. What color do you think Han's musical color is

- White! I think I can embrace any color. What I see as my strength is that I'm not too intense and can color everything in my own style... I thought that's similar to white as a color.

Q. Tell us a memorable episode from the album production process

- I seem to have a deep connection with water. Even though I'm not comfortable with water... The previous 'Waste No Time' and 'Heavenly Blue' music videos had scenes of getting wet, and water appears in the 'Glow' music video too. I filmed the dance break while getting wet, and the intensity shows well so I'm satisfied. And I realized that having the right attitude for any situation is important. The rap part was difficult during recording, but when they suggested I try it like I was a rapper and I immersed myself, it turned out better than expected. During jacket shooting, I was concerned about having to take photos that encompassed all the songs in the album, but reflecting on-site feedback, I felt my tension ease and improve gradually. I want to do well going forward. I'm going to approach everything with an open mind!

Q. Looking back at the album preparation period, what do you feel you've grown in the most

- Performance! Dancing well and performing well are different things, and I want to perform in a way that's 'fun to watch'. During 'Waste No Time', when I watched stage monitors, there were so many things to worry about that it felt awkward sometimes. Still, thanks to this experience, this time during practice gestures and stage ideas came quickly. I'll make a fun 'Glow' stage so please look forward to it. Also, wearing various clothes while performing, I've become more interested in fashion. I'm studying by exploring on my own, and someday I'd like to be able to talk about fashion growth when answering questions like this.

Q. What aspects do you want to show more this activity compared to before, your commitment or goals

- My goal is to try to become MBTI 'E' (laughs). I was very shy when first meeting fans. When I felt embarrassed, I'd look down at the ground. But thinking back, I felt my shy time was such a waste. I wish I'd looked at fans' faces more and chatted casually instead of looking at other things... I regretted that. I'm completely 'I' type, but I'll try to become as much 'E' type as possible.

Q. Your official fan club 'Han&Soul&Mate (XngHan&Mate)' has been created and you held your first fan meeting—how do you feel, and a final word to fans

- Seeing Mate up close excited me. It felt like a meaningful occasion where I got to know better what Mate likes. I'll try to be your light, so please continue to be my Mate. We worked hard on the 'Glow' album so please love all five songs. It seems like there will be more time meeting Mate from now, so let's make memories together by making lots of eye contact and talking a lot! Thank you!

Who Wins? You Decide on MURAPOP

by. Hanuel Yoo