Singer and actress IU shared her concerns about potential favoritism as WOODZ appeared on her show.
On the 10th, WOODZ, who recently completed his military service and returned with his first full-length album, appeared as a guest on the YouTube content 'IU's Palette'.
WOODZ made a strong entrance by performing his hit song 'Drowning' live. IU was impressed, saying, "It was a much better opening than I expected," to which WOODZ joked, "I've sung this song so much that I can sing it as soon as I wake up." IU laughed, recalling her own days of performing the high notes in 'Good Day'.
The two artists, now under the same agency, had their first extended conversation on 'Palette'. WOODZ shared, "I joined the company at the end of 2022, and fans often said they wanted me on 'Palette'. However, I didn't want to appear just because we're in the same company."
He explained that he wanted to showcase enough of himself before appearing and decided to join the show after 'Drowning' gained popularity during his military service. WOODZ stated, "I felt I had something to say rather than proving myself. I wanted to appear when it seemed fun, not just because we're agency mates."
IU also expressed, "I didn't want to be misunderstood as favoring a fellow agency member, so I was waiting for the right timing." She welcomed WOODZ, saying, "Hearing he wanted to appear now felt like the perfect timing. He's an excellent guest." She added, "I can't help but hope he does well," showing her affection for her agency colleague.
The conversation also touched on WOODZ's first full album, 'Archive 1', which includes 17 tracks. He described the album's key theme as 'rebellion'.
IU found the theme of 'rebellion' surprising, as WOODZ appears intense and rough on stage but seems polite and calm in person.
WOODZ explained that his rebellion is different from the usual notion, describing it as a positive drive that pushes him forward, like "Why can't I?" or "I can do it." IU admired this mindset, noting that while rebellion often asks "Why should I?", WOODZ thinks "Why can't I?"
WOODZ also ventured into acting with the short film 'Slide Strum Mute'. He mentioned, "Balancing music and life is more important to me right now, so I don't plan to dive deeply into acting yet, but I might consider it if the opportunity arises."
He humorously added that he sometimes imagines scenarios like "What if I become too successful and arrogant?", which made IU laugh. She reassured him, saying, "You're not the type to become like that," with a smile.
Reported by Kim Eun-jung, Ten Asia. eun@tenasia.co.kr