JUN. K Returns with New Album 'Dear My Muse' Featuring Stray Kids' Changbin

"While there are parts of my past albums that I wish I could have done differently, I'm not ashamed of them. I hope that even 10 years from now, I won't be embarrassed by this album. My dream is to continue making music for the next 10, 20 years."

2PM member and solo artist JUN. K is making a comeback with a new album. The album features a collaboration with Stray Kids' Changbin, drawing attention from global K-pop fans.

JUN. K recently held a press interview at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, to commemorate the release of his solo mini-album 'Dear My Muse.' The album is set to be released on the 1st at 6 PM. 'Dear My Muse' marks JUN. K's first mini-album in approximately 4 years and 9 months, and his first new work since his digital single last year.

The album contains five tracks, each conveying stories and messages to someone who inspires him, his muse. JUN. K contributed to the credits of all the songs, showcasing his musical prowess as a singer-songwriter.

JUN. K expressed, "Performing makes me happy. There's an indescribable look in the eyes of those who come to my shows. I feel happiness with them, and they give me a reason to keep making music. I named the album 'Dear My Muse' with the hope that it would be a gift to them."

The title track 'R&B ME (Feat. Changbin of Stray Kids)' is a melodic pop track blending synth sounds with smooth vocals. JUN. K explained, "I've always aimed to challenge myself musically, but this time I wanted to release a song that anyone could listen to comfortably. The album as a whole features easy-listening tracks, and the title track especially reflects that. I prepared it with the hope that it wouldn't be too polarizing."

Stray Kids' Changbin, a fellow artist under JYP Entertainment, participated in the title track's featuring. JUN. K shared, "I thought it would be nice to have a highlight in the second verse, and I wanted someone to rap. While discussing who would be a good fit, Changbin's voice came to mind. I was worried if he could do it, but he readily agreed when I asked."

Changbin, active as part of Stray Kids' producing unit 3RACHA, was given the freedom to change the lyrics if he wanted. JUN. K humorously recounted, "Changbin said, 'How could I change something a senior wrote?' and recorded it right away." He added, "K-pop fans might not be familiar with the music style of 2PM members. Changbin is actively working in the current generation, so I hope STAYs (Stray Kids' fandom) will listen to his part and maybe take an interest in my music too."

As a senior artist, JUN. K showed affection and concern for his juniors. He advised, "We are in a profession where we are judged by others and live off public love. I've been swayed by others' opinions and almost became exhausted. It's important to have a way to ground yourself." He also mentioned, "There's an unstable feeling of emptiness that comes when you're alone after being around many people. I hope they find a way to overcome that."

JUN. K has been living according to a routine for nearly two years, which has naturally strengthened his mental health. He shared, "I created a routine of exercising daily and having one meal a day, which helped stabilize my mental state."

He is also caring for others. During his solo tour, which concluded on the 24th of last month, he held a donation event. Fans could purchase teddy bears, which were then donated to children with cancer in Japan. JUN. K personally visited hospitals in Kyoto and Osaka to deliver the teddy bears to young patients. After his Taipei concert, he visited a local orphanage to gift teddy bears to the children.

The donation initiative was planned by JUN. K himself, starting earlier this year. He explained, "When we hold concerts, we usually sell merchandise and take the profits. I wanted to make it meaningful, so I decided to handle it myself rather than relying on the company. I met with the teddy bear foundation, and the structure was set up so that for every teddy bear purchased, one would be donated to the hospital. I thought it was more meaningful for the audience to participate, and thankfully, many joined in. I researched nearby hospitals and personally visited them after the concerts to donate the proceeds and bears."

JUN. K is also envisioning the future of 2PM. He stated, "I'm someone who believes 2PM should do something soon. We recently talked about what's next for 2PM. We met up with the members not long ago to discuss it. Nothing is set yet, but we want to meet our fans as soon as possible." He added, "Our thoughts are purely about 2PM and our fans, HOTTEST. We're not chasing business aspects; that's for JYP to handle," he laughed.

The 2PM members remain close-knit. Jang Wooyoung and Lee Junho surprised JUN. K by sending a coffee truck to his music video and track video shoot. JUN. K also sent a coffee truck to Wooyoung, who is preparing for his solo comeback. He expressed his affection, "I saw Wooyoung's teaser, and it looked great."

Regarding his bandmates, JUN. K said, "They're more than friends; they're like family, naturally by my side. We can tell each other's moods from small actions now. Even though some are working with companies other than JYP, we see it as a matter of challenge and choice and respect it. We all clearly know that no one has abandoned 2PM. Our bond is strong, and we support each other."

JUN. K has been with JYP for 21 years. In 2017, he was appointed as an external relations director. He said, "I'm grateful to be a JYP artist. Of course, there are challenges in work, but the members and staff are all good people." He continued, "A few years ago, I wondered if I should stay here. Then I had a meal with Jinyoung hyung (Park Jin-young), and he thanked me for staying so long, which touched me."

Having grown with JYP, JUN. K reflected, "When I first joined, there were only three employees. Now there are about 700. Seeing the staff proud to work at the company is impressive. I hope fans who have loved me for a long time feel proud to be my fans."

By Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr