YOUNGBIN Debuts as a Solo Artist with 'Freak Show' Backed by JYP's Support

"Please savor my performance. It might be spicy, bitter, or sweet. I don't want to be defined by just one flavor. I hope you can feel my energy as it is."

YOUNGBIN, the runner-up of KBS 2TV's variety show 'The Dandara', is making his debut as a solo artist with the support of JYP Entertainment's head, Park Jin-young.

Having impressed Park Jin-young with his versatility on 'The Dandara', YOUNGBIN is stepping into the music scene with his first digital single 'Freak Show' on the 17th. We recently met YOUNGBIN at the Ten Asia office in Jung-gu, Seoul.

YOUNGBIN, who has long aspired to be a singer, shared, "I wanted to be a singer since I was six. I used to watch a children's program called EBS 'Gather Ding Dong Dang', where child actors my age would sing and dance. I remember telling my mom, 'I want to do that.' Since then, I've always thought about performing on stage." He added, "This opportunity is precious and I'm grateful for it. I'm trying to fully enjoy and feel this moment," expressing his debut sentiments.

'Freak Show' is a pop dance track with a rhythmic bass and refreshing guitar line. It humorously expresses the attitude of embracing and proudly showcasing one's uniqueness. With this song, YOUNGBIN confidently displays his innate charm.

Having participated in writing the lyrics, YOUNGBIN said, "I tried to include expressions not commonly used in lyrics, like 'sashimi' and 'chromosome'." He continued, "I've often been told I'm unique and eccentric since I was young. I think those traits become my weapon on stage. I'm usually calm and quiet, but on stage, I become bold. I want to show that charm."

The music video features unique elements that add visual interest. YOUNGBIN explained, "At the beginning of the music video, there's a scene where a baby drinks from a wasabi bottle in a house with the family motto 'Live Gently'. That baby represents me." He added, "No one in my family pursued a career in the arts. I moved to Seoul in middle school to become a singer." The music video cleverly integrates YOUNGBIN's face onto the baby, enhancing the narrative. YOUNGBIN shared, "The music video's setting resembles my story. My father actually runs a sushi restaurant, and the video features a fish market and many fish. It wasn't intentional, but the setting and song matched, making it comfortable to act."

JYP's chief producer Park Jin-young contributed to composing YOUNGBIN's debut song. YOUNGBIN expressed satisfaction, saying, "As soon as I heard the song, I thought it was something only I could pull off. That's because the producer knows my personality better than anyone, having watched my performances on 'The Dandara' from the start."

Despite his busy schedule, Park Jin-young showed interest in preparing YOUNGBIN's debut song. YOUNGBIN said, "Even while on overseas business trips, Park Jin-young coached me vocally via video calls. He checked my pitch and rhythm, and encouraged me, saying I was doing well." He added, "We revised the recording multiple times. Park Jin-young gave feedback like, 'I want emotion in the end of the phrases,' and 'Let's try various tones to avoid sounding cheesy.' It wasn't easy, but with each revision, it definitely improved."

The single includes two tracks, with an English version of 'Freak Show'. YOUNGBIN shared, "Recording the English version helped me grow a lot. I was instructed to record with a native accent, so I learned pronunciation from a native teacher. I practiced for two hours daily, listening to the teacher's recordings. Recording in another language brought out a different flavor in the song."

YOUNGBIN appeared on KBS 2TV's 'The Dandara', which ended in January. He said, "They were looking for someone who could sing, dance, act, and entertain. As soon as I saw the recruitment notice, I knew I had to apply. I felt I could do well and would regret missing the chance." He added, "My intuition was right. My friends said I joined the perfect program," with a laugh.

YOUNGBIN was the runner-up on 'The Dandara'. He explained, "It was challenging to show a different side each round," but added, "Breaking the mold helped me achieve good results. I differentiated myself by incorporating my story into the performances."

YOUNGBIN often reflects on his performances from 'The Dandara'. He said, "I still watch those stage videos. I saw a comment saying, 'I had a tough day, but watching the performance made me want to love myself more.' Reading that made me realize I could empower others. Just as that viewer gained strength from my performance, I gained strength from that comment." YOUNGBIN added, "Before the program, I lacked confidence in myself. 'The Dandara' made me believe I could bring comfort and joy to people," with a determined look.

He showcased diverse performances, including musical-style stages. A student at Chung-Ang University's Theater and Film Department, YOUNGBIN said, "The influence of what I learned at school was significant in attempting unconventional performances. In class, we did not only traditional plays but also unique acting. I've even acted as a dog, chicken, and ostrich." He added, "I think I could use these as personal skills on variety shows," bringing laughter.

Park Jin-young's 'boyfriend photo', where he smiles shirtless on a bed, became a hot topic during 'The Dandara's launch. YOUNGBIN created a parody video of it. He said, "The program was about selecting a 'dandara'. I thought a dandara should have more than just singing and dancing. The teaser video said any genre was fine, and I took it as a message to break the mold. After watching it dozens of times, I decided to parody it, naturally promoting myself while playing Park Jin-young's role."

YOUNGBIN aspires to be known as the 'problematic work of the music industry'. He said, "While it might imply danger, it also means fresh and special. I want to attempt groundbreaking performances every time, to evolve and become a new species in the music industry. The lyrics in my new song say, 'There's a chromosome difference, I'm a different species.' Like these lyrics, consider it the emergence of a new species." YOUNGBIN added, "I want to make YOUNGBIN a genre through performances that exude individuality and originality. I want to be a singer who makes people curious about what kind of stage I'll prepare next."

YOUNGBIN's debut single 'Freak Show' will be released on various online music platforms at 6 PM on the 17th.

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