K-Pop Star Choi Soo-ho Aims for Solo Success with New Album 'BIG IMPACT'

"The trot competition shows have gone too far. I want to connect with my fans through my solo activities. My dream is to fill the KSPO DOME with my music."

K-Pop singer Choi Soo-ho has announced his decision to step away from trot competition shows to focus on his solo career and connect with his fans. In a recent interview with TenAsia at a café in Yongsan, Seoul, Choi shared his aspirations and thoughts on his latest release.

Reflecting on his new mini-album 'BIG IMPACT,' Choi expressed, "The comeback feels a bit rushed for the trot scene. It hasn't been long since my last album, but I wanted to show more of myself. I'm excited to see how people will react."

Discussing the title track 'A Big One is Coming,' Choi explained, "It's a remake. While there's a bit of regret about the title track being a remake, I wanted to express it in my own unique style, following in the footsteps of many great seniors."

Choi chose EDM as the genre for his comeback track, stating, "I wanted to create a memorable song. I was drawn to the exciting nature of EDM and sought advice from seniors to ensure I could deliver it well." He added, "For events, something lively is needed to boost the mood."

He highlighted the high notes as a distinguishing feature of his EDM trot, saying, "A man's low voice doesn't capture the lively essence of EDM well, so I sang it 2-3 keys higher than usual. I'm confident about performing it live."

Having gained popularity through TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 2' and MBN's 'The King of Singers 2,' Choi addressed the possibility of returning to competition shows, stating, "I feel like I've done enough with trot competitions, so I won't be participating in any more for now." He explained, "After debuting, I participated in two consecutive shows, which limited my solo activities. I'll focus on my solo career first and consider other opportunities if they arise."

Choi's goal for this year is to release a full-length album. He shared, "This album was prepared in a bit of a rush. I want to take my time and prepare thoroughly for the next one." He is also studying songwriting and composing, aiming to include a self-composed track in his next album. "My major is pansori, and I love historical-themed songs. I want to create something like that, but it's not as easy as it seems," he admitted.

Choi expressed his eagerness to engage with fans, saying, "I want to seize every opportunity to communicate with my fans. I recently held my first fan meeting, and it was so comfortable being with people who appreciate me. It made me look forward to holding a solo concert soon."

He added, "My goal is to become a 'famous person' and fill venues like the KSPO DOME. My first big stage was at the gymnastics arena, and the memory of the cheers I received there is still vivid. I live each day with that memory in mind."

The mini-album 'BIG IMPACT' includes five tracks: 'A Big One is Coming,' 'Spring Breeze,' 'SAD MOVIE,' 'Old Photo Album,' and 'Follow the Stars.' The title track is an EDM trot with an addictive electronic melody and Choi's striking vocals.

Choi Soo-ho's mini-album 'BIG IMPACT' will be available on various music streaming sites from 6 PM on the 23rd.

Reported by Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr