Highlight's Yang Yoseob Discusses His Third Mini Album 'Unloved Echo'

Highlight member Yang Yoseob shares insights into the creation and highlights of his third mini album.

Ahead of the release of his third solo mini album 'Unloved Echo' on the 9th, Yang Yoseob shared a Q&A through his agency, Around Us Entertainment.

The album 'Unloved Echo' features six tracks, including the title track 'Fade Away', which Yang Yoseob wrote himself, and his self-composed songs 'Don't Leave'(떠나지 마요) and 'Every Night'(매일 밤). Deeply involved in the album's production, Yang Yoseob stated, "I worked on the lyrics for the title track first and aimed to organically express the overall concept, visuals, and music video of the album."

Particularly, Yang Yoseob selected 'Fade Away' as the title track after hearing it first during the song selection meeting. He said, "I focused on matching the song's feel with the image I wanted to express." He added, "Each song has a different vibe, so listeners can enjoy them all."

Exploring the remnants of fading love in this album, Yang Yoseob expressed, "Good things continue to exist and remain. I hope this album and its songs leave a lasting impression." He added, "I wish this album remains a warm and happy memory, like sunlight seeping through on a cold day."

Yang Yoseob's third solo mini album 'Unloved Echo' will be released on various online music platforms at 6 PM on the 9th.

■ Full Q&A with Yang Yoseob

Q1. It's been 4 years and 5 months since your last solo album. How do you feel about this comeback? What are the new attempts and key points to note in the third mini album 'Unloved Echo' compared to your previous works?
A1. I focused on creating a cohesive connection with the title track. I worked on the lyrics for 'Fade Away' first and aimed to express the sense of loss and beauty that comes from knowing something cannot be achieved, both musically and visually. I'm glad I could express these emotions.

Q2. You mentioned wanting to sing and write lyrics for 'Fade Away' when you first heard it. What resonated with you, and what did you focus on while writing the lyrics?
A2. 'Fade Away' was the first song I heard during the selection meeting. After listening to it again, I decided I wanted to sing it. The main challenge was matching the song's feel with the image I wanted to convey. The word 'fade away' appears frequently, but I initially considered 'dissolve', a film term where one scene fades into another. I wanted to relate this gradual fading to love.

Q3. What criteria did you use to select the six tracks, including your self-composed songs 'Don't Leave' and 'Every Night'? The album mainly features ballads, but the last track 'Just for Today'(오늘만큼은) has a rock sound. What was the intention and satisfaction after the work?
A3. While it may seem like the album is ballad-heavy, each song has a different feel. 'Fade Away' is a vocal-heavy track starting with piano, 'Night After Night'(밤의 밤을 지나) is a delicate ballad, 'Moonlit Mirage' has a sexy R&B vibe, 'Every Night' is a light pop song, 'Don't Leave' is more weighty, and 'Just for Today' is an upbeat rock track. I wanted the album to end on a happy note, like a lively concert finale.

Q4. Following your previous albums, this physical album also includes 105 photo cards, drawing attention. The movie-themed teasers have been well-received. Can you share a memorable episode from preparing the album?
A4. One memorable episode is the photo with water spilling, which fans loved. It wasn't planned; the photographer captured it by accident while I was preparing for the shoot. The company and visual director insisted on including it, even if I disagreed.

Q5. Like the album's introduction, "Good things never disappear," what lasting 'impression' do you hope this album leaves on listeners? What are your plans for this year?
A5. I believe that while some things fade, others remain. Good things continue to exist and leave a lasting impression. I hope this album and its songs do the same. I plan to stay busy in the first half of the year.

Q6. As Highlight's main vocalist and a solo artist, you've been active in music, performances, and musicals for 17 years. What efforts have you made to maintain this long-running career, and what new goals have you set?
A6. While I don't think I'm making extraordinary efforts, I always strive to deliver the best performance possible. Fans want to see our performances, and I don't want to disappoint them. My goal is to continue enjoying activities with my members for a long time.

Q7. Although the album deals with fading love, you mentioned that the biggest motivation for this album was the fans' unwavering support. Could you say a word to the fans who have been waiting for your solo comeback?
A7. Like all the beautiful moments that naturally faded, I hope this album remains a warm and happy memory for fans, like sunlight on a cold day. Thank you always.

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