SS501's Kim Kyu Jong Reflects on 20 Years and Hopes for a Full Reunion

Singer and actor Kim Kyu Jong of SS501 celebrates the group's 20th anniversary by reflecting on their journey and expressing a deep desire for a full group reunion.

On the YouTube channel 'Hanteo', a video titled 'SS501 Kim Kyu Jong Reveals Debut and Hiatus' was released.

In the video, Kim Kyu Jong candidly shares stories from before his debut and his aspirations as an artist.

Kim Kyu Jong recalls a humorous mistake from his trainee days when he traveled from Jeonju to Seoul for auditions. He shared, "I wasn't familiar with using the subway and mistook the entrance for the exit on Line 6, which made me late and led to my elimination." He later auditioned again in his senior year of high school with a determined mindset, "This is my last chance," and fatefully met the current members, leading to SS501's debut.

Now celebrating 20 years since their debut, Kim Kyu Jong showcases his unwavering friendship with the members. He said, "For the 10th and 15th anniversaries, we celebrated with parties among the members, but for the 20th, I wanted to celebrate with the fans." Although not all five members could reunite immediately, those available have started activities under the name 'FIVE O ONE'. He added that this concert would be an even more cherished memory than their debut.

Regarding the song 'U R Man', known as the 'first banned song for exams', Kim Kyu Jong expressed gratitude, saying, "During its release, it wasn't recognized as such, but seeing it receive love again over time fills me with gratitude." He shared his vision for future projects, hoping for a comeback with an OST like 'Snow Prince' or creating a 'second banned song for exams'. Kim Kyu Jong emphasized the importance of aligning with the fans' memories, stating, "It's most important to greet fans in the way they remember us."

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr