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The 2025 Oscars were full of beautiful renditions from Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo and more. Keep watching for the best moments in music at the 2025 Oscars. Who was your favorite performance? Let us know in the comments! Tetris Kelly:The Wicked besties defy gravity as LISA slays the academy stage, and we see […]
Can Kendrick Lamar still hold No. 1 this week? Tetris Kelly:This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated March 8. Down to 10 is “Squabble Up.” Teddy is back in the top 10 as is Chappell Roan up to eight. “Birds of a Feather” is at seven. “APT.” is at No. […]
J-Hope is heading back to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon — this time as a solo artist. The BTS star is scheduled to take the stage at the popular late-night show next week, on Monday, March 10, Billboard can exclusively announce, marking the 31-year-old singer’s solo debut on the program. Back in 2018, his […]
LISA‘s Alter Ego topped this week’s new music poll, which highlights artists from a variety of genres.
Music fans cast their votes in a poll published Friday (Feb. 28) on Billboard, selecting the BLACKPINK star’s debut solo album as their favorite new release of the past week.
Alter Ego received 49% of the vote, leading other notable new music releases such as Feid’s “Nos Desconoximos,” Benson Boone’s “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” Lizzo’s “Love in Real Life,” D4vd and Kali Uchis’ “Crashing,” and more.
After months of anticipation, LISA dropped her first album on Feb. 28, featuring 15 new tracks and collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Tyla, and others. The highly anticipated project includes previously released singles like “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía, “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” and “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE.
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Alter Ego showcases the Thai rapper embodying five distinct personas: Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni and Speedi. “It represents five characters of me as well, like I feel related with them,” she told Sean Evans on Hot Ones ahead of the album’s release.
Before Alter Ego, LISA had released only two solo singles: 2021’s “LALISA” and “MONEY,” both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, she also appeared without her bandmates on DJ Snake’s “SG” with Ozuna, and on “HISS” with the rapper, who features on Alter Ego track “Rapunzel.”
LISA is the latest BLACKPINK member to release solo music in recent months. ROSÉ released her debut solo album, rosie, in December, and two months later, JISOO dropped her EP, AMORTAGE. JENNIE is set to follow with her debut LP, Ruby, scheduled for release on March 7. The foursome announced a summer 2025 world tour in February.
Trailing behind Alter Ego in this week’s poll is Feid’s “Nos Desconocimos,” which earned nearly 38% of the vote. The Colombian star’s new single arrives ahead of his European tour.
Check out the full results of this week’s poll below and visit Billboard’s Friday Music Guide for more must-hear releases.
While the K-pop scene is an ever-evolving landscape whose definition has expanded beyond a specific genre of music, Yves wants her career to change preconceived notions that tend to separate K-pop idols from being considered complete artists.
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Back in November 2017 when Yves (born Ha Soo-young) was first introduced to the world as the ninth member of LOONA through the dark, atmospheric synth-pop throbber of single “New,” the star may have unknowingly set a standard of experimental excellence that would define her solo career years later. An exploration of newfound artistic expression and identity, a now-unshackled Yves released two EPs last year in Loop and I Did (both of which made Billboard‘s mid-year and year-end best K-pop albums lists) with singles like “Viola” and “Loop” featuring Lil Cherry embracing the club-ready sounds that defined some of 2024’s best records as different album cuts explore everything from racing and acoustic rock as well as airy R&B and soft electronica. To date, I Did has 6,000 equivalent album units of activity through Feb. 20, according to Luminate, with its songs collectively registering five million official on-demand U.S. streams. Furthermore, Yves’ most streamed song in the U.S. is “Viola,” which has 2.16 million official on-demand U.S. streams.
“I always had my own image,” Yves shares backstage at the Brooklyn Paramount ahead of the opening U.S. date of her Apple Cinnamon Crunch tour. “But as my solo career is developing, I think I was able to explore more and show more of myself. I feel like I can express a lot of things now that I couldn’t.”
Embracing the multifaceted flavors of the tour’s unique name, Yves begins the show in a punky, funky black mini-skirt and top for the first half of the show, which includes Madison Beer and Avril Lavigne covers before changing into an all-white ensemble reminiscent of any classic millennium pop star look.
While the 27-year-old connected with fans in person on tour across Europe and the States (and will hit Latin and South America in April), Yves wants all aspects of her career to speak to anyone who feels like an outsider. “What I’m trying to pursue is to become a person where I can freely express myself in the world where there is a lot that can cloud one’s perspective,” she adds. “I really don’t want to put myself in a box.”
As she takes center stage fully on her own as a soloist, Yves seems ready to shine brighter than ever. Read on for more insights from Yves’ concurrent journey of solo stardom and self-discovery.
You’ve performed in the States in the past, but it is your first time as a soloist. How has the tour been going and how are you feeling ahead of your first U.S. concert?
At first, I was very scared. Because on stage all of the members are gone, right? It’s just me. So, I’ve been very nervous, but now I think I can enjoy. I’m 70 percent ready out of 100.
From music to fashion to even social media presence, you’ve been sharing what feels like a totally refreshed person. What has been happening in these past months? Are we seeing the real you?
I always had my own image. Back when I was a part of LOONA, whenever I was wearing my own clothes — so, not the clothes that the company wanted me to wear — my members weren’t able to recognize me in public. But as my solo career is developing, I think I was able to explore more and show more of myself. I feel like I can express a lot of things now that I couldn’t before because I have opportunities, so as I develop more and more, you can see more and more of myself.
One of your biggest changes was signing with PAIX PER MIL. I’ve heard K-pop companies may kind of force an image on an idol or artist, but it seems like they give you a lot of creative freedom?
When I was first searching for agencies to join, most of them told me that I have to be either part of a girl group or they didn’t think I can make it as a solo in meetings. But when I went to PAIX PER MIL, the producer, millic, sent me a long message and told me that I have potential to become a solo artist. So, I was really touched by the message that he sent and also that he believed in my image. So, I trusted him and he trusted me.
I was with my first label for almost eight years and in an idol group so I was obligated to think, “Are these clothes right for me? Can I wear this? Can I pose this way? Can I take a picture like that?” I was unsure about what to do with myself. But the label [PAIX PER MIL] really pushed me to point where I could just express myself and just fully show my version of me. So, I think that’s how my label really supported me. It’s a lot easier to have fun now.
You came out so strong with “LOOP” featuring Little Cherry, “Viola” was one of the best songs of last year but there’s also rock, you’re recording in different languages you, is this the music you personally listen to?
When I was first making the LOOP EP, my musical spectrum wasn’t as big as of now. I used to listen to the same songs that I’ve always listened to, but my producers, millic and ioah, really helped me to expand my musical spectrum. It was kind of like homework, where they’d assigned me to listen to some music that they recommended or sometimes they’d share what kind of music they’re listening to. One thing that I remember is the day that they asked me to make a playlist of what I wanted to do in my solo career so I was able to collect the music that I wanted to perform as an artist and make my choices for my music. So, I think as of now, I can confidently say that I am doing what I want to do in terms of my music taste.
Do you remember what songs were included?
So many songs! When I was a part of LOONA, I felt that I was a member who is good at ballads rather than the kind of dance-pop that I’m doing right now. But when I was collecting the music from my playlist, I was able to collect some funky sounds, alternative sounds, rock sounds, all the different kind of experimental sounds that I’ve never dealt with [as a singer]. That’s when I discovered Caroline Polachek and other artists that I’m into right now.
You have great taste and it’s great you could develop your sound. But on the other side of things, why didn’t you want to go to a group or re-debut in another formation?
During my one year break [in 2023], I was able to interact with my other members of LOONA as well as keep communicating my fans. When I was talking to my fans, they were really the ones who convinced me to pursue a solo career. They really supported me for who I am, my choices, and what I wanted to do. So, I think that kind of really pushed me to become a solo artist. Also, when I was talking to other members of LOONA, we all wanted to reach a happy path for all of us and attempt challenges we hadn’t done before because we were going through a lot together. So, there are the solo artists like me and Chuu, but also other girl groups that were formed with LOONA members.
Despite the hard time, it seems like everyone from ARTMS and Loossemble to even Jade Jeong has loving memories of LOONA. Do you feel the same?
Of course. I’m not sure exactly how to put this in English, but it’s kind of like a sore finger. I feel like, you know, I have to have a finger, but also it kind of hurts and will always give me those memories of my past.
My, one of my favorite lyrics from you is on “Hashtag,” which is “Don’t care what’s fake and who you are/ Yeah, In my world, it is only you and me, babe.” What is your perspective these days on what you wanna personally share, whether it’s your social media, your lyrics, fan interactions?
What I’m trying to pursue is to become a person where I can freely express myself in the world where there is a lot that can cloud one’s perspective. I’m also trying to be a confident person who can make my opinions clear without losing my taste. There is a lot of social media and channels to communicate these days which means there’s a lot of information and opinions. It’s gotten to the point where if you’re a little bit different, people criticize or blame them for being different rather than being accepting for who they are. I think that’s the most important part to consider in this world of social media. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like that.
What kind of message would you give to someone who maybe is being criticized or not accepted and needs the kind of confidence you always show?
It’s a huge world. To the people who feel that something is different, even if you feel like you’re alone or you’ve isolated and locked yourselves in, I should share that when you look around, in fact, there are so many people who think like you, share the same beliefs and don’t deny their existence because of people who criticize them. And just like you or I would say, I always want to support you for who you are and don’t feel discouraged or insecure for being different. Don’t stop.
I love that message. Is there anything else you want to share right now?
I don’t know about the mindset abroad, but in Korea there’s a certain boundary of what is an idol and what is an artist. But I’ve honestly always been an artist and an idol equally since I was in LOONA. I want to be in both. It’s an ongoing process and I really don’t want to put myself in a box when I want to be part of both. I think that’s the message that I really wanted to share here.
LISA is opening up about a negative side of fame.
The BLACKPINK superstar joined Thai radio talk show WOODY FM this week, where she recalled a particularly scary moment with a boundary-pushing fan. “I’ve never shared this before,” she said. “Last year, it was the first time I actually experienced [stalkers] myself. I’ve heard a lot about it from other idol friends, mostly from male idols. But it just happened to me.”
She continued, “Usually, when my flight lands in South Korea, fans will be there waiting at the airport. That’s normal, and I appreciate that they come. But when I got home, I saw them waiting. So I told that person, ‘I’m really not comfortable with this. If you want to see me, let’s meet somewhere public. Showing up like this at my house, I feel uncomfortable.’”
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Thankfully, the superstar noted that things did not escalate further from there and that she is safe.
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Despite the scary situation, LISA has reached a lot of positive milestones in recent months. The singer has officially made her foray into the acting world, taking on the role of Mook in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus.
She also unveiled on Friday (Feb. 28) her long awaited debut solo album, complete with 15 new tracks and collaborations from Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Tyla and more. The project features the previously released singles “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía, “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” and “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE.
LISA will soon be reuniting with BLACKPINK, as the foursome announced a summer 2025 world tour earlier this month. It’ll mark the ladies’ first trek together since 2022-2023’s Born Pink World Tour, which supported Billboard 200-topper Born Pink.
BLACKPINK will be hanging around in your area a bit longer this summer. The K-pop girl group announced the addition of five more dates for their anticipated world tour on Thursday (Feb. 27). After initially rolling out 10 stops on the outing earlier this month, JENNIE, ROSÉ, JISOO and LISA have doubled down, adding second nights […]
Say hello to LISA‘s Alter Ego. After months of buildup, the BLACKPINK star has at last unveiled her debut solo album, complete with 15 new tracks and collaborations from Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Tyla and more.
Featuring the previously released singles “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía, “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” and “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE, Alter Ego finds LISA channeling a quintet of different personas: Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni and Speedi. “It represents five characters of me as well, like I feel related with them,” she told Sean Evans on Hot Ones one day prior to the LP’s release.
“It feels like I can express myself in a different version of me, and it’s fun,” she continued “I can’t wait for my fans to listen to this album, to really enjoy this album and see a different side of LISA.”
Leading up to Alter Ego, the Thai rapper had only released two proper solo singles: 2021’s “LALISA” and “MONEY,” both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, she also appeared sans her bandmates on DJ Snake’s “SG” with Ozuna and the “HISS” rapper, who features on an Alter Ego track titled “Rapunzel.”
LISA is just the latest BLACKPINK member to release a set of solo songs in recent months. ROSÉ dropped her first-ever solo album, rosie, in December, two months after which JISOO unveiled an EP titled AMORTAGE. JENNIE will follow suit March 7, with the Idol actress’ debut LP Ruby scheduled to arrive one week after Alter Ego.
The foursome will soon get back together, though, with BLACKPINK announcing a summer 2025 world tour earlier this month. It’ll mark the ladies’ first trek together since 2022-2023’s Born Pink World Tour, which supported Billboard 200-topper Born Pink.
In her November Billboard cover story, LISA said that she “can’t wait” to reunite with her bandmates. “We know each other so well and know how much energy we have to put into every single project,” she added of their time apart spent working on solo music. “So we want to support and say, ‘You did really well!’ … They’re like family. I’m just so happy that they’re releasing something. This is what we all wanted to do, so I just wanted to say that I really do love their songs.”
Listen to LISA’s Alter Ego below.
JENNIE knows fans can hardly wait one more week for her debut solo album, Ruby, so she’s tiding them over with a sampler video posted Thursday (Feb. 27) on her socials. Featuring the BLACKPINK band member starring in multiple different visual concepts ranging from rosy-soft floral to powerful queenlike edginess, the trailer gives brief, out-of-order […]
At Taemin‘s concert at Kings Theatre in New York, the opening show for the K-pop star’s first U.S. tour as a soloist, the 31-year-old thrusts, lunges, and splays his body in an assortment of impromptu, interpretive positions that captivate the sold-out venue. A less experienced performer could have easily fumbled committing to such dauntless dancing. However, with more than half his life in the K-pop spotlight, Taemin appears as if he’s in complete control of every aspect of the theater stage and his body – seemingly aware of how each strand of his dirty blonde, slightly off-center middle part will land on his head after every move.
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Throughout his 17 years in the game, Taemin has long voiced his adoration of Michael Jackson with hit singles like “MOVE” and “Press Your Number” boasting clear MJ inspiration. But Michael didn’t become the King of Pop simply as a member of the Jackson 5, but years later when he broke out into a solo artist, eventually rising to universal acknowledgment and acclaim with Thriller, his fifth solo record, and solidifying his legacy in music history. Similarly, Taemin’s first U.S. live trek sees the star in a breakout moment of sorts.
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After 16 years signed as a soloist and member of boy band SHINee under SM Entertainment, Taemin opted not to renew his solo contract with the legacy label in March 2024 and signed with the relative newcomer BPM Entertainment. In under a year since his management change, Taemin released his most creatively involved work yet via his Eternal EP, launched his first-ever global trek in the Ephemeral Gaze world tour, and took on his first hosting job for the boy band competition series Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace. Yet it’s not just the work that defines this past year as Taemin’s breakout moment but a shift in how he approaches work.
“Before, I felt like I was just executing tasks,” a cheery Taemin shares during a morning Zoom call from Seoul during his few days off from touring. “But now, I’m leading it and taking care of the different details…I feel now I’m becoming more independent.”
While feeling more powerful than ever as an artist, Taemin knows loads of eyes are on him, which inspired the concept of the Ephemeral Gaze tour but also serves as a reminder for viewers to see that his attitude has never shifted.
“I’m still doing the same performance, I’m trying to give it my all and I don’t like the attitude of just because you’re popular, you want to take some things easier,” he says. “No, even my body breaks, if I dislocate the shoulder; I want to give it my 100 percent and more as long as people come to cheer and see me.”
With packed houses at the tour’s multiple theaters, as well as one night at the Kia Forum arena in Los Angeles, for Taemin’s first U.S. tour, fans could see his empowered nature, his creative commitment, but also his humbleness to deliver the same amiable aura that resonates through this webcam chat.
After performing the sultry album cut “Not Over You” from 2023’s Guilty EP, Taemin took a breather to speak with the NYC crowd. The artwork for Taemin’s Ephemeral Gaze world tour plastered across the LED screens behind him catches his eyes, and he looks back at the audience and smiles, saying, “I’m Taemin.”
Of course, everyone knew who he was — the screams and cheers confirmed as much — but this new chapter of Taemin’s artist journey could indeed be a new person greeting us. Get to know Taemin today in the interview below.
Billboard: You performed concerts in South America at the top of February, and on Feb. 13, you’ll have five concerts across the U.S., but you’re back in Korea right now. What are you doing between legs?
Taemin: There are many tasks and work that I need to do in Korea that have been piling up, so I’m working on that, having different meetings and going through different schedules during my short time here. This might sound funny, but during my time off, I’m actually adjusting to New York’s time. I had just gotten used to Latin American time, and now I’m in Korea, but I’m about to go to the U.S. soon, so I’m adjusting my body for the New York time zone. But especially for this tour, where there are not many days in between, I had a lot of business I needed to take care of
How has your solo world tour experience been so far?
This is actually really my first time doing this kind of tour as a solo act, so I did have my doubts and concerns, like, “Can I successfully pull this off?” In a way, it is uncharted territory and, as you know, I did tour with groups including SuperM, but it has truly been a while, so I also had concerns about that. However, when I started performing, wow, did the fans embrace me. I felt like I could really feel their love and longing so wholly — like I felt their emotions so directly. So, with this warmth, I’ve been able to really actively interact with fans.
Do you have different versions of the show depending on the continent or country?
There is a certain format, but let’s say depending on the vibe of the place, and especially the attitude of the fans, things change, I guess. I would say my expression or attitude towards the performance can change when I’m singing a ballad or just dancing…maybe today, I feel like taking advantage of the entire stage and walking around and exploring it. Ninety percent of the performance might be set, but it’s the 10 percent that widely differs according to my mood.
You mentioned you toured the U.S. with SuperM, I remember SHINee had some U.S. concerts and appearances, but now it’s a full U.S. tour for Taemin. So, what took so long?
I think my previous company had different market-based investments and made certain decisions. There could have been many different reasons, and that I don’t know clearly, but for some reason, we didn’t go to the States much. You mentioned the SHINee concerts from long ago and when we went there, I was pretty surprised. There were a lot of people waiting for and warmly embracing us. I felt not only touched, but how I really wanted to continue this and it felt like a shame that we didn’t. I was thinking a lot about the foreign fans waiting, which makes me feel thankful. I also don’t want this [experience] to be just forgotten as it would be a shame if it ends like this. So, I want to come back, but not just to have a single event; I’m talking about a series of long-lasting memories with all these people.
In under a year, you’ve performed across new countries, joined a new agency company, participated in new TV shows, and have new collaborators. Is there any big lesson that you’re thinking about throughout the tour?
Yeah, so many things learned. I mean, we can just even talk about what I’ve learned in promoting and the industry’s deeper inner workings. Before, I felt like, let’s say, I was executing tasks and just knowing that task. But now, in a way, I’m leading it and taking care of the different details. Not a whole concert, but I’m really learning the system, even when it comes to just the performance direction. I feel now I’m becoming more independent. Previously, I was a kid and now I’m learning what to do and how to care and think for myself.
Also not to mention, fans were waiting for a global tour and now I believe that it can work. To use a Korean expression, I’m no longer “a frog in a well.” I’m out in the real world. Internally, I feel even stronger and life is all about maturing as you gain experience. I feel like this is true for artists too because this idea of expression or creativity, it stems from experiences and I’ve been having numerous experiences.
We know you shine on stage, but seeing you as a composer on every Eternal song where you wrote more than ever was new. Can you relate anything from the recording process to these touring experiences?
Firstly, if I’m going to use this title as an “artist,” I really need to input the message into my music and express my emotions through this art. Although, of course, I had a great writers and producers helping me to prepare this album. We were tight on time so there are a lot of things I wish we could have maybe spent more time on and such, but one thing I do want to say that I’m very looking at it quite positively is that it is truly an album that I really put my thoughts, my emotions and my experiences onto. And this is how I want to proceed from now on. You could say, I’m not doing albums that I am told to do. I’m not like a student at a school, but I’m really talking about my experiences and thoughts through my art. The tour is the same way, this “Ephemeral Gaze” has a message how people have a lot of different views of me and I’ve done nothing but try to do the best performances, art and make great music. But people can always view me in a skewed way, so, I guess that’s just the life of an artist — you’re receiving infinite love and attention, but along with that you can be seen in a distorted view.
For example, during the concert you’ll see there are many eyes and I am under these in a way; the view and scrutiny of these eyes. But on the stage, you will see me performing and trying to do my best. I haven’t changed. I’m still doing the same performance, I’m trying to give it my all and I don’t like the attitude of just because you’re popular you want to take some things easier. No, even my body breaks, if I dislocate the shoulder, I want to give it my 100 percent and more as long as people come to cheer and see me. I’ll add that age does play a factor on you, but this is how I feel. This is my attitude.
I think it’s a good attitude to have. I remember an interview where you said you want to make classic songs, songs that can be nostalgic for years to come. What makes a song a classic?
So, music for just casual consumption are all great and they exist for a reason. The way I define something that’s, like, classic or everlasting is that it’s music I really feel and really sympathize with; something that gives me strength or comfort, it makes me relive memories. With that, I hope that my music can be a memory someone who can just take it and relive the memories by listening. Every musician has their own color and how you define and work on your color is a journey in itself. Everyone takes this approach differently — there are some people who can change directions, there are some who can explore and experiment, there’s some who keep going deeper into their specific color one piece at a time. I would say I’m more in the latter, going deeper and deeper, carving out a little bit deeper each time. I want to pioneer this as a gen-two [2nd generation K-pop] artist.
I also just want to add that the career of idols can be short and, often, there are a lot of idols that take a different path after. But I want to show that as a musician, you can really have this long run with this distinguished identity and I hope that this music eventually can give someone strength, comfort or hope, and help them relive memories. There are musicians like that for me like Michael Jackson. I mentioned earlier in this interview that I like doing things impromptu on stage and I also really see that in Michael Jackson. He had a song — what was it again? Oh, yeah — “Man in the Mirror,” where he was doing the performances in an impromptu [style] too. In a way, you can say the music wasn’t perfect. But the energy and passion? That was perfect. You don’t need to always be on pitch or on beat to have “perfection.” During those days, when they were lacking [sound] systems, he was just perfect. I would say he’s my role model. I still listen to his work.
Speaking of great performances, and in celebrating your kickoff U.S. date in New York, your first time performing in NYC was SMTOWN 2011 in Madison Square Garden. I was actually there covering for Billboard. Do you have fun memories from then?
I don’t remember the exact details like the press conference, it was over 13 years ago, but I remember Madison Square Garden. Doesn’t New York have those double-decker tourist buses? We rode that. And we went to the Times Square which was fun because we did it with all the artists in SM together. During that time, I was so jet lagged but I was like “No, I must do tourist activities.” My eyes could barely open but I was like “I need to be there. I need to look at Times Square with my eyes.”
Fast forward more than a decade later, it was cool to see you host the boy band survival show, Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace — perfect name for Taemin. What was your experience as an established senior to these newer generations of artists?
It was interesting to see them because I could see really the determination they had and the pursuit for their dreams. I feel such empathy, sympathy and warmth for them, and also at the same time, I understand the pain and anxiety they live with at the same time; it’s quite a mix. But I admire and respect them doing their best to show the best performance to their fans.
Actually speaking of that, I don’t know maybe it’s the K-pop industry these days or just the whole pop system but, wow, it’s really great how it developed but their skills are. When these guys become older, their skills will be even more extraordinary.
And they can be sensitive; they’re at an age when you’re young and can be sensitive, but I just hope they don’t get hurt because the entertainment business, like any other business, are also in the business to make profit. While artists are in a job where they have to expend their emotions, I just hope they don’t get hurt and I hope they can make connections with their fans or giving positive image to world. That’s the process that I see them going through.
You have wisdom from being in the industry for so long but have made many changes lately. How do you know how to trust people or find those genuinely supporting you in the entertainment business?
So, I used to trust people a lot. I used to believe and rely on people a lot and I think I’ve also been hurt because of that. I’m just trying to believe in myself more. I’m so grateful for the people that are there as the people who support me, and I’ll always be grateful for them, however instead of just simply relying on people and dependent on them, I’m trying to become stronger on my own and stand up with on my two feet.
Looking ahead, what does this year look like for you? Are you preparing things now so that when the tour finishes, you can get back to work?
[Laughs] Um, I have a lot planned. After the tour, I want to finish with the Korean encore concert, which we will have, then the SHINee album will come out and we will have a SHINee show. I will also have my own album coming out…it’ll be quite exciting…it’s not confirmed if it’s a full album yet, but my solo album will come out.
I’m excited for all of it. Your last U.S. stop is in Honolulu. If possible, I hope you get to relax a little in Hawaii.
I would like that too!