EXCLUSIVE: DAY6 member Young K on his solo album Eternal, striking a chord through poetic lyrics and enlistment 6 : Bollywood News

“When all lights fade / When I sink to the ground / When I drown in despair / I'll still hold you close” – croons Young K in ‘Guard You’, the title track from his solo debut album Eternal. Composed by Young K and Hong Ji Sang and penned by the singer-songwriter himself, the emo hip-hop rhythm mixed with an emotional rock sound gives you an insight into the world of Young K and how he perceives the beautiful “love” as the world is falling apart.

EXCLUSIVE: DAY6 member Young K on his solo album Eternal, striking a chord through poetic lyrics and enlistment

Young K made his debut with DAY6 in September 2015 under JYP Entertainment with leader and guitarist Sungjin, guitarist Jae, keyboardist Wonpil, and drummer Dowoon. Ever since the group’s debut, members have ensured they participate in the process of song-writing, and over the years, they’ve only gotten more vulnerable, cathartic, mature with zestful melodies and dynamic guitar riffs that blow your mind. As they dive into solo ventures while also working on group projects, Young K is the latest member to take the solo path.

Since the very first day, Young K, real name Kang Young Hyun, has charmed his way into the hearts of fans. One would ask, how? The singer and bassist from the Korean pop-rock quintet DAY6 has a way with words and knows how to tug on heartstrings when penning the most poetic lyrics. Whether it is a work for his own music, group’s music, or a collaboration, his songs make you feel these emotions that you have locked somewhere inside your heart; the words are cathartic, they are moving, they are healing. He has a stronghold on his versatility. You undergo a rollercoaster of emotions – something that was felt in the extended play, Eternal. The title of the album comes from the Korean word for “eternal” (young won), which is a direct ode to his real and stage names. From ‘Best Song’ to closing track ‘Goodnight, Dear’, he takes the listeners on a journey of different phases of love – first romance, the tumultuous times, the grief, and beyond. It’s a beautiful encapsulation of love – something Young K has found solace in, at different times, at different levels in his career that we’ve witnessed in lyrics.

When the album was announced, the very same day it was revealed that he will be enlisting in the military. It was a bittersweet day for MY DAYS (fandom) who were keenly waiting for the solo release. Young K enlisted in the military for his mandatory service on October 12. The young musician, who was hosting Kiss the Radio show for almost a year, was accepted into KATUSA, the Korean Augmentation Troops to the United States Army. It is a branch of military service that requires applicants with fluency in English of a high degree. Through a statement released via parent company JYP Entertainment, he said, “I often promise myself to live in the present. I think that the days I spent like that have accumulated to create the Young K of today, and I’d like to spend my days in the military as fully as I have until now. I hope that when I wrap up my military duties and return to good health, I will be able to have a concert where I can sing together and have fun with the audience. I think I’ll be reminiscing about the thrill of being on stage at a concert even after my enlistment, just as I do now.”

“Many people around me, including my father who also served in KATUSA, have told me that the meals are delicious there. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope that all of you will also eat well and always be healthy and happy,” he signed off. The very same day, he had done a live broadcast in order to connect with fans, send them a thoughtful message before signing off.

Bidding adieu to Kiss the radio, a platform where DAY6 was given an opportunity to shine bright with their covers and originals, Young K spoke to Bollywood Hungama on the last day of his hosting days about Eternal, his creative process, making the album, and what is it about love that inspires him to create music.

Congratulations on making your solo debut, Young K. At this point in your life, what is the significance of the word ‘ETERNAL’?
YOUNG K: The meaning of 'Young' in my name is eternal. Also, the lyrics say 'I'll hold you 'til the end', I thought of what "end" is. But the conclusion I came up with was that I just don't want the end to come, which also means I wish for eternity.

When did you begin to put together the whole album? And, how many songs did you work on before finalising 7 tracks?
YOUNG K: For this album, it was just the 7 tracks that are out in the world. Some songs are from years ago, some are written a few months ago for this album. So it's hard to define the exact period of time given for this album.

Though Eternal does have a reflection of your work with DAY6 & EVEN OF DAY, it also showcases a piece of you that seems so personal? Was it the intention when working on the album or a natural progression?
YOUNG K: I guess it just happened naturally. The attitude given for Eternal was actually the same as the ones before, which is just doing my best to create good music. But knowing that this is the first solo album I guess I had more courage and freedom to talk more about ideas in my head.

One of the things I found interesting was that the album sampler – you filmed a live version of it. It’s unique I must say and shows how involved were in the process of this album. Am I correct?
YOUNG K: I did have more roles in the album so it is true but it was all possible because of everyone who helped to create. My opinion was I wish for more opportunities to sing and the result was the live version of the album sampler and singing all of the songs live on the showcase. Also, My Days are the ones that gave me confidence and made me want to sing as much as possible.

The overall theme of the album seems like falling into love, the stages of it, and beyond. This is something we’ve noticed that with your group work as well. What is it about “love” that excites you to write about?
YOUNG K: I think love is something so simple yet complicated, beautiful but sometimes tragic. It has so many sides to it, exists in different shapes but can definitely say it's around us. Such an interesting concept, emotion, event. So why wouldn't it be exciting to talk about love?

The concept of ‘GUARD YOU’ is pretty interesting in the music video. You are trying to make contact in sort of what looks like a lab. How was the idea behind it?
YOUNG K: I wish to leave it to the ones who watch since every creation is interpreted differently from person to person. But what I thought was it was just a visual expression of the want for singing 'til the end.

YOUNG K: While ‘GUARD YOU’ is a pretty upbeat sort of soft rock, ‘come as you are’ is pretty soothing. The whole album showcases your romantic side but this particular song reaffirms are you are not only a lyrical and vocal genius, but you also pen your thoughts so beautifully – “I won't change my mind / You know I'll always be here for ya / Until the day my life ends / I'll keep this place.” Where do you drive your inspiration from to bring your thoughts together so poetically and beautifully?
YOUNG K: First of all, thank you so much for such an incredible compliment. I guess my words come from my past. Which could contain all the thoughts and time I went through and the effort I put in to improve on my lyrics.

How has been the songwriting process for your solo album different from what you do with your group music or collaborations? Has the writing process always been therapeutic or pressuring?
YOUNG K: There was a lot of pressure. I got nervous a lot coming out with an album with just Young K. But all the support given by My Days and people around me helped a lot and let me go through with it. The process itself was pretty similar. Just trying my best to make good music. The only difference was I didn't have other members to rely on when I can't come up with a good melody or lyrics.

I thought ‘best song’ was sort of a callback to ‘sing me’ from DAY 6 album DAYDREAM whereas ‘Microphone’ felt like; it came from your experience on the radio where you read fan letters and messages. Am I on the right path of understanding the lyrics or is it something different? Could you elaborate?
YOUNG K: It was interesting to see people take it all differently. I guess when 'sing me' is a song sung by a song, 'best song' is a song sung to a song. Of course, the 'song' in 'best song' refers to a human being but the concept itself is similar. Didn't really intend on doing so but I guess it happened. 'Microphone' was actually written years ago, which was way before I started the radio. But the emotions still stay the same I guess.

How has the experience of hosting radio been like for you – though everyone will miss your calming personality so much on DAY6 Kiss the Radio?
YOUNG K: It was amazing. Got to meet so many different people and got to have a conversation with them. Sometimes about music, sometimes about life, sometimes just small talk. But it was a great experience. When I say I got to meet many people, I don't mean just the guests who come on the show but I also mean everyone who listened and sent words and stories about them. It was interesting to sometimes have a teacher's story and then have a student's next. Have a child's story then parents' next. So I had time to think from a different point of view and it was something so special.

DAY6 was a prominent part of Kiss the Radio. With you being the host, you gave a platform to so many bands to perform. Why was it important for you to shine that spotlight on them?
YOUNG K: Well, Kiss the Radio was where we started showing covers and got to sing frequently on the radio. So I guess I wanted that to happen again. When the production crew asked me what kind of program I want, even though it's actually them who plan and create everything on the show they asked for my opinion and one of the first things I said was to have different bands come and sing live. The very first reason was that I wanted to listen and enjoy, another reason is that I feel like bands present more power when performed live, I too thought it'd be nice to have them and perform live since I'm also a band member myself. I guess they were already thinking of this and glad it could happen.

Over the past year, music has been such a comfort factor for millions around the world. It’s also impacted people in many ways. How did you keep yourself motivated since studios didn’t have an audience, concerts got cancelled, or was it challenging to keep a positive attitude every day?
YOUNG K: Even though we couldn't meet in person, I think I was always able to be with My Days all the time, thankfully. Especially on the radio, communicating with them every day did help me a lot. In the end, starting from around 11:45, everyone starts to send such supporting beautiful warm messages and through words, energy was given. That's also why I wanted to give back more.

DAY6 completed 6 years in September. What’s been the biggest learning curve as an artist, performing solo and in a group? What’s been the biggest takeaway from working in the industry?
YOUNG K: I learned to love more. The love My Days have shown made me think about it a lot and since I write and sing about it, I guess it was one of the biggest issues and concepts I tried to know more about. I can't say I know what love exactly is, but I did learn how to give more. I wasn't the type of person who was able to consider things from a different point of view but experiencing new stuff, meeting many people taught me lessons and made me think about a lot of stuff.

Since your enlistment is nearing, are you nervous? Are there any set plans for DAY6 post all of you complete your mandatory enlistment?
YOUNG K: I'm saying this message right before the last radio show but I feel okay. Not too different. I just wish everyone stays happy and healthy all the time, as much as possible.

India has loved DAY6. When the enlistment is completed for members, and the situation is better, would the band perform in India someday? Is there a message you want to leave for fans before you go on your service?
YOUNG K: Definitely. We'll be back and we'll see you then.