EXCLUSIVE: Seo In Guk on ‘Fallen’, returning to music after five years, working with Café Minamdang star Kang Mina, Reply 1997 reunion and Indian fans: ‘The process of creating good results is always thrilling’

For years, actor-singer-songwriter Seo In Guk, who was last seen in Café Minamdang and Project Wolf Hunting, has set a benchmark for himself. The multi-faceted artist juggles his acting and music careers and seamlessly excels in both. But, you often witness a different side to him when it comes to his artistic vision and music. One may have found him through his music or discovered his work through Reply 1997 and many K-dramas. While he plays varied characters on screen showcasing his versatility, his music is more vulnerable, and more importantly, personal. It’s exactly why Seo In Guk continues to make an effort to release music when he is ready to express his story in the most real way. Back in 2022, he returned to music after five years and it is probably the most emotional release in a long time.

Seo In Guk releases a new single ‘Fallen’ following his previous single ‘LOVE&LOVE’ released in June 2022. ‘Fallen’ is a 2-track single that shows a glimpse of how Seo In Guk's musical worldview progressed. The lead track ‘Fallen’ is a rock ballad number that contains an unresolved heartbreak story. Seo In Guk’s heart-rending vocals stand out as ‘Fallen’ starts with a casual recollection of the past days and builds up into an emotional cry out for a long-gone lover. The heartbreak theme of the 2-track single is completed with the next number ‘Youth’, a retrospective acoustic ballad. Seo In Guk played the role of the executive producer for the project, not only contributing to the production of the songs but directing the music video as well.

Following the release of his 2-track single, Seo In Guk exclusively spoke to Bollywood Hungama about his art, how he differentiates between acting and music and more (the interview was filmed in December 2022 end).

Congratulations on ‘Fallen’. The song depicts heartache in a failed relationship. What was the inspiration behind the song?

As I was making the song, I didn't really focus on the hardship after a breakup but more about looking at the traces in everyday life left after a breakup. In the stage of missing someone, I would be like it's not that hard. But then noticed that I was having a hard time. This is the story I wanted to express. So that's what I did express. And also, the music video was also expressed like that. I used fire to burn some traces, and looking at the fire, some memories were brought back to me. And then the process of forgetting as time passes by was expressed.

It feels like one of the most emotional songs in your discography to date. Has it been cathartic penning these emotions?

I think it's a really nice thing to see so many people like my songs. And my intentions on the project are conveyed. When the people who received the message complimented me like this. In fact, I feel the best.

You are the co-director of the music video. It encompasses such a devastating state of a man trying his best to move on after a failed relationship. What was your vision while filming the video?

As I said earlier, I wanted to express memory using fire. It was a forgotten thing, but then I suddenly remembered it, and the memory becomes clearer and clearer. Then, it is forgotten again, and something like that is expressed with fire. Ignite the remaining pieces in everyday life and the fire would rage. It is like the memories coming to you in a fierce manner and now the fire is gradually consumed. When only ashes were left, emotions are settled and time has passed. This is what I wanted to express.

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How has this experience been for bringing the ‘Fallen’ music video to life not only as a director but also as an executive producer?

It's a very fun job. Within the realm of what I can do, the process of creating good results is always thrilling and always enjoyable.

You reunited with Café Minamdang co-star Kang Mina and it seems like you two built a good rapport which is reflected in ‘Fallen’ too. What was it like working with her again?

First of all, I want to express how grateful I am to Kang Mina. In the process of preparing and writing the music video scenario, I thought that a scene like this would be absolutely necessary, so I suddenly called Mina. I called her out of the blue. She was happy to say yes, and she also went to the make-up shop to help me. She just asked me to buy her a meal. She was really cool about it. I felt very, very good. I want to say thank you so much.

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In 2022, you returned to music after five years and seeing you deliver such a mature soundscape shows so much growth of you have as an artist. What do you think you’ve learnt during that break and how has it shaped your music now?

I feel like I'm constantly learning. First of all, for "my love", "fallen", and "youth", now, not only the title song but also the B-side songs help me have a great experience and good memories. I feel like I can continue to grow more. And it was the kind of time that made it possible to make better music in the future is what I think.

‘Youth’, a retrospective acoustic ballad, takes you through an emotional journey. What has your journey been like penning these two tracks that are soul-stirring?

It was a pleasant journey. Actually, I don't really start off thinking I want to make a song like this with this concept. While working on this, these melodies and arrangements naturally came to me. Such lyrics coming out and such a process are very enjoyable.

In terms of acting, you are so globally popular since Reply 1997 days. It also seems like many found you as an actor and then discovered your music and vice-versa. How do you see yourself being discovered in so many ways? And what part of your work – acting or singing – reflects more about you?

First of all, when I do music and when I act, to be discovered by people who didn't know about the opposite side are moments that make me feel really good. A person named Seo In Guk can do this, and he can do up to this. Ah, he can do these many things. Getting to know the singer-side while watching my acting and getting discovered the other way around, are the sort of things that I am so grateful for. To be discovered like this is something to be thankful for. And, in my case, I think they would see the real Seo In Guk when I'm acting rather than singing. A song is about something that happened. It's like telling a story now. Some songs are also passionate and some songs are pleasant or even calm. The image I show singing songs isn't really what the real Seo In Guk looks like, but it's what Seo In Guk as a singer looks like. When I am acting, I feel like the real Seo In Guk shows. So, when acting, I think you can see a little bit more of me.

The Reply series connected with so many people around the world. Since you were part of the beginning of the franchise, do you think there could be a 10th-anniversary reunion with the cast?

Yes, as this year is the 10th anniversary of Reply 1997, I talked with actor Lee Si-eon and got together with other actors who were in Reply 1997 to film a piece of content. I feel like you would be able to see the content within this year (2022).

It’s been an incredible 2022 for you in terms of dramas, movies and music – Café Minamdang, Project Wolf Hunting and multiple song releases. How do you see your 2022 and what are the goals for 2023?

2022 was a really meaningful year for me. Taking a drama, and movie and releasing music all within a year. It was a very meaningful year because I was able to show all that I could. I want 2023 to be as meaningful and I will work harder to show you more. I hope you stay tuned to it.

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What can fans expect from your ‘Blending’ concert? Would like to take these shows internationally too?

Yes, I do very much. In that regard, I would like to sing to my foreign fans. Standing on a stage or at a concert, if there is such an opportunity, I would like to go and make good memories. And, in the case of this concert, I will be acting and performing music. We are preparing thoroughly so that you can see the best of both kinds of performances.

India has seen huge love for Korean content over the years. Dramas are quite popular and so are you. Seo In Guk, do you have a message for your fans in India?

There is something I really want to say to my Indian fans. First of all, I am very, very grateful to the Indian fans who are sending love and waiting for me. I will definitely do my best to create a place where I can make pleasant memories with you all when I go to India