Group MONSTA X's main vocalist Kihyun has proven his worth on stage with his voice over the past 11 years. His journey as a solo artist has evolved from exploration (VOYAGER) and reflection (YOUTH) to a stage where he fully confronts himself. His second mini-album 'Borderline' is a record of Kihyun's decision to trust his own instincts rather than seek validation from others. The explosive energy he honed as a team vocalist and the refreshing rock sound he has developed as a solo artist permeate the album, capturing Kihyun's current state of freedom and self-acceptance.
"This is my solo album after exactly 3 years and 9 months. During that time, I served in the military, returned to MONSTA X, released albums, and went on tour while preparing for this solo album. It was not an easy process, but many people were waiting for my solo album, and I heard that even those who are not fans have been listening to it. So, I pushed forward, allowing ample time to produce high-quality work. I am more confident in the quality of this album than any other I have released."
The title track 'So Good' captures the moment of deciding to trust one's own choices amid the constant pressure of external voices demanding answers. It tells a story of wandering between fading certainty and endless questions while embracing oneself and seeking freedom.
"This album has a total of 7 songs, and out of those, 4 were candidates for the title track, excluding about 3. I gathered songs I didn't want to miss, and there were about four that were originally considered for the title. Many of them are dynamic and strong, making it really difficult to choose a title track. I believe the title track should convey the overall message of the album and showcase my distinct color without falling behind compared to the other songs. I couldn't decide until the day before the deadline, but I felt that if I didn't choose 'So Good' as the title, I would really regret it. I thought it was a song that could define the color of my vocals, so I requested it to be the title track."
Kihyun's path as a solo artist intentionally distances itself from the color and intent of MONSTA X. While he showcased intense performances and energy within the group, his solo album prominently features the rock-based band sound that he feels most free with.
"It is true that I am deliberately going in a completely different direction from MONSTA X's color. While MONSTA X often displayed strong and intense performances, my solo album maintains a rock-based sound and band music that I can uniquely express and enjoy. I have continued this through my first, second, and now third albums, and I find it enjoyable to carry both colors together as I progress."
Being the main vocalist of MONSTA X and a solo vocalist requires Kihyun to shoulder different responsibilities. Within the group, he plays a role in elevating the song's peak and overall quality, while as a solo artist, he must create a complete narrative from start to finish.
"As a main vocalist, I see my role as reaching the peak of the song. My short part in a long song completes it. In contrast, as a solo artist, I have to craft the entire narrative from beginning to end. While there is pressure, there is also freedom to create as I wish. The scope of what I can set is very different, but both roles have their own appeal. In the group, I feel like I am finishing off a song with my friends, while as a solo artist, I am fully responsible for carrying the song."
While his previous work 'YOUTH' emphasized refreshing energy, this album takes a more mature direction. The first two albums were expressions of his desire to break free from constraints and enjoy performing on stage, while 'Borderline' is closer to a product that showcases what he needs to prove as an artist.
"The debut solo track 'VOYAGER' was a song that allowed for a carefree and enjoyable experience. 'YOUTH' also had warm lyrics reflecting my youth, but the sound was primarily upbeat and fun. The way those two albums came about was a result of my strong push. In my 20s, I was often trapped in rigid thinking and faced a lot of stress from that. Engaging in rock music helped alleviate that. I didn't want to go back to that, and when it came to my solo album, I wanted to be free and playful on stage. However, as I prepared for my third album, I felt some fatigue. This song is also rock-based and band-oriented, but it starts with a delicate and lyrical atmosphere, and it isn't just a song I can sing without care. I had to warm up my voice a lot and depend on my condition, which made me wonder if I should take this on, but I felt it was time to show what I can do. It felt like it was time to tackle the overdue homework."
The essence of what he refers to as 'proof' ultimately lies in his vocals. He needed a song that intricately weaves lyricism and explosiveness, one that only Kihyun could perform.
"While enjoying music is great, I believe it's time to show a song that has a narrative arc and can display both my lyrical and explosive sides. I thought it was important to present a song that, when sung by me, becomes entirely Kihyun's, which greatly influenced my decision to make 'So Good' the title track."
Kihyun's musical growth naturally aligns with the trajectory of his life. 'VOYAGER' marked the beginning of his solo journey, and 'YOUTH' served as a reflection of youthful purity, while 'So Good' perfectly overlaps with Kihyun's current stage of taking full responsibility for his choices as he enters his 30s.
"I often feel that my life aligns well with the journey from 'VOYAGER' to this third album. 'VOYAGER' was the start of my solo career, filled with energetic rock-based music. 'YOUTH' showcased the pure emotions I had, and if it showed a more developed version of myself compared to 'VOYAGER', 'So Good' feels appropriate for my age and the stage of maturity in my life. As I enter my 30s, I feel my thoughts deepening and a sense of responsibility for my decisions. The message of 'So Good' is about the freedom that comes when you trust your choices, even amid the many voices around you demanding answers. It connects with my life in a way that I didn't intend, but it's fascinating how it aligns. So, I find it easy to immerse myself in the song. It feels like I am continuously telling my life story."
Given the effort he has put into this project, Kihyun does not hide his expectations for its success. However, his definition of 'success' goes beyond just chart numbers. His true goal for this activity is to reach a broader audience and imprint his distinct identity as a solo artist.
"I know I shouldn't have expectations, but I can't help but imagine a little because I have confidence. The company staff have also said, 'This seems like it will do well.' However, doing well doesn't just mean being high on the charts. If I can stay at a relatively high position for a while, it increases the chances of more people hearing my music. Even if it doesn't achieve commercial success, I hope that those who listen will recognize that 'he really excels at this kind of music.' It's a mix of wanting success and wanting my music to be acknowledged."
Kihyun described 'Borderline' as an album made with "affection and conviction through my own choices." Regardless of its commercial success, the fact that it has made a clear mark on his musical world already gives this album significant meaning for him.
"This is an album I made with a lot of affection and conviction through my own choices. Just like the songs and lyrics, I infused my choices into this album. Whether this album and its activities succeed commercially or not, I am satisfied that it has accurately captured the color of my musical worldview. I hope many people will listen to it because I want them to know that I make this kind of music and that I excel at it."
"This is my solo album after exactly 3 years and 9 months. During that time, I served in the military, returned to MONSTA X, released albums, and went on tour while preparing for this solo album. It was not an easy process, but many people were waiting for my solo album, and I heard that even those who are not fans have been listening to it. So, I pushed forward, allowing ample time to produce high-quality work. I am more confident in the quality of this album than any other I have released."
The title track 'So Good' captures the moment of deciding to trust one's own choices amid the constant pressure of external voices demanding answers. It tells a story of wandering between fading certainty and endless questions while embracing oneself and seeking freedom.
"This album has a total of 7 songs, and out of those, 4 were candidates for the title track, excluding about 3. I gathered songs I didn't want to miss, and there were about four that were originally considered for the title. Many of them are dynamic and strong, making it really difficult to choose a title track. I believe the title track should convey the overall message of the album and showcase my distinct color without falling behind compared to the other songs. I couldn't decide until the day before the deadline, but I felt that if I didn't choose 'So Good' as the title, I would really regret it. I thought it was a song that could define the color of my vocals, so I requested it to be the title track."
Kihyun's path as a solo artist intentionally distances itself from the color and intent of MONSTA X. While he showcased intense performances and energy within the group, his solo album prominently features the rock-based band sound that he feels most free with.
"It is true that I am deliberately going in a completely different direction from MONSTA X's color. While MONSTA X often displayed strong and intense performances, my solo album maintains a rock-based sound and band music that I can uniquely express and enjoy. I have continued this through my first, second, and now third albums, and I find it enjoyable to carry both colors together as I progress."
Being the main vocalist of MONSTA X and a solo vocalist requires Kihyun to shoulder different responsibilities. Within the group, he plays a role in elevating the song's peak and overall quality, while as a solo artist, he must create a complete narrative from start to finish.
"As a main vocalist, I see my role as reaching the peak of the song. My short part in a long song completes it. In contrast, as a solo artist, I have to craft the entire narrative from beginning to end. While there is pressure, there is also freedom to create as I wish. The scope of what I can set is very different, but both roles have their own appeal. In the group, I feel like I am finishing off a song with my friends, while as a solo artist, I am fully responsible for carrying the song."
While his previous work 'YOUTH' emphasized refreshing energy, this album takes a more mature direction. The first two albums were expressions of his desire to break free from constraints and enjoy performing on stage, while 'Borderline' is closer to a product that showcases what he needs to prove as an artist.
"The debut solo track 'VOYAGER' was a song that allowed for a carefree and enjoyable experience. 'YOUTH' also had warm lyrics reflecting my youth, but the sound was primarily upbeat and fun. The way those two albums came about was a result of my strong push. In my 20s, I was often trapped in rigid thinking and faced a lot of stress from that. Engaging in rock music helped alleviate that. I didn't want to go back to that, and when it came to my solo album, I wanted to be free and playful on stage. However, as I prepared for my third album, I felt some fatigue. This song is also rock-based and band-oriented, but it starts with a delicate and lyrical atmosphere, and it isn't just a song I can sing without care. I had to warm up my voice a lot and depend on my condition, which made me wonder if I should take this on, but I felt it was time to show what I can do. It felt like it was time to tackle the overdue homework."
The essence of what he refers to as 'proof' ultimately lies in his vocals. He needed a song that intricately weaves lyricism and explosiveness, one that only Kihyun could perform.
"While enjoying music is great, I believe it's time to show a song that has a narrative arc and can display both my lyrical and explosive sides. I thought it was important to present a song that, when sung by me, becomes entirely Kihyun's, which greatly influenced my decision to make 'So Good' the title track."
Kihyun's musical growth naturally aligns with the trajectory of his life. 'VOYAGER' marked the beginning of his solo journey, and 'YOUTH' served as a reflection of youthful purity, while 'So Good' perfectly overlaps with Kihyun's current stage of taking full responsibility for his choices as he enters his 30s.
"I often feel that my life aligns well with the journey from 'VOYAGER' to this third album. 'VOYAGER' was the start of my solo career, filled with energetic rock-based music. 'YOUTH' showcased the pure emotions I had, and if it showed a more developed version of myself compared to 'VOYAGER', 'So Good' feels appropriate for my age and the stage of maturity in my life. As I enter my 30s, I feel my thoughts deepening and a sense of responsibility for my decisions. The message of 'So Good' is about the freedom that comes when you trust your choices, even amid the many voices around you demanding answers. It connects with my life in a way that I didn't intend, but it's fascinating how it aligns. So, I find it easy to immerse myself in the song. It feels like I am continuously telling my life story."
Given the effort he has put into this project, Kihyun does not hide his expectations for its success. However, his definition of 'success' goes beyond just chart numbers. His true goal for this activity is to reach a broader audience and imprint his distinct identity as a solo artist.
"I know I shouldn't have expectations, but I can't help but imagine a little because I have confidence. The company staff have also said, 'This seems like it will do well.' However, doing well doesn't just mean being high on the charts. If I can stay at a relatively high position for a while, it increases the chances of more people hearing my music. Even if it doesn't achieve commercial success, I hope that those who listen will recognize that 'he really excels at this kind of music.' It's a mix of wanting success and wanting my music to be acknowledged."
Kihyun described 'Borderline' as an album made with "affection and conviction through my own choices." Regardless of its commercial success, the fact that it has made a clear mark on his musical world already gives this album significant meaning for him.
"This is an album I made with a lot of affection and conviction through my own choices. Just like the songs and lyrics, I infused my choices into this album. Whether this album and its activities succeed commercially or not, I am satisfied that it has accurately captured the color of my musical worldview. I hope many people will listen to it because I want them to know that I make this kind of music and that I excel at it."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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