Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage, and substance.
Interviews are at the heart of HallyuTones, providing an insight into artists and their passion and drive for music. Every artist’s story is different, defined by their history and experiences and full of anticipation for their next projects.
Um Jungwoo is one such artist with a unique and storied journey. She has served as the main vocalist of K-Pop girl group BVNDIT, performed in musicals, and is now preparing for her next stage as a soloist. ‘Still Here‘ is the perfect song title for an artist with limitless potential, vocal talent and a never-ending desire to perform.
Read on below for our exclusive interview with Um Jungwoo as we discuss her solo debut, her career so far, and her many musical inspirations!
Interview:
Q1. Hello and welcome to HallyuTones – Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, I’m Um Jungwoo. I was the main vocalist of the K-pop group BVNDIT, and I’m now preparing for the release of my new solo single. It’s my very first solo release, and I worked really hard on it, so I hope you enjoy the song a lot. Nice to meet you all!
Q2. Your first single album, ‘Still Here’ released on the 25th of November. Could you tell us some more about the style and lyrics of the track?
Still Here is a pop-rock song with a lyrical melody and my warm vocal tone. This song is a message of encouragement to everyone in the world. Even in difficult moments, it says, “Even if I may lose my way sometimes, I am still here,” sending a message of courage. I hope it can be a comfort and support for someone.
Q3. You have performed in multiple musicals including ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Dream Girls’. What do you enjoy the most about performing in musicals?
I’m currently studying acting and musical theatre at Dongguk University, and the more I study, the more fascinating it becomes. As an actor, expressing emotions and singing from a character’s point of view is truly enjoyable. Especially when I played Effie White in Dream Girls, I felt as if I had really become that character. I think moments like these are what make me love the musical stage.
Q4. You have performed on stage as a member of girl group BVNDIT, and also as a musical singer. What have you learned from these experiences that you’d like to bring with you in your new solo endeavours?
Through all these different experiences, I learned that enjoying what you do is the most important thing. So while preparing this song, I always tried to work with joy. I think that’s why it became a song I feel even more attached to.
Q5. When did you first know that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
It was when I was really young, probably around five years old. I started learning piano, and in that moment, I fell in love with music. After that, I naturally wanted music to become my career because I loved singing, playing piano, and dancing so much.
Q6. Over the past few years, you have had many opportunities to perform on stage and meet fans, both as a member of BVNDIT and on the musical stage. Do you have any favourite memories from these experiences?
I had so many opportunities to perform on various stages as a member of BVNDIT, and I think the music show stages remain in my memory the most. The cheers from fans were so loud and moving every time. I want to say once again how truly grateful I was.
Q7. What genres of music would you like to try with your songs in the future?
I love so many musical genres. From country pop like Bailey Zimmerman, to alternative rock like Radiohead, to experimental pop like FKA twigs… I love them all. Especially genres like PB R&B and experimental pop, which I’ve always thought were unique and genius, are styles I really want to try someday.
Q8. What does music mean to you?
Music is my life. I can’t imagine myself without music. It has always been with me, and it always will be. Music is what I love the most and what I can do the best.
Q9. How do you continue to stay motivated when faced with challenges?
I believe that difficult or challenging experiences are just as important as happy ones. I think that even the hard moments are ultimately taking me somewhere. So I try to stay positive by thinking, “This too shall pass.”
Q10. What are your hobbies or interests these days outside of music?
I’ve been so busy these days that I honestly don’t have much time for hobbies. But on weekends, finding good brunch places and eating with my family has become one of the small joys in my life.
Q11. Who are your musical inspirations, and how do they inspire you with your work?
There are so many artists who inspire me, but to name a few: Damons Year, Post Malone, Radiohead, FKA twigs, and The Weeknd. I especially learn a lot from artists who express emotions delicately and who have distinctive visuals and unique artistic worlds.
Q12. What songs have you been enjoying recently that you’d like to recommend to your fans?
I’ve been listening to a lot of country music recently. I recommend Bailey Zimmerman’s “Fall in Love” and “Rock and a Hard Place,” as well asPost Malone’s “Yours” and “What Don’t Belong to Me.” It’s autumn in Korea right now, and these songs are perfect for this slightly chilly season.
Q13. Fans all around the world are excited to hear about your new solo release. and your new path as a solo artist. What are your goals as the artist Jungwoo?
My goal is to become someone who continues to make heartfelt music for a long time. I want to become an artist with my own story and my own emotions. And someday, I want to use my experiences to work as a producer who helps shape other artists’ music and identities.
Q14. Lastly, do you have any messages for your fans and any new listeners?
After a long journey, I’ve finally made it here, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who remembered me and supported me along the way. I’m so excited and happy to show you my first music. If I get the chance, I hope to continue meeting you with good music.
And for anyone hearing my voice for the first time—welcome. I hope my music becomes a small comfort to you.
Thank you to Um Jungwoo for her time as she enters into this next stage of her career. Congratulations on your solo debut, and we are so excited to follow you as your musical journey continues!
Follow Um Jungwoo at the links below:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ddaenggoos/featured
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/kr/album/still-here/1854318172?i=1854318173&l=en-GB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/17846485583852545/
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