Wonho wants to give back to the fans who have supported him through the tough times.
The K-Pop star was part of the Starship Entertainment boy group MONSTA X until he quit in 2019. After his departure he took time out to create music and work on himself (‘Thinking, working out, and eating healthy food’, he tells us).
He signed with Highline Entertainment in 2020 ahead of his return to the idol scene, went blonde (‘It felt fitting for this album’), and he’s never looked back since relaunching his career.
‘When I decide I never think about the other options. It makes it easier for me to stand behind my decisions fully,’ Wonho explained to Metro.co.uk.
‘Otherwise I would always wonder “what if”. I am very happy with my decision and I am ready to give my all to my fans.’
Wonho, real name Lee Ho Seok, is still on familiar territory (Highline is a sub-label of Starship) but at his new home he feels he can ‘show my own music style and colours’.
Part of that style is also reaching out to the English-speaking fans, both his fandom WENEE (short for We Are New Ending) and from his former group, due to the support they showed him during the difficult time after he left MONSTA X.
‘This is very important to me,’ the singer stressed.
‘Fans from all over the world showed me so much love, especially recently, and I want to work hard and express it back to them in English which is music’s international language.’
In the singer’s debut solo album, Love Synonym #1: Right For Me, he has shown off more of the musical talent evident in his previous self-produced tracks such as From Zero and 널하다 (Neol Hada).
He loves all of Love Synonym’s track list, but the one closest to his heart – which fans who have followed him for a while might agree on – is Losing You.
‘I helped to write and compose a lot of the songs on this mini album, but I think it’s my favourite because it means so much to me and my fans,’ the Open Mind singer said.
Of course Wonho is known first and foremost for his vocals and song-writing talent, but a close second is his striking visuals – often standing out for his willingness to take risks with his stage outfits (think harnesses, sheer tops, leather trousers and fluorescent pink hair).
He regularly posts pictures of his progress as he keeps fit and his fanbase WENEE are always vocally appreciative. Something the singer has noticed.
Asked for his reaction to the fan comments, Wonho shared: ‘I like to share myself and everything about me.
‘Working out helps me so much with living a healthier and happier life, so I like to share it with everyone.’
So now the Love Synonym #1 is out there, is there going to be a #2? And will it show another one of Wonho’s colours?
As ever with pop stars, he remains mysterious about what’s coming next.
‘It’s going to be a fun one!’ he laughs – but that’s all he’ll say.
Love Synonym #1: Right For Me is out now.
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