USA TODAY chats with TVXQ's U-KNOW about his third EP "Reality Show," creative process and identity as an artist. https://t.co/tk2qqwauvQ
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) 2023年8月29日
USA TODAYは東方神起のU-KNOWと、3枚目のEP「Reality Show」、創作プロセス、アーティストとしてのアイデンティティについて語ります。
最高の記事!画像に訳した!
— みたこ🎪GreatestShowmanUKnow (@2day_is_present) 2023年8月29日
500万人がフォローしてるUSA Todayのアカウント、RTと記事リンク拡散必至!!!https://t.co/iVbpA6aoGl
記者の@munson_olivia さん、素敵な記事をありがとうございます😭 Can't thank more for ur amazing piece!!!#유노윤호 #UKNOW#Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼 #NEXUS https://t.co/KYCJ4HZIRk pic.twitter.com/NVUZNaQNra
この時(画像左)のことを思い出しました
— sunset🎪Reality Show✨ (@BIsunset) 2023年8月29日
今回はちゃんと顔が写ってる😭#유노윤호 #UKNOW #VujaDe #Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼 #ユンホ #YUNHO #정윤호 동방신기 TVXQ YUNHOfrom東方神起 pic.twitter.com/13s4IgNKW0
https://t.co/JuQHV1L8ON
— kazuyuno (@jonasujonasujon) 2023年8月29日
ほんととてもいい記事✨✨✨#유노윤호 #UKNOW #ユンホ#Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼 #Vujade #Spotlight#NEXUS pic.twitter.com/VRR7foIdnb
記事中 VujaDe のMVが貼ってあるけど、
— sunset🎪Reality Show✨ (@BIsunset) 2023年8月29日
NEXUS にアンダーラインが引いてあるところからしっかりNEXUS 動画にも飛べるようになっている‼️👍
1人でも多くの人がここから飛んで見てくれますように🙏#유노윤호 #UKNOW #VujaDe #Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼 #ユンホ #YUNHO #정윤호 동방신기 TVXQ https://t.co/UYzQJenGEc pic.twitter.com/77CcPE27GY
https://t.co/lXwMetiCcK
— ゆののもの🍓찐친🕊️VujaDe🎪뷰자데 (@love0206UK) 2023年8月29日
rtよい記事でした☺️👍 pic.twitter.com/4T3ISi1gTc
>RT
— いちご姫 (@15chocolate1) 2023年8月29日
紙面、ありがとうございます‼
2Dって書いてあるから
D(ライフ←エンタメや生活)の2ページ目って事で
下に線があるから
見開き1枚の4分の1の枠って事かな
結構大きい記事分量と思う~
嬉しい~🍓#유노윤호 #UKNOW #VujaDe #Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼 #정윤호 #YUNHO #ユンホ #ユノ pic.twitter.com/E5nv0Alkdd
U-KNOWを知ろう 🩷
— kuyan (@kuyan9) 2023年8月30日
じっくりとありがとうございます
3集まできてやっとユノには時間が
必要だと思えた。それは決して無駄な時間じゃない。この記事で更に納得#YUNHOSOLOコン熱望#YUNHO #유노윤호 #UKNOW #Reality_Show #리얼리티쇼#VujaDe #뷰자데 #UKNOW_NEXUS_RealityShow https://t.co/1SMKkdnVyh pic.twitter.com/s0n4cFjEI4
Get to know U-KNOW: TVXQ! member talks solo album, 20th debut anniversary and more
Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story misidentified the release date of “Reality Show.” The EP was released Aug. 7.
As one of the trailblazers of the Hallyu, or Korean Wave, Chung Yunho – known as U-KNOW – has cemented his status as a K-pop legend. In his nearly 20-year career, U-KNOW made his mark both as a member of music group TVXQ! and as a solo artist and actor.
U-KNOW's innate talent for performing is augmented by his abilities as a storyteller. He's someone who showcases his thoughts and emotions through artistry, and with his latest solo EP "Reality Show", U-KNOW continues his authentic vision.
USA TODAY spoke with U-KNOW about "Reality Show," the creative process and identity as an artist.
Meet U-KNOW
U-KNOW, 37, debuted in late 2003 with TVXQ!. The group was among the breakthrough stars of the first generation of the Hallyu, finding groundbreaking domestic and international success.
Over the years, the group has had countless high-charting releases, hitting over 10 million physical albums sold within the first decade of the members' careers. Since debut, TVXQ! has become known for their experimental tracks, captivating performances and thought-provoking lyrics.
Within the group, U-KNOW showcases his strong vocal and dance prowess. This level of expertise extends into U-KNOW's solo work and is exemplified in each release, particularly his latest.
Welcome to the 'Reality Show'
On Aug. 7, U-KNOW released his third EP, "Reality Show" with title track "Vuja De." The mini album's concept harkens back to the musician's affinity for telling stories, leaving room for curiosity to unfold.
The inspiration for this record has been in the works for a while – back to when U-KNOW was enlisted in the South Korean military.
"During my military time, I thought about one day, I want to create a show," he said. "That's where this concept arrived from."
This show is symbolized through the mixture of reality and fantasy, and its accompanying short film, "NEXUS" explores ideas like finding your way in everyday life.
"A lot of times, people compare their 'behind the scenes' with others' 'highlight scenes,'" said U-KNOW. "I wanted to picture that into the whole album and give the message that your show can shine as your own highlight scene."
The creative process of 'question marks'
U-KNOW says he enjoys leaving "question marks" in his work. That even though he presents something one way, he hopes the audience takes away personal, unique interpretations.
"It's actually their own choice and their perspective," he said. "Just giving them a lot of variety of their choices for them, that's my new direction."
This openness has allowed U-KNOW to explore different genres, particularly in "Reality Show." The song variety, from the jazzy title track to the synth-pop "Spotlight," underscores U-KNOW's expansive range.
The album weaves in an overarching theme that has been present since U-KNOW's first project.
"Overall, the concept was always the showman," he said. His three EPs and their title tracks have shown different aspects to this, from the futuristic "Follow" to reflective "Thank U" and now "Vuja De." This creates a through line that flows in all of U-KNOW's solo work.
Defining a vision through honesty
Though U-KNOW first began promoting at a young age, he did not start releasing solo music until 2019, nearly 16 years after his initial debut.
When he began, U-KNOW said he was naïve. "I didn't know much about the industry."
Becoming a solo artist was something U-KNOW took a meticulous approach to. In the beginning, he was unsure what to focus on or try on his own.
"I had a lot of things that I pursued and I dreamed about, but realistically, I felt I was pretty short with," he said.
In order to fully set the tone of being a solo artist, U-KNOW studied and further honed his craft.
"That's why it took a long time for me to actually come out as a solo artist," he said. "I thought I wasn't ready enough by that time. I thought what I should do best is actually express something that I could be totally honest about."
Evolving with the industry
For U-KNOW, his music allows him to be his best self. "I think of myself as the most pure when I'm on stage; when I'm doing music," he said.
In South Korea, someone's 20th year symbolizes coming of age. During his 20 years in the industry, U-KNOW has matured not only as an individual and artist, but in the way he connects with his fans. As a result, the fans hold a special place in U-KNOW's heart.
"They've seen me since I was a baby TVXQ! U-KNOW, and now, a grown-up U-KNOW," he said. "I've always thought of my fans as a third member. That's how I keep them close to myself always."