Photo = WAKEONE

 

Kim Jaehwan’s starting point was different from the beginning.

 

In 2017, he gained widespread attention after surviving to the final round of Mnet’s survival program Produce 101 Season 2, debuting as a member of Wanna One.

 

At the time, he was an individual trainee without an agency, but after Wanna One, he signed with a company and has since continued his career as a solo artist.

 

Kim Jaehwan met with Hanteo News at a café in Cheongdam-dong on the 20th and said, “If it weren’t for Wanna One, I wouldn’t have been able to make the music I want to make now,” adding, “I feel lucky to be able to show so many different sides of myself.”

 

Wanna One recently held an outdoor fan meeting on the 6th at Sangam DMC Culture Park in Seoul. Kim Jaehwan shared, “We’re really close friends, so even in our group chat we talk casually like friends. We treat each other in a very human way, and I think we’ve actually grown even closer.”

 

At the fan meeting, they performed Wanna One’s signature song “Pick Me” again, drawing attention.

 

Kim Jaehwan said, “We weren’t prepared at all, we had to quickly go over things below the stage before going up—but once we did it, I felt like everyone had improved so much,” adding, “I think we’ve all grown a lot through our solo performances.” He continued, “Not just ‘Pick Me,’ but if we perform other songs as well, I think they’ll feel even better.”

 

Since his time in Wanna One, the label “Wanna One” has always followed him as he continued his solo career. Now that Wanna One has signaled a return, the title could feel like either a burden or a source of pride.

 

Regarding this, Kim Jaehwan said, “If it weren’t for Wanna One, I don’t think I’d be making the music I want to now,” adding, “As a trainee, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to even release one album.” He continued, “Because I was in Wanna One, I gained fans, and because those fans are there, I’m able to perform on music shows.”

 

He added, “I’m truly grateful to Wanna One. I feel like I’ve been very fortunate—I can show my dancing side as part of Wanna One, and as a solo artist, I can play guitar and explore OSTs, ballads, and many different styles. I always try not to take that for granted and remain thankful.”

 

Meanwhile, fellow Wanna One member Park Jihoon is also set to release his first single ‘Reflect’ on the 29th, coincidentally overlapping with Kim Jaehwan’s comeback period.

 

Kim Jaehwan said, “Since we’re both promoting on music shows, the topic came up naturally. Honestly, I’m glad—sometimes it gets boring because there’s no one I know at the studio, but with Jihoon there, we can chat and the waiting time will pass more easily.”

 

When asked about doing a challenge with Park Jihoon, he replied with a smile, “If Jihoon asks, I’ll do it. I’ll happily do it with our ten-million-actor.”

 

Meanwhile, Kim Jaehwan’s single “I’ll Come Pick You Up Now” will be released on the 22nd at 6 PM.