Photo = Starship Entertainment


 

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] MONSTA X KIHYUN opened up honestly about his own vocal skills and shared his aspirations for the future.

 

KIHYUN met with Hanteo News at the Starship Entertainment building in Seoul on the 1st to talk about his second mini album, “BORDERLINE.” On this day, KIHYUN said, “I think it would be really great if I could be included among the top 5 idol vocal kings,” adding, “You know how there are things where people take the first syllables of idols’ visuals? I hope there could be something like that for vocals too, and I would like my name to be in it.”

 

He also shared what he considers to be his strength as a vocalist. KIHYUN said, “In the past, I used to introduce myself as a singer who could pull off many genres, like a chameleon, giving off one feeling when singing this kind of song and another feeling when singing that kind of song,” adding, “At some point, I had become a singer who leaned heavily toward rock.” He continued, “This time, I tried to become a singer who can show a lot of flexible colors, becoming a rocker when singing rock and an R&B singer when singing R&B.”

 

When asked whether he thinks he is good at singing, he answered honestly. KIHYUN said, “In the past, on a radio show, I was asked where I thought I ranked among idol vocalists, and I answered that I might be around No. 5. Even now, I would be grateful if I were around that level,” adding, “Just about that level. I think it would be really great if I could be included among the top 5 vocal kings.”

 

As vocalists he respects, he named EXO BAEKHYUN and SEVENTEEN SEUNGKWAN. KIHYUN said, “I really, really respect EXO’s senior BAEKHYUN, and I really like his singing style. I also really like SEVENTEEN’s SEUNGKWAN,” adding, “Since I am limited to people who were active around the same era as me, those two came to mind first.”

 

As for a solo role model, he said he has been intentionally keeping some distance. KIHYUN explained, “Before, there were many people I simply liked so much, but these days, I try not to think about them too much on purpose,” adding, “Without realizing it, I end up following that person’s color.” He continued, “From the moment I started trying hard to find my own color, I have been busy just trying to find myself fully, so I don’t think I really have one these days.”

 

He also spoke about how his mindset changed after his military service. KIHYUN said, “While serving in the military, I performed at more than 300 events over a year and six months, so I maintained my ability, but of course, I was still anxious,” adding, “I thought a lot about whether I would fall behind and whether the fans would forget me a lot.” He continued, “But after I came out, those worries felt so meaningless, and I am even on tour now, so I think I am such a blessed person,” adding, “I am living each day with a humbled and grateful heart.”

 

At concert venues he returned to after seven years, he also felt emotional. KIHYUN said, “I am not a very sentimental person, and I really don’t cry much, but when I performed at the same concert venue as before, I felt a little choked up,” adding, “There were countries I visited again after seven years, and the fans were still there.” He continued, “Even though seven years had passed, they spent their time to come see us like that, so I felt I had to repay them. In the case of Mexico, the altitude was so high that I could hardly breathe and felt like I was going to die, but I stayed focused until the end and worked hard.”

 

As he entered his 30s, his attitude toward life also changed. KIHYUN said, “During the COVID season in my late 20s, I was forced to take a break, and I realized I was someone who didn’t know how to rest, had no hobbies, and had no memories,” adding, “I entered my 30s thinking, ‘Let’s live while doing what I want to do, and let’s take on a lot of challenges.’ Looking back now, I think it was such a good time.” He continued, “Before, I would get really stressed if something went outside the frame, but these days, I think I have become someone who can acknowledge differences and let things pass more flexibly, while also finding something to gain within them,” adding, “People sometimes ask me if I want to go back to my 20s, but not at all. I like where I am now.”

 

KIHYUN’s second mini album, “BORDERLINE,” will be released today at 6 p.m. through various music streaming sites.

 

 

grace@hanteo.com