[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]: A Re-Introduction to Nam Woohyun
Fresh off the completion of his military service, Nam Woohyun of INFINITE made a return to the music scene this month with his fourth EP With. Woohyun made his solo debut in 2016, and has since released a number of albums with successful sales and charting. During his newest venture post-military, he sat down with The Kraze to discuss his return to the music industry, inspirations, and much more. Check it out below!
Q: For our readers who are getting the chance to know you for the first time, can you please give a little introduction about yourself?
Woohyun: Hello to The Kraze readers. I’m Nam Woohyun. Nice to meet you.
Q: While preparing for your latest album, what has been your favorite part of the process?
W: While preparing for the comeback, I recall moments of myself thinking, “Would fans like this song?” “Would they like this part?” and being all excited and giddy like a person getting ready to go on a date with a loved one.
Q: What artists were your inspiration for getting into music?
W: When I was in middle school, I was shocked and startled when I encountered music by artists, such as Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. Afterwards, I thought that I should treat my voice as an instrument just like these musicians.
Q: What processes stand out for you as a soloist versus a member of INFINITE?
W: As an INFINITE member, I faithfully and solely carried out my role because there were a lot of members. But as a soloist, Nam Woohyun must face the audience and fans with a full-length song. I had to be much more meticulous; because there were so many aspects that stood out about me, I had to pay attention to multiple things. Every time I encountered those moments, I started thinking to myself, “You’re undergoing tremendous growth,” and I felt like a child getting happier alongside his growth.
Q: If you were talking to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give to yourself?
W: I hope you know how to live life while enjoying it.
Q: How do you define success and what has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
W: I don’t think that success is something that is experienceable throughout the span of a lifetime. There’s no such thing as permanent success in life, so I must pursue success throughout my lifetime. Although I have succeeded as INFINITE, I’m currently on my way to achieving another milestone of success despite it being quite hard for someone to succeed even once. Nonetheless, I believe that my biggest accomplishment so far is leaving behind memorable impressions on the public as INFINITE. However, seeing that I’m still walking towards another goal, perhaps that wasn’t success.
Q: Is there an artist or other producer that you would like to collaborate with? What kind of music would you like to create with them?
W: I would like to collaborate with INFINITE’s Sunggyu.
Q: What is the first thing you’d like to do when you finally get to meet fans in person again?
W: Concert.
Q: Quickly choose one!
TikTok or Instagram? Instagram
Coffee or water? Water
Jeans or sweatpants? Sweatpants
Headphones or earbuds? Earbuds
Hip-Hop or R&B? R&B
Q: What is something that you cannot leave the house without?
W: Lip balm.
Q: What is your favorite smartphone app to use in your freetime?
W: They’re not apps, but Lost Ark/Diablo.
Q: Last question, is there anything specific you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?
W: To my fans and readers, stay safe. Be careful not to catch a cold and I hope everyone stays healthy. I love you.
On behalf of The Kraze, we thank Woohyun for taking the time to speak with us. Be sure to catch up with his latest releases through his Instagram!
* Global PR and Marketing Strategy by MJ TONZ
* Korean translations conducted by staff translator Julia Hur