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! 

1. TikTok or Instagram? Instagram

2. Coffee or water? Water

3. Jeans or sweatpants? Sweatpants

4. Headphones or earbuds? Earbuds

5. 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