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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-11-05 16:04:42
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- “The driving force that has kept me going for 22 years is curiosity. Instead of being content with where I am, my curiosity pushes me to seek something new. And of course, it’s the fans who spark that curiosity.”
U-Know Yunho of TVXQ has released his first full-length solo album “I-KNOW,” 22 years after his debut, offering an honest look at both “U-Know Yunho the artist” and “Jung Yunho the man.”
At a press conference held in Seoul’s Songpa District on Wednesday Yunho said, “I’m not the type who gets intoxicated by achievements. Even when the results weren’t what I hoped for, I kept moving forward at my own pace — enduring and persevering. Eventually, the right timing brings new opportunities.”
He added, “What defines me is acting with drive rather than procrastinating. I give my all to what I love and care about, but I also know when to say no. I don’t want to be trapped by the image of being ‘the passionate guy,’ so I try to observe myself from a third-person perspective.”
“I-KNOW,” released about two years after his third mini-album “Reality Show” (2023), captures Yunho’s journey of understanding and growth as both an artist and a person.
Built around the concept of “fake and documentary,” the album juxtaposes two sides of Yunho: the public persona of “U-Know Yunho” as the fake, and the genuine inner self of “Jung Yunho” as the documentary. Each theme is expressed through paired tracks that mirror these contrasting perspectives.
“I’ve shown many different sides of myself over the past 20 years, but what people are really curious about now is the artist’s personal story,” Yunho said. “If the bright and upbeat image that fans love is the ‘fake,’ then this album’s ‘documentary’ side tells the honest stories and struggles behind it.”
The album features 10 tracks, including double title songs “Stretch” and “Body Language,” as well as “Waterfalls,” “Leader,” “Premium,” and “Fever.”
“Stretch” is a pop track that contrasts intense electronic sounds with subdued, murmuring vocals, delivering a sense of tension. It expresses Yunho’s honest reflections on dance and the meaning of performance.
“I used to handle the bass parts when TVXQ performed as an a cappella dance group,” he explained. “This time, I wanted to return to my roots as a vocalist and find songs with an appealing bass sound. Fans will see how U-Know Yunho continues to evolve within the SMP (SM Music Performance) style — I even adjusted the choreography to highlight that sense of pride.”
TVXQ recently received the Presidential Commendation at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. Yunho’s solo track “Thank U,” featuring the line “This is the first lesson~,” became a viral meme on social media, earning him the nickname “Lesson Uncle” among younger fans.
“Thank U got way more love than I expected,” he said, laughing. “Even my elementary school niece calls me ‘Uncle Thank U.’ Kids say ‘Lesson Hyung’ or ‘Lesson Uncle,’ and I actually enjoy seeing those memes. So this time, I’ll say it myself — ‘Finally, the fourth lesson!’ Please listen to both the ‘fake’ and ‘documentary’ sides of the album.”
Regarding the presidential honor, Yunho said, “It was deeply meaningful to see TVXQ’s long years of hard work in K-pop recognized in this way. I’m grateful that I can still greet fans as an active artist.”
The album closes with “Takeoff,” an outro track inspired by Yunho’s longtime connection to the number 26 — his birthday (Feb. 6), TVXQ’s debut date (Dec. 26), his army division (26th Division), and even his birth weight (2.6 kg). With 2026 just around the corner, he teased that something special is in store.
“Next year will be 2026,” he said with a smile. “It’s too early to give details, but I have something big planned as an artist. Please look forward to Feb. 6 next year.”
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]