Park Woo Jin is a singer-songwriter and the main rapper of fourth-generation boy group AB6IX, and he officially made his solo debut on February 27, with the mini-album 'oWn'; prior to the release of his album, Woo Jin dropped the anticipated prelude collaboration single with Kim Jae Hwan, titled "Self Portrait."
Woo Jin's first solo record, 'oWn,' is an introspective album depicting the peaks and valleys of the K-Pop rapper’s life and dreams. Ranging from hip-hop to pop, even some slow jams, each song portrays Woo Jin’s unique creative mind. The album features the title song "Top Tier" and the B-side tracks "Gotta Go (feat. Verbal Jint)," "Feelin' Good (feat. Jiselle)," "Dive," and "Self Portrait (feat. Kim Jae Hwan)."
“Self Portrait” is a metaphor used to describe Woo Jin's life where he is the drawer who never stopped facing uncertainties, likened to drawing on a blank page and continuously correcting the uneven lines of his drawings in pursuit of his dreams. It is remarkable in the sense that the rapper Woo Jin challenges himself to sing an emotional pop ballad, “Self Portrait,” where he teams up with the singer Kim Jae Hwan. Woo Jin's most personal narrative encapsulated in the stripped-down number is expected to resonate with many listeners currently struggling to fulfill their dreams.
The title track, "Top Tier," has a repetitive lead sound with an 808-based hard-hitting base that sets the right tone for Woo Jin's powerful rap. The singer also teamed up with veteran rapper Minos in the rap-making to finalize a witty track with a well-made punchline.
To commemorate his awaited solo debut, Park Woo Jin chatted with allkpop to dish on his first album, 'oWn,' the creative process of his self-written album, and more. Keep reading to know more about Woo Jin!
allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your solo debut! Could you please explain the concept and message you hope to convey with the title track "Self Portrait" and the album 'oWn' in general? What message do you want fans to take away from your album?
Woo Jin: On this album, I tried to tell my story. I wanted to show a lot of things I couldn't show you yet, and I tried to express things that people who listen to my songs could relate to through lyrics. I hope it will be an album that gives happiness and comforts the listeners.
allkpop: "Self Portrait" marks the pre-release single from your forthcoming solo album. What was it like preparing for the album without AB6IX this time? How was your overall experience?
Woo Jin: Since it's a solo song, I think I had more space to myself in the working process than I usually have compared to working on a group album. However, it was more demanding to record the entire song without the members. My touch was added to the album in general. It was a great experience.
allkpop: The title track is a metaphor for your life, in which you are the drawer who never stops facing uncertainties. We believe that feeling pressured about your work as an artist is normal. How do you motivate yourself to keep moving forward in pursuit of your dreams, despite the uncertainties you may face in the future as you continue your career as an artist?
Woo Jin: I feel motivated to move on as there are always fans who support and enjoy. I always try harder to reciprocate the love from the fans, and it helps me work harder.
allkpop: You contributed to the creation of all five songs on the album. Could you please tell us about the album's creation process? What were your inspirations behind writing these songs?
Woo Jin: There are songs that I wrote over a long period of time, and there are also songs that I wrote in a relatively short period of time, and each time I tried to express what I was thinking and worrying about.
allkpop: What are your thoughts on being able to participate in the creative side of being more than just a singer and rapper? What do you consider to be the most important aspect(s) of working on new music?
Woo Jin: As this is my first solo album, I thought it was important to tell my own story and express myself. I tried my best to bring out something enjoyable for the fans who’ve been waiting in terms of the songs but in every aspect.
allkpop: Do you think it's easier to express yourself through music? What drives your creativity in your work?
Woo Jin: It's not easy to express myself, but I think I'm working hard because I think it's another way to express myself. I feel most rewarded with this job when I express my feelings through music, and the people who listen to the music relate to it and feel comforted by it. I don't think I'm a style that needs a source of creativity but I use everyday feelings and thoughts, whatever comes from my environment, to make a song.
allkpop: The album is stylized as 'oWn,' we believe that the capitalized letter W in the album title 'oWn' stands for your name, Woo Jin. In what ways do you believe this record represents Woo Jin?
Woo Jin: I participated as a lyricist for all the songs on the album, and I put a lot of my story into it while writing the lyrics. I think this album itself is my autobiography because I have a lot of my touch on the album as a whole, not just the lyrics.
allkpop: Which of the album's songs is your personal favorite?
Woo Jin: I like all the songs, but I like the song "Dive," which is a genre I wanted to try but haven’t been able to.
allkpop: How did Verbal Jint, Jiselle, and Kim Jae Hwan become featured artists for songs "Gotta Go," "Feelin' Good," and "Self Portrait"? Why did you think they were a good fit on the tracks? Could you also tell us about your time working with them?
Woo Jin: When I listen to the song, I vaguely draw an image about ‘what kind of voice would suit this song,’ and I think the people who fit that imagination are featured in it. There were cases where I asked for it myself, and there were times when I requested it through the company, but everyone accepted it so willingly that it seems that the projects worked out smoothly. I really want to say thank you to everyone.
allkpop: Who are the next artists you wish to collaborate with, in or out of K-Pop?
Woo Jin: I want to try new things and projects with many rappers, and I think there would be a good opportunity to make it happen one day.
allkpop: You participated in a survival television show, then debuted as part of a group, and will now begin your solo career. It has been about 6 years! Can you describe how you have changed as a person and as a musician since 2017? What were the most important lessons you took away from your past experiences that helped you become the person you are today?
Woo Jin: I have had a lot of experience and have gained a lot from it. My thoughts are much deeper than before, and I feel like I have grown to a certain extent. The most important lesson from past experiences is that you always have to work hard.
allkpop: Are there any goals, music-related or personal, that you would want to accomplish this year?
Woo Jin: I want more people to listen to my songs and AB6IX's songs, and my goal is to make 2023 a year where there will be no regrets when I look back.
allkpop: Please leave a message for everyone reading this.
Woo Jin: Thank you for always being supportive, and I will become an artist who improves. I will work hard to become a singer who reciprocates the love you give me. Always be healthy and happy. Thank you.
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