Following an eight-year tenure as a member of the boy group A.C.E, KANG YUCHAN embarks on a new phase of his music career. He launched his journey as a solo artist with the goal of creating a musical genre of his own, starting with his debut single, "Champagne Poppin'."
YUCHAN penned the lyrics for the dance-pop track, "Champagne Poppin'," while production was handled by HELLO GLOOM and dogshampoo, the producers at his new agency, WAY BETTER. He also worked with familiar names, including from20 for the music video and Wootae, from the show 'Street Man Fighter,' for the choreography.
Following YUCHAN's debut, allkpop had the opportunity to sit down with the artist to talk about his latest single and his aspirations. Check out the full exclusive interview below!
allkpop: How has 2025 been for you so far, especially as you embark on this new chapter as a solo artist under a new label? What's that experience been like?
YUCHAN: These days, every single day has been busy. Ever since I have joined WAY BETTER, every day has been a new experience for me. Coming into this company as a solo artist, I have been experiencing new things on the regular.
allkpop: What was it about “Champagne Poppin’” that made it the perfect introduction for YUCHAN as a soloist? Why was this the song you chose for your debut?
YUCHAN: I’ve always thought “Champagne Poppin’” is a great song, from the moment I heard it for the first time up until now, but I became even more convinced of it when the track was chosen as the debut single and as I participated in every step of the production process. I realized that “Champagne Poppin’” is a song that works perfectly as the first step in the solo artist KANG YUCHAN’s career.
allkpop: Could you share what your days looked like while writing "Champagne Poppin'"? What was the experience of working with WAY BETTER's producers to craft a song that perfectly represents you as an artist?
YUCHAN: We faced quite a lot of difficulties when recording the song. Recording a song alone is not an easy job, and since it would be my first solo release, I was pretty greedy to do well in the recording booth. Nevertheless, our company’s producers HELLO GLOOM and as well as dogshampoo were amazing at vocal directing, they helped me a lot to get my thoughts and nerves under control which definitely contributed to the success of the recording.
The day of the filming of the music video was honestly such a happy one. Everyone present on set was very sincere and helpful, which made the filming go smoothly. Despite their busy schedules, all of the WAY BETTER artists came to support me on set. I would like to take this opportunity and thank everyone who was involved in the music video through this interview, thank you so much!
allkpop: Were there any particularly memorable moments during the filming of your “Champagne Poppin’” music video?
YUCHAN: If you watch the music video, there is a scene of me opening a champagne bottle, when it suddenly pops open. I was really surprised and you can see it by looking at my face. It’s a bit embarrassing (laughs). Anyway, please check it out!
allkpop: Are there any specific genres you'd like to explore in your future music? Which genre do you feel best suits you as an artist?
YUCHAN: Rather than being someone that fits a specific genre or a category, I hope that KANG YUCHAN becomes a genre of its own. And I’m constantly putting in effort to achieve that. Personally, among the songs I'll be sharing in the future, I’d like to include at least one that truly reflects my honest feelings.
allkpop: Could you share some of your short-term and long-term goals with us?
YUCHAN: Short-term-wise, I want to define who KANG YUCHAN is as an artist, what kind of music he makes, and what kind of activities he partakes in. My long-term goal is to be able to meet the fans that live in all corners of the world, so we can spend happy days together.
allkpop: Finally, please share a message with allkpop readers and your fans.
YUCHAN: Dear allkpop readers and all of the fans that have been loving and supporting me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have been able to debut as a solo artist, all thanks to your love and support. I will do my best to repay you for everything that you have done for me, and I promise to become an ever-growing artist. Thank you, I love you!
Instagram: @chan_fficial
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