SINON

There’s a rare kind of artist who can command a stage with explosive energy, then disarm you moments later with the quiet sincerity of his words. JUNHEE is one of them. Since his 2017 debut as the leader and lead vocalist of A.C.E, he has been celebrated for his delicate emotional expression, thoughtful lyricism, and the high-voltage performances that leave audiences breathless. Now, as he steps into a new era, JUNHEE is not only redefining himself as a soloist but also as a visionary shaping the future of his own artistry.

In June 2025, he founded H&P Entertainment, a bold move that signaled his commitment to creative independence and leadership. Soon after, he announced a partnership with PAN Entertainment, further expanding his reach from Korea to the global stage. His solo debut arrived on August 14 with “Supernova” — a retro disco and dance-pop anthem produced by global hitmakers PhD, whose credits span Kylie Minogue to SHINee. The track quickly soared to the top of iTunes charts in seven countries, cracked the U.S. Dance and K-Pop charts, and entered Spotify’s Viral Songs chart in Korea, cementing JUNHEE’s arrival as a solo force.

But beyond the numbers, JUNHEE’s music is deeply personal. His first mini-album, [The First Day & Night], released on September 12, is more than a collection of songs — it’s the beginning of the music he’s always wanted to share. Blending R&B, pop, electronic, and acoustic textures, he crafts a sonic identity that is as versatile as it is heartfelt. At the center of it all is his bond with C.C (CLOVER & CHOICE), the fandom whose voices and stories continue to inspire him.

As an artist, JUNHEE is building more than a career — he’s building a legacy. In this conversation with SINON, he opens up about the risks, the resilience, and the emotional narratives that define this new chapter.

If your younger self from debut days could watch your “Supernova (00:00)” stage now, what would surprise him most?

I think he’d probably just be completely surprised and find it hard to believe. Back when I debuted, I could never have imagined doing solo activities.

The title track “Umbrella (10:00)” paints you as someone standing between the rain and the umbrella. In your own life, what’s the “umbrella” you’ve chosen not to open, even when it could protect you?

Not a literal umbrella, but there’s a value I always keep in mind. I never let myself fall into ‘self-pity.’ I think it’s important to know when to protect yourself and when to open up and accept things. When something hard happens, I’d rather face it head-on and take it as it is. I don’t let myself sink into sadness and make things harder because of the situation.

What’s one creative risk you’ve taken since going solo?

I think running the company has been the biggest risk. It carries just as much responsibility as making music. So many people rely on me, and I feel the weight of everything I need to manage because of that.

Has a fan ever influenced one of your songs?

“Tattoo (With. Jiham, WoW, BK, Yuchan) (12:30).” I worked on this song with the fans in mind from the very beginning, and that’s why it’s included on this album. I hope it becomes a song that will be cherished for a long time.

What’s one sound — not a musical note, but a real-world sound — that you wish you could sample into a future track?

I’d love to record fans singing along to my songs and sample their voices into a track. I think it would be really fun and meaningful.

Thank you JUNHEE!

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Photo Credits: H&P Entertainment