Kevin Woo FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

Kevin Woo X FAULT Magazine

Photographer: Ho Chang
Stylist: Woojung Lee
Hair: Ez
Makeup: In Ju Kang
Groomer: Shiyena

Interview: Miles Holder

Regardless of which stage in his career you first fell in love with Kevin Woo, it’s undeniable that his talent and determination to create music people love has forever been his driving force. With over ten years spent in varying boybands, Kevin had made quite the name for himself as a solo artist, so we caught up with the musician to discover more about his process, his musical journey and as always, his FAULTs.

Can you give us some details on the projects you’re working on right now?

Kevin Woo: I’ve been preparing for virtual live concerts and events. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all my live shows have been postponed and I wanted to find a way to engage with my fans online and uplift their spirits through music. I’ve been curating more fun content such as live cooking and hanging out with my fans over live streams. I’ve also been in the studio working on new music. I took advantage of my time during lockdown to discover new sounds and work on my craft as a solo artist.

When you’re pursuing a solo career, is it liberating or lonely to not have bandmates to lean on?

Kevin Woo: Although I’m still in the process of getting used to being a soloist after being in a boyband for over 10 years of my life, it actually feels more liberating for me to have more creative input in my music and art. I’ve had more chances to work with diverse producers and artists around the globe than ever before. Having this freedom allowed me to look at music in a different light and what kind of artist I want to become. As much as I love being a solo artist, I still look back sometimes and reminisce about the times when I had bandmates to turn to and share laughs with. Those were unforgettable memories that will stick with me forever.

If you could go back to the start of your career and leave yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Kevin Woo: I would tell myself to have a habit of writing journals. Since I started my career at such a young age and many phases in my life have been unique and eventful, I think it would’ve helped me to not only remember the details of my life but also be able to grapple with and understand my inner emotions more easily and to output those feelings creatively. As we get older, I feel like we become more numb to new experiences compared to our younger years, and it would’ve been helpful to keep those fresh memories alive on paper.

What’s your biggest fear as it pertains to your art?

Kevin Woo: My biggest fear is having a lack of motivation. As we are all experiencing similar adversities due to the pandemic, it’s been hard for me to stay focused on my art since there was a lack of inspiration that I would normally get from meeting diverse people and travelling the globe. I’ve been trying to keep myself motivated by reading books, listening to more diverse music, and staying connected online.

When you look back on your career, what do you think it says about you?

Kevin Woo: I’m really grateful for my fans who have stuck by my side through thick and thin. It’s been a long journey in the entertainment industry for me and I think having that consistent support from the fans have allowed me to be well-grounded and level-headed throughout the years. No matter which point I was at during my career, whether it was at the peak or rock bottom, I’ve treated my loved ones with the same respect and gratitude and that’s a life philosophy that I will continue to live by.

As someone who’s seen the industry change so much over the years, what do you predict the future of K-pop will be?

Kevin Woo: K-pop has now become a global phenomenon, and I predict that the future holds even bigger and higher achievements. Having been in the K-pop industry for over a decade, it’s been a pleasure to help pave the way for future generations of K-pop stars. I’ve seen K-pop grow exponentially in every aspect over the years and I think it will continue to stay at the top of its game and break new records that the world has yet to see. I also see more diversity in cultures, styles, and sounds that are being born into the genre of K-pop.

What’s been the most challenging day of your career so far?

Kevin Woo: The most challenging day would have to be the day I departed from my group. Although all of my bandmates supported my dreams full-heartedly, it was bittersweet to leave everything I knew behind to face the unknown. I believe those challenging moments helped shape who I’ve become today.

What’s something new you’ve learned about yourself in quarantine?

Kevin Woo: I’ve learned that I’m not as bad of a cook as I expected. I seldom cooked for myself before the pandemic, but since I spent more time at home, I picked up a new hobby of cooking, and now I find pleasure in making dishes for myself and my family. I’ve also done a live cooking series an Instagram to demonstrate homemade recipes with my fans.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Kevin Woo: I’m looking forward to travelling again, hopefully in 2021. Releasing new music and touring is on the top of my list for the new year and I hope to meet all of my fans again who have been patiently waiting for me.

What is your FAULT?

Kevin Woo: I’ve always been the “Nice Guy”. I don’t really think that’s a flaw, but because it’s very natural for me to be nice to others, there have been instances where people would take advantage of that, especially in showbiz. I’ve learned throughout the years that it’s impossible to please everyone and that it’s okay to say no at times. It’s a never-ending process of discovering and loving yourself, and I think that’s the biggest joy of living!