Throughout August and September, fans of K-pop star Wonho counted down the days until the 31-year-old was discharged from his mandatory military enlistment.
The singer, a soloist under Highline Entertainment, wasted no time in getting back to music following his September discharge, releasing an English-language single “What Would You Do” in November. Wonho then spent much of December touring the U.S. for the first time as a soloist, performing at several Jingle Ball concerts around the country and even making a stop at the Unforgettable Gala.
The “Losing You” singer appears effortlessly cool when performing on stage and undeniably charming both off stage and when he’s interacting with fans. “I’m going to be a superstar soon, so don’t be late on the train,” Wonho cheekily tells The Hollywood Reporter when asked about his career at the moment, just hours before his December L.A. fan meeting. The answer elicits smiles and laughs from his team.
Below, the singer speaks with THR about touring in the U.S. as a soloist for the first time, how he grows as an artist and what he’s dying to try next.
How are you feeling being back in music and being back with fans after almost two years away?
It’s really exciting to be back with a very good opportunity to meet U.S. Wenee [official name for his fans]. There’s a lot of new music that we’re excited for.
How has the tour been? This is your first time touring solo in the U.S. Do you have any favorite or challenging moments?
Nothing really hard, but there was a lot more excitement and anticipation for the tour. A memorable moment was probably Dallas because it was the first Jingle Ball, and I was very nervous.
What was Jingle Ball like? Is there anyone that you got to see perform that kind of was like an exciting moment for you?
I saw Jason Derulo’s performance and thought there were a lot of things to learn from his performance.
Do you find yourself more nervous on a stage where you’re performing amongst so many other acts?
When I’m on stage with other artists at Jingle Ball, it’s not really that I’m super nervous, it’s just a new experience for me. The difference for my fan meetings is that it’s usually only my fans, so it’s like a better opportunity to interact and communicate more closely with them. It’s more fun.
Wonho and Belle The Dog attend iHeartRadio z100’s Jingle Ball 2024 at Madison Square Garden.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Do you feel you have a new outlook on music since you’re working on it for the first time in a while or is it the same it’s always felt?
It’s not really that I try new things, but I’m always working on new music and have new songs. I always pick good songs that I feel are right for the moment, and in the future it’ll always be like that too.
Looking to the future, is there anything that you haven’t tried that you’re really hoping to? Whether it be musically or anything else creative.
I’d like to try country music and try acting too.
As you continue to grow as a soloist, do you feel your point-of-view on being an artist has changed since way back to when you first started performing?
I think there are always things to work on and improve on, but in the moment I’m always trying my best. I don’t feel like I’m ever fully satisfied in the moment. In the future too, I probably won’t be, but I’m always trying my best to. Now, I’m more focused on enjoying the process and making sure that I’m having fun creating things.
What can fans look forward to in 2025? What is next for you?
I’m currently working really hard to release a new album early next year [in 2025]. After the album release, it’s only just plans right now, but to hurry and come back to meet my fans here [in the U.S.].
Is there anything we didn’t get to talk about that you think is important to where you’re at right now in your career?
I’m going to be a superstar soon, so don’t be late on the train. Please listen and enjoy it together, now and in the future. I hope that we [he and his fans] have a good time together.