TVXQ's Yunho adds 'cinematic value' to his solo release 'NOIR'
U-Know Yunho of K-pop act TVXQ is poised to release his second solo album “NOIR” at 6 p.m., Monday (KST). Courtesy of SM Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
U-Know Yunho of K-pop duo TVXQ already has more than 17 years of singing experience under his belt, but his music is never trite or repetitive. While producing his second solo release “NOIR,” which will hit major streaming sites at 6 p.m., Monday (KST), he said this time he added cinematic elements.
“NOIR” offers six tracks that are intended to remind listeners of different movie genres, ranging from melodrama to comedy. Yunho, who took part in planning and producing the album, talked about his efforts and the stories behind the songs at Monday's online press conference.
“Many people say life is like a movie ― so I thought it would be easier for listeners to empathize with my music if I added some cinematic value to it,” he said. “In a nutshell, my new album is about the inner feelings that a man experiences throughout his life. I dedicated my heart and soul to it.”
The lead single “Thank U” contains the mood of a film noir movie. The music video for the song also has the storyline of a crime thriller, featuring high-profile actors Hwang Jung-min and Lee Jung-hyun as Yunho's arch rivals.
“Thank U” is the lead single of Yunho's upcoming release “NOIR.” Courtesy of SM Entertainment
“'Thank U' is a pop dance song with a sense of darkness and weightiness that can be found in a film noir flick,” he said. “But it also has some danceable aspects to give a twist. It was chosen as the lead track because it is the epitome of my style.
“I am really satisfied with the quality of the music video. Although it has been rated adult-only, a newly edited version will soon be available (for younger fans).”
Yunho also talked about the lyrics that express his determination to carve out his own path.
“Some people speak lowly of me, but I am thankful to them for inspiring me and helping me take a leap,” he said.
“NOIR” also features the science fiction-inspired “Time Machine,” the comedy-like “Loco (House Party),” the melodramatic “Sleepless; La Rosa,” the monodrama-like “Need You Right Now” and “Eeny Meeny,” which will be unveiled later January. Yunho hinted that he collaborated with a “very special person” for “Eeny Meeny.”
Each song has its own short music video. Yunho said he visualized all the pieces to better deliver their stories.
“For 'NOIR,' I focused on displaying my values,” he said. “So I took a trip down memory lane to tell my story through the album and tried to sing the songs in an open way.”
Yunho wrapped up the session by revealing his goals.
“Through this release, I hope people will recognize that I have taken on a new challenge,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to work in the music scene for a long time, like veteran singer Na Hoon-a.”