Why WINNER's Seunghoon appears nude in 'SOSO' MV

By Dong Sun-hwa

After K-pop boy band WINNER unveiled a music video for its latest release “SOSO” to the press on Wednesday, almost everyone on the spot was taken aback by one particular scene. It features member Seunghoon (also known as Hoony) nude.

When asked the rationale behind his nudity, Seunghoon revealed he wished to open up the most genuine sides of him.

“Many people believe I live a glamorous life as I am a celebrity,” he said during the press event at the CGV Cheongdam Cine City, Seoul. “But I bear the scars and solitude deep inside myself. I longed to disclose my authenticity without any outfits or accessories.”

Initially, he was to wear underwear for the filming but later took it off, feeling something was “missing.”

“I think only a few K-pop singers would know how it feels to get undressed in front of cameras,” the singer said.

Seunghoon also grabbed attention for shaving his head for the first time since the group's debut in 2014. He said he wanted to look different, as WINNER's music this time is distinctive from previous releases.

“I also wanted to kick off a new journey, washing away my grimy past,” he said. But he did not elaborate.

In fact, Seunghoon sparked controversy in June for allegedly helping Yang Hyun-suk, former CEO of his agency YG Entertainment, cover up the drug case of B.I of iKON, another boy band represented by the label.

Watch the MV:

bit.ly/2MFh267

WINNER, comprising Seungyoon (Yoon,) Jinwoo (Jinu,) Seunghoon (Hoony,) and Mino, dropped its third mini-album “CROSS” Wednesday. Fronted by hip-hop flavored lead track “SOSO,” the six-number album also contains four B-side songs including the moog bass-sounding “DRESS UP,” the chilled R&B “DON'T BE SHY,” Seunghoon's solo track “FLAMENCO,” Seungyoon's solo work “WIND” and “OMG,” a track dedicated to fans.

Although the band has long been sticking to its vibrant and playful image, it has returned with “darkness” this time.

“SOSO,” in which leader Seungyoon contributed to the song-making, best epitomizes such a change. Blending pop, dance and hip-hop, the track centers on a man pretending to be calm after a breakup. But as the song goes on, the lyrics reveal the man's genuine feelings and how miserable he is.

“We attempted to display our transformations whenever we released fresh music, but then realized many fans and listeners don't actually notice them,” Seungyoon said. “Therefore, we wanted to exhibit a perceptible change this time. So we came up with 'SOSO.' But the album contains bright songs too.”

The leader also answered questions about B.I, who left iKON in June over allegations he bought prohibited drugs in 2016. YG's former CEO Yang stepped down from his post following the scandal.

“It would be a lie if I say I did not experience any inner struggles,” Seungyoon said. “I also read articles and people's comments about the issue. But, fortunately, I had chances to meet our fans through festivals and events and could get healed. At last, I concluded that the only solution for me was to show good performances to our fans with the new release."

He added: “We promised to come back twice this year and are delighted to keep that promise. Frankly speaking, I check the music charts a lot (to see our ranks) but I would refrain from doing that this time. The goal of the release was to display our transformation. If our followers are fond of our products, that is enough for me.”

WINNER also disclosed it would like to drop a studio album by early next year.

Seunghoon said he hoped WINNER could resemble K-pop boy band Super Junior, which recently reunited after all members finished their compulsory military service. In WINNER's case, Seunghoon and Jinwoo are poised to join the army soon.

Meanwhile, the quartet will hold “WINNER [CROSS] TOUR IN SEOUL” on Oct. 26-27 at KSPO Dome. After the gig, the group will head for seven cities in Asia including Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok.