InterviewASTRO's Yoon San-ha goes 'EXTRA VIRGIN,' extra confident on new solo album 'CHAMELEON'
Yoon San-ha of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
Yoon San-ha isn't here to play it safe, especially not when he's naming his new solo title track "EXTRA VIRGIN," after premium olive oil.
Nearly a year after going solo, the youngest member of K-pop boy band ASTRO returns with "CHAMELEON," a vibrant second mini-album that blends playful charm, summer vibes and a newfound level of confidence.
"These 11 months, I had time to grow deeper and more solid," Yoon said during an afternoon interview on July 3 with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District.
"It may seem long or short depending on how you look at it, but it gave me the courage to return solo. That's really thanks to the support and patience of my fans."
Yoon San-ha of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
Set for release on Tuesday, "CHAMELEON" shows off a broader artistic palette than his first solo work. Its lead track, "EXTRA VIRGIN," stands out with its blend of country-inspired chords and punchy hip-hop rhythms.
Its title, in particular, reflects his desire to take risks.
The name "EXTRA VIRGIN" came from the demo stage, and while the lyrics were initially full of references to olive oil, the singer said something about it really stuck with him.
"My label didn't think the title had any meaning, but I loved how it sounded," the Fantagio artist said with a grin. "There's something about the phrase that implies top-tier quality, and that was what resonated with me. Becoming the best artist I can be is one of my biggest dreams."
Yoon San-ha of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
Compared to his first solo album, which leaned into moodier R&B tones, "CHAMELEON" offers more rhythmic variation. Yoon explains that while his debut was a time of exploration, this new release is rooted in the confidence he's built over the past year.
"Back then, I was quite unsure and nervous," he admitted. "It was the first time I had to work on my own, and I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. My last activity was a unit with Moonbin, and preparing that first album made me miss him a lot."
Yoon previously performed as part of ASTRO's first official unit with Moonbin, debuting the duo Moonbin & Sanha back in 2020. The pair explored their mature, performance-driven sides across three mini albums, leaving a lasting impression before Moonbin's death in April 2023.
But this uncertainty has now turned into self-direction for Yoon. While he didn't get to promote his solo debut album on music shows, this time, Yoon chose a title track that would allow him to show off his stage presence.
Yoon San-ha of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
"It's the kind of style I've never done before — not in a group, not solo," he says. "This time, the vibe is really chill, and in a way feels very Gen Z."
When it came to selecting the title track, he found himself debating between "EXTRA VIRGIN" and another song from the album, "Bad Mosquito." The latter, with its fast tempo and sensual concept, would have continued the tone of his previous unit work with the late Moonbin.
But Yoon felt that "EXTRA VIRGIN" captured a playful energy that might not come as easily in future years.
"There was a sense that this was the right age to try something mischievous and youthful. I don't know if I'll be able to do that in a few years," the 24-year-old singer said, smiling.
Still, he didn't make the decision alone. He often sought feedback from his ASTRO members, including Cha Eun-woo.
Yoon San-ha of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
"We were having dinner in Japan before our recent ASTRO concert, and he joked, 'When are you going to catch up to me?' since he's so popular," Yoon recalled. "It was obviously just a joke, but I always took it to heart. I really want to make him proud while he's serving in the military."
When asked how close he feels to that goal, he estimates he's about 15 percent there.
Though the upcoming promotion schedule feels demanding to go through alone, Yoon says he isn't overwhelmed. With support from his ASTRO members and a growing sense of musical identity, he's ready to fully step into the spotlight.
"I know I can't satisfy everyone," he says. "But I know this album and stage won't disappoint. This time, I'm showing you who I really am."