Interview2PM's Jang Woo-young talks teamwork, overthinking, solo return with 'I'm into'
The official teaser image for 2PM Jang Woo-young's upcoming solo mini album, "I'm into" / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
Sleepless nights, tight deadlines and endless edits. For Jang Woo-young of K-pop boy band 2PM, the road to his first solo release in seven years wasn’t smooth, but it was worth every step.
At a quiet cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District Wednesday, Jang could hardly contain himself. Sitting forward in his chair for an interview with The Korea Times, the singer spoke with a flood of energy about his long-awaited return as a solo artist.
"To exaggerate," the JYP singer said with a laugh, "these days I feel so busy it's almost hard to breathe."
On Monday, Jang is set to release "I'm into," his third mini-album and first since 2018. It's a comeback seven years in the making, delayed by mandatory military service, the COVID-19 pandemic and, according to Jang, his own tendency to overthink.
"The most personal reason it took so long is that I thought too much," he said. "After I was discharged, the pandemic hit. Still, because I wanted to do well, I kept hesitating."
The official teaser image for 2PM member Jang Woo-young's upcoming solo mini album, "I'm into" / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
Despite the long road, he spoke of the process with a sense of gratitude, especially the camaraderie built with his production team. Beginning last year, he pushed through delays and schedule conflicts, determined to complete the record with his team, many of whom were working with him for the first time.
"I wanted our team to go through this together," he said. "I didn't want them to think of me as just a long-time idol-turned-entertainer. I wanted to sweat with them, to feel the reward of finishing something side by side."
That passion permeates the new five-track record, led by the title song "Think Too Much" featuring rapper Damini. The track includes pop dance grooves layered with jazz rhythms and soul-inflected hip-hop, carrying themes of immersion.
The collaboration with Damini came from a chance meeting two years earlier, when the two found themselves at the same table during a social gathering.
"She seemed like a genuinely good person and I liked her way of thinking," Jang recalled. "We exchanged numbers but didn't check in for two years. When I got the demo for this track, she was the first person who came to mind. I needed Damini. I reached out after two years, but without hesitation, she agreed to work together. The schedule was tight, but she jumped in right away."
The official teaser image for 2PM Jang Woo-young's upcoming solo mini album, "I'm into" / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
Even as he builds his solo work, the weight of being part of 2PM is never far from his mind. The group's songs, including "My House" (2015) and "A.D.T.O.Y." (2013), have seen a resurgence in recent years, adding pride but also pressure to his name.
"Doing well solo is good for the group. That's how I see it," he said. "It's my responsibility. I have to show solid preparation so I don't let my members down, or disappoint fans who support the group's name."
Though the bandmates' schedules keep them from meeting often, Jang said their bond remains strong.
"We still joke around in our group chat," he said, smiling. "If something happens, we check in on each other. We're inseparable."
Just as candid about his struggles, Jang was equally open to talk about his drive to push himself, whether through music or variety. He is currently active on several entertainment programs, including Netflix's original series "Screwballs."
"Variety is hard, but there's no other stage as fun or as educational," he said. "When I see junior idols who balance variety and music well, I feel a sense of kinship. While they're laughing, I think about how much their minds must be racing. I imagine how thrilling it must be."
The momentum will also carry him back to the stage later this month. Jang is set to host his solo show, "2025 Jang Wooyoung Concert 'half half,'" at Seoul's YES24 Live Hall for two nights on Sept. 27 and 28. All seats for both nights reportedly sold out almost immediately.
Jang reflected on the compass that still guides him.
"For me, time stopped at 2 p.m.," he said, alluding to his group. "All other times have no meaning. That time stamp remains the hottest moment of my life."