Jun Jin gets '#REAL#' with new EP

Anyone who even has the most cursory of knowledge in show business would know that novelty is a star's best friend and worst enemy -- with each project comes the pressure to surprise. In that sense, it's easy to think that 17 years is an eon for an artist to stay relevant. But Jun Jin, one-sixth of the boy band Shinhwa who dropped his second solo EP "#REAL#" on Monday, says he's just getting started.

"For the past 17 years, other members and I have turned ourselves into entertainers because that's what was expected of us, not because it's who we were," the 35-year-old told reporters at Jeongdong Theater in central Seoul on Monday. "And it's true, after more than 10 years in the industry, entertainment has become my second nature, but I don't want people to think that's all I've got."

Hence the album title "#REAL#." The hashtags were added to express his desire to connect with fans through social media.

"I haven't been as good as other members at playing around with my fans. I was backstage video-chatting with my fans just earlier, but I couldn't talk to them casually," he said. "I hope to communicate better on social media."

His first solo EP, "FASCINATION," came in 2009. It took him six years to return with another one, but Jun Jin said he thinks the wait was worth it.

"I don't think I would have worked as hard for this album had I released it last year," he said, "the reason being that I wanted to put my best foot forward after (six) years."

The five songs on the tracklist are: "60 seconds," "WowWowWow," "on my own," "You" and "You're the Only One I Need," in that order. Jun Jin took part in the making of each.

The second number "WowWowWow," a dance track with powerful beats and catchy melody, was made the title track due to its potential to capture a wide range of audience. It features a rap session by fellow Shinhwa member Eric.

"I personally thought '60 seconds' would be more appropriate as the title song (than 'WowWowWow'), but I decided I should choose the one with a wider appeal," he said. "'60 seconds' touches me most because it's the first song I recorded."

"60 seconds" is also Jun Jin's first attempt at singing in falsetto. It's certainly slower than "WowWowWow" but has the sophisticated rhythm that gets your head bobbing. The lyrics convey the anxiety one feels when waiting for a text response from a love interest.

"WowWowWow," meanwhile, may come off as too subtle at first listen, but repeated play builds its addictiveness. It does get off to a slow start, with the fuzzy bridge somehow morphing into the eponymous refrain. Only in the context of the album, with quieter, sweeter ballads serving as cushion, does "WowWowWow" shine as the headlining track. But the vigorous choreography accompanying him in the music video is a spectacle worth watching.

"I don't know what you see in the choreography, but the part where the backdancers and I gather at the center requires five steps in quick succession," he said. "It's a great dance for a diet. I lost 6 kg from it."

The remaining three tracks are softer than the first couple but Jun Jin sings each with varying levels of tone and force to match its identity.

"on my own," a ballad, reassures a former flame that everything will be OK post-relationship. "You" is dedicated to Jun Jin's fans but can be intended to any loved one. "You're the Only One I Need" is Jun Jin's personal favorite with piano serving as the only accompaniment. It portrays the feeling he experiences upon realizing he's overlooked someone he cherishes and tries to clarify that he actually cares.

"Initially, we wanted to introduce strings and percussion in the background, but decided to leave them out to prevent distracting people from the lyrics," he said.

Recording "You're the Only One I Need" took about five hours, with the first two hours dedicated just to setting the tone of his voice.

Jun Jin also made a surprise announcement at the press conference, saying he will invite 50 of his fans to have chicken and beer with him if "#REAL#" makes it to the top of the music charts here.

"I've thought about doing this since I was in the military (in 2009)," he said. "I really hope to make it happen."

He also credited his fellow Shinhwa members for supporting him throughout the production of the album.

"I think they were impressed that I was working on an album even with my already busy schedule," he said. "They volunteered to take my photos and videos to upload on social media. They've inspired me to work really hard."

Jun Jin is scheduled to hold a solo concert at an Ehwa Women's University auditorium on Oct. 24. (Yonhap)