PARK WOO JIN: “A LOT HAS CHANGED, BUT THE MINDSET TO TAKE ON CHALLENGES IS STILL THE SAME”

Written By Jenna (제나)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

EVERLAST KOREA is proud to present an exclusive interview with the one and only, PARK WOO JIN! PARK WOO JIN not only released his new single, “Self Portrait” with fellow Wanna one group-mate, KIM JAEHWAN, but he also recently released his 1st EP, oWn. We are excited to share some new insights on PARK WOO JIN’s new EP, what he is looking forward to this year, and where he is as an artist and as a person today. We hope ABNEW, WANNABLE, and EVERLASTERS enjoy this exclusive interview with PARK WOO JIN! 

THIS IS PARK WOO JIN

Video Courtesy: BRANDNEW MUSIC.

PARK WOO JIN is a rapper, singer, and songwriter based in South Korea. He first started out as a trainee under JYP Entertainment, and later transitioned into becoming a trainee under BRANDNEW MUSIC, where he only trained for a total of a year and two months. PARK WOO JIN first auditioned for Superstar K, before appearing on the internationally known music survival show Produce 101, Season 2 in 2017.

PARK KWOO JIN was 1 of 8 trainees that represented BRANDNEW MUSIC on Produce 101, Season 2. After a long series of competitions, stage performances, and showcasing personalities through the dorm-life aspect of the show, PARK WOO JIN ranked 6th in the season finale, becoming a member of the project group, Wanna One. Wanna One included 11 members, one of them being PARK WOO JIN’s fellow BRANDNEW MUSIC trainee and future AB6IX group-mate, Lee Daehwi. 

Wanna One debuted on August 07, 2017, under Swing Entertainment, CJ E&M, and YMC Entertainment. Wanna One became one of the biggest male groups domestically and internationally, making waves through branding, marketing, and entertainment. Since Wanna One was a project group, the group officially disbanded on December 31, 2018. However, Swing Entertainment, along with the members original agencies, agreed that the Wanna One members could finish their group activities through January 2019, by participating in year-end shows, attending award ceremonies, and ending their last group activity with their Therefore 2019 concerts at Gocheok Sky Dome, where their debut showcase took place. After their last concert, each Wanna One member went back to their respective agencies or transitioned to new ones to begin the next steps of their career as solo artists and/or debut in new idol groups. 

After the disbandment of Wanna One, PARK WOO JIN released a single titled, “Candle” with his Wanna One and future AB6IX group-mate, Lee Daehwi. PARK WOO JIN debuted as a member of AB6IX on May 22, 2019, under BRANDNEW MUSIC. AB6IX has released 9 singles, including songs for K-Drama OSTs, Japanese releases, and special releases. Since their debut, the group has also released 5 albums and 8 EPs. AB6IX has consistently grown their international presence in the K-Pop scene over the past couple of years, due to their major following in the form of their fandom, ABNEW!  

LET’S WELCOME PARK WOO JIN

EVERLAST KOREA: Hi PARK WOO JIN! Thank you for joining us today. Can you please introduce yourselves to EVERLASTERS?

PARK WOO JIN: Hello, this is AB6IX's 25-year-old member, PARK WOO JIN.

EVERLAST KOREA: How have you been doing and feeling in the new year?

PARK WOO JIN: As I started the new year, I feel especially resolved. I have been doing a lot of work since the beginning of the new year as well.

HELLO, THIS IS PARK WOO JIN

Video Courtesy: BRANDNEW MUSIC.

EVERLAST KOREA: Using three words, how would you describe yourself as a person today? If you can, add another three words that describe how you were as a trainee as well! How does it feel seeing these six words together?

PARK WOO JIN: I think the three words that describe PARK WOO JIN now are “challenge," “without ends,” and "growth.” During my trainee days, I think it can be explained with the words “passion," “dreams,” and "memories.” 

Overall, a lot has changed, but the mindset to take on challenges is still the same.

EVERLAST KOREA: Not only are you a skilled rapper and dancer, but your skills as a vocalist really shined with your recent release of “Self Portrait.” How would you describe your musical taste or sound as an artist today?

PARK WOO JIN: Actually, I am confident in dancing and rapping, but I think singing is the part that I hide away from. In the case of “Self Portrait,” when I heard the song, I thought that singing the melodies would be a more effective way to express the feelings I felt. It seems difficult to explain my current musical taste in one direction, and it seems like I’m in the challenging phase.

EVERLAST KOREA: After being in the music industry for over 5 years, what do you think your evolution as an artist has looked like in terms of your music career? You did describe the concept of “chasing your dream” in “Self Portrait” and to see where you are now, it must be an amazing feeling to see how far you’ve come despite the trials, the challenges, and obstacles.

PARK WOO JIN: I think there is no end to this work, and things could always get better. I have done my best in any field, and I plan to do more in the future.

EVERLAST KOREA: Besides creating music and performing, what do you like to do on your days off?

PARK WOO JIN: I tend to heal doing things I can get lost in, such as eating delicious food, watching dramas, playing games, etc.

EP ALBUM: oWn

Video Courtesy: BRANDNEW MUSIC.

 EVERLAST KOREA: When your single “Self Portrait” released, many ABNEW and WANNABLE were excited to see that KIM JAE HWAN was featured on the song! What was it like collaborating with your former Wanna One group-mate?  

PARK WOO JIN: I'm grateful that Jaehwan accepted it so readily, and I feel proud because it's a song that can be a gift to our fans.


EVERLAST KOREA: You have an amazing list of songs on your EP! If you could choose one song that really resonated with you or a song that connects with you on the deepest level, which song would it be and why?  

PARK WOO JIN: I can relate to all of the songs because they are all about my story, but among them, I think “Self Portrait’” is the song that expresses the state of my mind the best. It's a song with lyrics that really touch me.


EVERLAST KOREA: What was it like putting together this EP? Do you have any special or particular behind-the-scenes moments that stand out to you that you can share with your fans and EVERLASTERS?

PARK WOO JIN: I think I prepared all the songs with the thought of every single one being a title song, but the song I prepared the longest took two years to create.


EVERLAST KOREA: With your fandom as a solo artist and as an AB6IX member continues to grow, and as they continue to support your music and content, what would you like to say to your fans in regards to how far you have come career wise and how you will move forward in the future?

PARK WOO JIN: Actually, I am trying my best, but I feel that the things we give are not enough compared to the love we receive. The only way to pay back is to try our best, do well, and bring out good music. We will work harder.

HERE’S TO 2023

Video Courtesy: BRANDNEW MUSIC.

EVERLAST KOREA: Since you recently released your 1st EP, is there anything else you would like to achieve this year as a solo artist or with the AB6IX members?

PARK WOO JIN: I hope many people will be comforted by and could relate to AB6IX's songs, as well as my songs.


EVERLAST KOREA: Besides making music and performing, is there anything you would personally like to achieve this year?

PARK WOO JIN: To be honest, I never really thought about it, but I want to go on a trip abroad. There were a lot of opportunities to go overseas for work, but it seems like it's been a long time since I went on a trip.


EVERLAST KOREA: Not only have you recently completed fan concerts with your fellow AB6IX members, but you will be conducting your very own MEET&CALL EVENT with your fans! For those who were not able to attend the fan concerts or have the opportunity to meet with you during the MEET&CALL EVENT, will there be other opportunities for you to meet with fans sometime this year?

PARK WOO JIN: I hope to meet many fans. If I have the opportunity, I WILL GO readily.


EVERLAST KOREA:  If there is an opportunity to create content with us at EVERLAST KOREA, would you be interested and willing to work on a project together? Maybe create content on Korean cuisine? Let us know and we will be happy to coordinate everything!

PARK WOO JIN: Anything is fine as long as you contact me. Please call me!

CREDITS

We want to give a big thank you to Warner Music Korea for allowing us to promote PARK WOO JIN’s activities and promotions! We also would like to thank BRANDNEW MUSIC and PARK WOO JIN for allowing EVERLAST KOREA to conduct an exclusive interview! Warner Music Korea is a subsidiary of Warner Music Group and serves as a distributor, record label, and helps manage artists and their promotions.

CREDITS:

All photos and videos are credited to BRANDNEW MUSIC.

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Jenna (제나)

Head Editor, Co-Founder

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-tokioka/
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