Famous Designer's Challenge as a Singer... Jung Kuho Says "Singing Is Like Writing an Essay"

Stage Name 'Yoo Eunho' Releases Single 'Nunbusida'
"Wants to Hold a Mini Concert for Those Around"
"Will Keep Reckless Challenges Until Leaving This World"

"Actually, I find it more embarrassing than familiar to listen to my own songs with my own ears. But a song doesn’t feel genuine unless personal emotions are involved. I worked on it with the mindset of reading and expressing my heart like an essay."

Jeong Guho (Yoo Eunho) [Provided by Lim Hyungkyu]

Jung Guho (59), a fashion designer, performance director, and artistic director, has debuted as a new singer. At a press conference held on the 2nd in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of his debut song "Nunbushida" (Dazzling), he said, "I’m still not used to hearing my own song with my own ears," sharing his feelings about his debut as a singer. His stage name is "Yoo Eunho."

He first gained recognition in 1997 with the fashion brand "KUHO" and expanded his activities into the performing arts by directing the National Dance Company’s "Dan" in 2012. His works such as "Mukhyang" (2013) and "Hyangeon" (2015) reflect his sensibility as a fashion designer. Recently, he has received praise for directing works like "Sanjo" (2021) and "Ilmu" (2022), which add a modern touch to traditional themes.

He has also been active as an artistic director in the art world, building an impressive career including serving as the general director of Seoul Fashion Week, overseeing the renewal of the Leeum and Hoam Museums, and directing the Craft Trend Fair.

Why did he put aside the name familiar to the public and take on a new name to challenge himself as a singer? "It all started with karaoke gatherings. DotoriM (Yang Yujeong), the composer of 'Nunbushida,' and a few close friends are my karaoke buddies. While singing enthusiastically there, they heard me say I wanted to sing, and everyone encouraged me, which led to my debut."

He said that as a child, he loved music so much that he listened to songs for 3 to 4 hours a day. Although he majored in fine arts due to his father’s opposition, he always had a longing for music. He also did not prepare this album lightly. "I’m older now, and I thought I should try something I really want to do as a bucket list item, so I took vocal lessons and prepared," he said.

'Dazzling' cover [Provided by Yoo Eunho]

The debut song "Nunbushida" is a poignant ballad that recalls memories. Producer Allblack, guitarist Ham Chunho, and pianist Eom Taehwan participated to create a calm yet profound melody.

Jung said, "When I first heard the guide, it was such a song that felt like my own story that it moved me deeply," and introduced it as "a song I wanted to sing that could casually tell stories of people my age."

As he wished, the lyrics of "Nunbushida" fully capture the feelings of longing and melancholy as one recalls both achievements and unfulfilled things, with lines like “The memories engraved in our time together still live in my heart” and “Even the winter days that were hard have passed, and now everything is dazzling.”

As a new singer, he named a mini concert as his goal. "One of the main reasons I wanted to release music was because I wanted to hold a mini concert. Rather than promoting the song, I want to give a gift to those around me," he said.

He added with a smile, "Many people think I’m transforming, but I’m going as I am. Although I’m using a different language, what I want to say is actually the same, and among them, singing is the most personal. I think I will keep making reckless challenges until I leave this world."