[Interview] Jang Wooyoung: "Responsibility Is Self-Esteem... I Am Happy When I Dance and Sing"

Third Mini Album "I'm into" to Be Released on the 15th
Singer-Songwriter Who Participated in Every Track
"Though I Overthink, I Feel Free on Stage"

Singer Jang Wooyoung. Photo by JYP Entertainment

"In the past, I used to shrink back, afraid that meeting people might lead to more work or that exercising might result in injury. So, I would relieve stress by cleaning my house. But then I suddenly thought, 'What if I regret this time ten years from now?' From that moment, I decided to let myself be more natural."

Jang Wooyoung of 2PM looked back on his troubled past as he created his new song "Think Too Much." When we met him recently at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul, he said, "Even if I overthink, the most authentic version of myself is the one who enjoys being on stage."

On September 15 at 6 p.m., Jang Wooyoung will release his third mini-album, "I'm into." The album includes a total of five tracks: the title track "Think Too Much," as well as "Carpet," "Swamp," "Reality," and "Homecation." He participated in writing the lyrics for every song, putting his own story at the forefront as a singer-songwriter.

He stated, "A minimum sense of responsibility is the same as self-esteem." This is his first new release in three months since his digital single "Simple Dance" in June. Unlike his previous single, which took seven years and five months to come out, this time he returned quickly. He confessed, "It took a long time because I was searching for a better song, and through that process, I realized my own shortcomings."

"Focusing on songwriting felt like training in the mountains, and it made me sensitive, but through the 'Simple Dance' promotions, I rediscovered the joy of being on stage. I realized that dancing and singing on stage still makes me happy."

The criteria for choosing his title track were also simple. He explained, "As soon as I heard it, I thought, 'I could really enjoy singing and dancing to this on stage.' I felt that I could show myself having a great time up there." The album title, "I'm into," means "to be deeply immersed in something." "While planning the album, I tried to decide on a theme, but nothing came to mind. So I sent an SOS to my colleagues, and they all said, 'Just tell your own story, Wooyoung.' Thanks to them, I was able to find the courage."

Singer Jang Wooyoung. Photo by JYP Entertainment

Recently, he traveled to Tokyo, Japan with fellow singers Jung Jaehyung and Lee Jeok for a YouTube shoot. He said that spending time with these seniors, who have been in the industry for 30 years, allowed him to share concerns and grow closer. At Jung Jaehyung's suggestion, he even started surfing. "In the past, I had no hobbies and focused only on music, but surfing helped me open up," he shared. "The sense of relaxation I gained from my hobbies naturally seeped into my music as well."

He also responded to fans eager to see a full-group 2PM performance. "In the past, we used to just joke around when we met, but these days, we often have more realistic conversations about when and how we might promote together. We're continuously discussing a full-group stage, and we share our thoughts in our group chat. Please wait just a little longer."

Jang Wooyoung will hold his solo concert "Half Half" at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on September 27 and 28. All seats have already sold out. He shared, "I'm really excited to prepare for the stage after such a long time. I promise to put on a great show."