[Interview] Lee Hyun: "I Will Sing Like a Flower That Blooms Again After Falling"

Mini Album "A(E)ND" Released After 13 Years and 8 Months on the 16th
"I Want to Be a Singer Whose Music Lasts a Long Time, Even If It's Just a Gentle Ripple"

Singer Lee Hyun. Photo by Big Hit Music

'You Are the Best of Mine,' 'Just Eat Well,' and 'I Have No Heart.'

These are song titles familiar to those who frequented karaoke rooms in the 2000s. Lee Hyun, who debuted as a member of the co-ed group 8Eight and has since been active as part of Homme and as a solo artist, will release his third mini album, "A(E)ND," at 6 p.m. on September 16. This is his first new album in 13 years and 8 months since his first full-length album in 2012.

In a recent interview at a cafe in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Lee Hyun said, "I was surprised to realize just how long my hiatus had been when I saw the numbers. I feel very sorry for making my fans wait, so I worked hard to prepare this album."

The title track, "At This Point, You," is a British rock-based pop ballad that captures the complex emotions of finally letting go of a love one could not keep. Lee Hyun explained, "The kind of ballad I want to do is a bit different from so-called 'raw ballads.' Depending on the arrangement, this song can be transformed into rock, and I thought it could sound fresh and timeless."

The new album contains six tracks, including "Day & Dream," "What's On Your Mind," "Our Gravity," "Tree of Life," and "To You (Majung pt.2)." Lee Hyun participated in writing the lyrics for five songs, including the title track, and Pdogg contributed as producer, composer, and lyricist on several tracks.

Lee Hyun said, "People who love music might not expect a dramatic change, but I didn't want to settle. I reinterpreted 2000s R&B." He added, "Rather than remaining just a ballad singer, I wanted to explore different tones and styles. I'm expanding my range by covering songs that might seem like they don't suit me. I'm even practicing vocal exercises I used to do as a trainee, and it's been great."

He also plans to try external collaborations. He said, "I'd like to work with Choi Yoori and Lee Chanhyuk. I'm curious about what kind of results would come from such collaborations. I want to share inspiration, and if the opportunity arises, I'd like to receive production from them as well."

The album title "A(E)ND" carries a dual meaning: "AND" (and) and "END" (end). Lee Hyun explained, "I wanted to express the idea that endings and beginnings are not so different. Some of the lyrics were inspired by the documentary 'Moolsoom,' and I thought of the moment when a flower falls from the end of a branch. Letting go when it's time, and waiting for new flowers to bloom-that's the sentiment of this album." He added that the concerns he had during his hiatus are also reflected in this album.

Singer Lee Hyun. Photo by Big Hit Music

"If I had a moment of glory, it would have been around 2010, during my time with 8Eight and Homme. I disliked comparing myself now to back then, and I even hit rock bottom. But I realized I needed to accept that even if a flower falls, it can bloom again. I want to start over as a singer who regularly performs on stage, releases music, and maintains a steady presence. Even if it's not a big wave, I want to be a singer who lasts a long time, even if it's quietly."

The slump lasted for nearly three years. Lee Hyun recalled, "It was a time when I was hard on myself." He continued, "Close friends told me, 'Your songs are the best,' and whether they meant it or not, those words really resonated with me. I realized there was no reason to just stay where I was, so I started writing songs again. It felt like searching for an unnamed flower."

Before BTS and Tomorrow X Together, there was Lee Hyun. As the first vocalist at Big Hit Music, he has witnessed the company's growth from its earliest days. Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, left JYP Entertainment in 2005 to establish Big Hit. At the time, the company had only three employees, but it has since grown into a global conglomerate.

He recalled, "Back then, I received offers from many companies, but they were all just flattering words. Bang Si-hyuk was the first to clearly point out the strengths and weaknesses of my vocals and suggest what kind of vocalist I could become. There was a lot to learn both inside and outside the company, and it was an environment where I could freely try many things." He added, "Even though the company's direction has expanded to focus on idols, I don't think it prevents me from making the music I want. I just love being a musician."

He also shared his plans for future activities. Lee Hyun said, "I'm planning to be more active, including exploring different genres. On a personal note, I've started studying English." Looking ahead to 8Eight's 20th anniversary in two years, he said, "The members and I are talking about doing something fun together. Since we all enjoyed performing, I'd like to make a cool comeback."

"The tide comes in, but it also goes out. Rather than waiting for the right time, I'll keep rowing. I want to create music that lasts a long time, even if it's quiet."