There are two sides to K-pop star Kang Daniel. One moment the 27-year-old commands the audience as he works the stage, performing his latest single “Electric Shock,” and the next moment he's wearing a cozy sweater, seemingly a little more reserved during a Saturday afternoon Zoom from Seoul with The Hollywood journalist.
Kang has had some time to figure out what works best for him, as he has been in the industry since his 20s. In 2017, he started after winning the second season of the Korean music competition. Produce 101earning a spot in the show's temporary boy group Wanna One. After a successful year and a half with the group, the singer decided to launch his solo career. His fans, now collectively known as FLOWD, have been with the artist since day one.
Since then, Kang has had several critically acclaimed albums in Korea. He also acted, making his screen debut in the 2022 miniseries Beginner copsDisney+'s first Korean original series. The K-pop star also hosted the hugely popular Korean dance competition series Street women fighter and its equally popular spin-offs Street dance girls fighter AND Street fighter.
Now, the singer is back with a new EP, Acthaving signed with a new management company, Artistic Round Alliance, known simply as ARA. He joined the agency after closing his self-founded agency Konnect Entertainment due to embezzlement by a major shareholder.
The singer says it “wasn't that easy” for him to leave his previous company, but releasing his latest album was almost like he was “starting over” and continuing his work as an artist again.
Below, Kang talks about the process of making his fifth solo album, what a perfect day off would be for him, and what's next for his music and acting career.
How was your experience making it? Act? How did you feel while promoting the album?
Being a solo artist, I always need acting for my music videos. This time I played two roles. It was kind of a new experience for me too. It was a really great time shooting my music video.
Did you have a favorite part of releasing the album, whether shooting the music video, performing, or anything else?
The music video. I mean, that's my job. The music video is part of my work, but this time I feel like it's something completely new.
Do you think your personal journey as an artist and as a person in the world influences your music?
Usually, when I watch movies or dramas [series]I also think about music, although I try not to do my work whenever I have time to relax at home. This is my hobby – watching movies and dramas – and it makes me imagine a lot. Sometimes it's really useful to me, that imagination [it] leads to my work. I could say that this kind of influence influences my music.
How do you recharge? What do you like to do in your spare time?
There are many ways to recharge. Some people work out or watch movies but, for me, just being in my house… I mean, home is everything to me. I have cats at my house. I have the computer at home. I have a TV in my house. Yes, simply by staying at home.
How are your cats? They are very cute cats.
They are really cute. They are always nice. They are perfect.
Do you have any hopes of acting again in the future? Was it something you enjoyed and want to try again?
Perhaps. If I get the chance, I'd love to. When I was filming [Rookie Cops] for the first time I would feel really nervous. But now I feel comfortable. I can do more things.
How do you want to be seen as an artist at this point in your career? Obviously, since then you are so young, It's funny to say, but you've already had a long career. How do you want people to see you? Is it different from before?
Thank you. [Laughs]. Thanks for saying that. I love being myself on stage and in performance, but for me, rather than being the best singer anyone remembers, I want to be a singer on their playlist. That [they] listen to my music often It's part of my goal.
If you could say anything to your fans right now, what would you say?
To my FLOW. Unfortunately, I had no choice and found myself in a situation where we unfortunately changed the name of the fandom. Even before and even now, I appreciate all my fans. I would like to thank you for your support at all times. I was only able to release this album because of you, and I will become a great person so that the direction I choose does not continually deviate from your imagination.