(Photo courtesy of artist)
When WOW’s exclusive contract with Beat Interactive expired last March, it led to moments of uncertainty, but also gave the A.C.E member a chance to figure out what he wanted to do as an artist.
It began by rediscovering what he made him truly passionate about music. And so, he started to experiment and play with his sound.
He used TikTok to connect with his fans on livestreams, but also saw it as an opportunity to show off music he was working on. He recently also surprised himself by entering a TikTok LIVE contest for music creators, placing in second.
“Every time I built something up from the ground up with my own hands, piece by piece, I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment, and I was able to gain a clearer understanding of what I truly wanted,” WOW said in an interview with bunni pop.
“As I’ve been learning to stand on my own, it’s also been a reminder that I’m still receiving so much love and support, and it helps me stay grateful for all of it.”
WOW, born Kim Seh-yoon, debuted with A.C.E in 2017 as a main rapper and main dancer. A.C.E., which stands for Adventure Calling Emotion, found a loyal fanbase for their intricate dance performances, storytelling and ability to blend traditional Korean elements with a modern sound. A personal favourite of mine is “Goblin (Favorite Boys),” where the members are seen donning hanbok-inspired costumes and incorporating ssireum (Korean folk wresting) in their choreography.
Now nearly a decade since his debut, WOW is embarking on his journey as a solo artist, making his debut with an afrobeats-inspired dance tune called “LOW.”
“I wanted to capture the gap between the ideals we all hold in our hearts and the reality we have to face in the moment, as well as the emotions that emerge from that gap,” the 33-year-old said about his new song.
Below, WOW chats about his new single, exploring his artistry, and the challenges he now faces trying to make it as a solo artist.
(Conversation edited for length and clarity)
Hello WOW! Congratulations on your new single and solo debut. What does it mean to finally show this side of yourself as an artist?
For me, this solo debut was more than just a new beginning. It was a process of proving to myself and my fans that I still truly love music. I went through a lot of changes and spent a long time thinking things over, but in the end, I came to realize once again just how important music is in my life. I’m happy to finally be able to share something with my fans that is filled entirely with my own voice and emotions, and it’s been a meaningful moment that has also given me confidence in myself.
I wanted to ask you about the musical influences in this track, as I can hear some Latin pop influences. Can you tell me about what drew you to this particular sound?
The Latin pop mood you mentioned is definitely there, but the song is actually based on the Afrobeats genre. The genre is loved all around the world, but I happened to come across Afrobeats music the other day and I loved its unique vibe so much that for several months, I listened almost exclusively to Afrobeats.
I found minimal, simple rhythms alone create a groove that keeps your body moving so mesmerizing. I really wanted to interpret that rhythmic feel in my own way and bring it into the song.
(Photo credit courtesy of artist)
Since your contract ended with your long time agency, how have you worked on finding your own voice as a soloist?
It was such a meaningful and valuable experience. Since I had to take full responsibility for everything on my own, it was a time for me to look back on myself and rediscover the passion within me. There were definitely a lot of physically and mentally challenging moments, but the process itself gave me so much strength. Every time I built something up from the ground up with my own hands, piece by piece, I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment, and I was able to gain a clearer understanding of what I truly wanted.
What is something you would say fans would be surprised by, in terms of how you’ve been experimenting with your style as an artist?
I realized I have a passion for band music.
[Author’s note: band music refers to genres that gear towards, rock, indie, alternative and instrument-playing musicians]
You have been actively working on music, and livestreaming on TikTok— offering your fans a more stripped-down, lowkey side to yourself. How has this era allowed you to explore your creativity?
Honestly, the time I spent connecting with my fans during livestreams was the biggest driving force that helped me get back to making music. As we talked in a relaxed setting, I found myself opening up about my honest feelings, including the anxieties and concerns I was dealing with at the time. The kind words and messages of support my fans sent me each time helped me find my footing again. Through those moments of connection, I came to understand myself more deeply, and I gained the courage to stop doubting my own potential, start making music again, and share it with the world.
You even recently placed second in a TikTok LIVE event for music creators. What did that mean for you?
It means so much more to me than just a ranking. It was a precious turning point that gave me the motivation to start making music again and put myself out there. Above all, it’s something I achieved together with my fans, sharing that connection with them. As I’ve been learning to stand on my own, it’s also been a reminder that I’m still receiving so much love and support, and it helps me stay grateful for all of it.
Lots of artists gain recognition through social media. Does this give you more appreciation for the medium?
After experiencing it for myself, I realized that besides communicating with fans, social media is a medium that allows artists to express their diverse talents and unique appeal in a more direct and natural way.
You featured on your A.C.E bandmate JUNHEE’s latest album on a track called “Get Out.” Can you tell me about what it was like to work with him again?
JUNHEE is incredibly talented and someone I personally care about a lot. I was really happy to be able to contribute, even in a small way, to his album. Working together also brought back a little nostalgia for the days when we performed on stage together and worked so hard as A.C.E members. Looking back, we joked around and laughed throughout the whole process, so it was such an enjoyable and comfortable time together, like a gift.
Have you gotten any advice from JUNHEE about pursuing music as a soloist? What did he tell you?
Since I had to lead everything on my own, he gave me a lot of practical advice on how to make sure I didn’t miss any of the little details that are easy to overlook along the way.
JUNHEE once told me in an interview that one of his biggest challenges now is learning how to fill the stage on his own. What would you say has been your biggest challenge on this journey?
The biggest challenge for me was stepping out into the world entirely on my own as solo artist WOW, instead of as a member of A.C.E.
(Photo credit courtesy of artist)
What does supporting each other as A.C.E members look like these days? How do you keep the bond alive?
We’re all busy with our own projects, but whenever someone releases new music or has good news to share, we always tell each other first and genuinely cheer each other on. Even if we don’t talk every day, there’s a strong, family-like bond between us that we can feel without having to say it out loud. Whenever we get some free time, we try to get together for a meal and catch up.
You’ve now released your first single. What are some of the goals you’d like to achieve in the near future? But also, down the line?
I can’t share all the details just yet, but I want to spend more time exploring my inner self and getting to know myself on a deeper level than before. I also want to express the things I’ve been thinking about through music that feels even more uniquely mine. As I continue to build a collection of music that reflects my own identity, my long-term goal is to go on a solo tour under my own name and connect with my fans in even more places around the world.
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