2AM's Lim Seulong honestly conveyed his feelings about returning to the solo stage after 8 years.
Lim Seulong released his solo album 'Rainbow Light' on the 15th. This album consists of a total of 4 tracks, including the title track of the same name, the cinematic pop style 'Mist', the modern rock sound 'Image', and 'Rainbow Light (English Ver.).'
Returned for his solo album, Lim Seulong said, "Since this album has been presented after a long time, I feel nervous yet filled with excitement." He continued, "I worked on the album with numerous concerns, wanting to present music that is easy to listen to."
Having recently celebrated the 17th anniversary of 2AM, Lim Seulong expressed, "I feel deep gratitude that the four of us can still be together after such a long time of 17 years," and noted, "During the process of preparing this solo album, all the members sincerely supported me and became a strong backbone for me."
Below is a Q&A with Lim Seulong, who has released a solo album after 8 years.
Q. It's been 8 years since your last solo work. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Since it is an album presented after a long time, I feel a sense of tension on one hand, but on the other hand, I am filled with excitement. Above all, we have also prepared a variety of rich content that fans can enjoy alongside the album release, so I ask for much interest and anticipation.
Q. Could you please explain the background of the solo album's release, the preparation process, and introduce the album?
I have harbored a longing for a solo album for a long time. Given the long time that has passed, thorough preparation was necessary, and I think there were many moments when I had to muster courage during that process. I believe this album will present the directionality of my musical journey moving forward. I engaged in my work with countless considerations and was able to harmoniously blend various music genres within one album through this process. I collaborated with several talented songwriters and composers, and 2AM member Jinwoon also participated in the production of one track, making the album even more meaningful. The biggest goal during the album preparation was to present comfortable music that does not tire the listeners' ears, while also trying to authentically convey my stories in the lyrics and musical mood.
Q. You directly participated in writing the lyrics for the track 'Mist.' Could you explain what aspects you focused on while writing?
Even though love did not come to fruition, I wanted to convey the feelings of happiness and beauty regarding the precious moments spent with that person in the song. I think it's truly a beautiful task to express all the complex emotions of joy and sorrow through melody and lyrics and to elevate it into a completed piece.
Q. The track that Jinwoon, a member of 2AM, wrote and composed, 'Image,' is included.
I have always enjoyed and liked the songs that Jinwoon has worked on. Since I have considered him to be a remarkably talented friend, I mustered the courage to ask him to work on a song, and he readily agreed. Truly, he did not disappoint my expectations and delivered a wonderful piece, for which I am very satisfied. As a team member, I am very proud and pleased to have such a reliable colleague.
Q. The hottest actor these days, Lee Jun-young, appeared in the music video. What was the background for his appearance?
'Rainbow Light' is a rhythmic tune that expresses the complex emotions of love, so while pondering how to convey the emotional lines in the music video, I thought of dancing. I was looking for an artist from Korea who could authentically express deep human emotions—the sadness and joy—through dance, and Lee Jun-young was the first person that came to mind. Fortunately, we had a connection, so I naturally suggested his appearance, and he graciously agreed to participate, much to my gratitude. There were many dance scenes on set that I felt could be quite physically demanding, yet Lee Jun-young approached the filming with a bright smile until the end, which made me feel both grateful and apologetic.
Q. Recently, 2AM celebrated its 17th anniversary. What are your thoughts on 17 years since your debut, and did the members of 2AM share anything special while preparing for this album?
I now feel like I am truly in a family-like relationship with the members, so I believe I can approach everything with the most joyful and comfortable heart. Although I feel like time has passed quickly, I deeply appreciate that the four of us can still be together after such a long time of 17 years. Even during the preparation process for this solo album, all the members sincerely supported me and provided a strong backbone. Even amidst their busy schedules, they did not hesitate to offer warm encouragement and advice, and I think it is because of their feelings that I was able to work on something even more meaningful. I feel truly happy to be able to be with these members.
Q. Through this album's activities, what goals or plans do you wish to achieve?
As a singer, my biggest desire is to continually release albums and present music to my fans. I want to sing more songs on stage and, through constant practice and growth, I aspire to deliver good music with a more pleasant vocal tone.
Q. Finally, could you say a word to your fans?
Throughout the long time of 17 years, I hold a deep sense of gratitude along with an unexplainable apologetic feeling towards the fans who have loved me without change. Through this album, and in all moments ahead, I will strive to repay you with an even more developed appearance. I will do my best to become an artist who can return the love I have received from all of you, if not more. I love you always.
[Photo] Provided by ZENITH CNM.
[OSEN] Reporter