The singer and actor Lee Jun-young, who appeared in "When Life Gives You Tangerines", has returned with a new release that will prove him to be an all-rounder iKON.
Lee Jun-young released his first mini album, Last Dance (LAST DANCE), on the 22nd and made a glamorous comeback as a singer, his main profession, after five years.
Last Dance is an album that fully showcases the diverse yet clear identity of the artist Lee Jun-young. As a singer, actor and dancer Liberty (Lee Jun-young's dancer name), he shows the colors and confidence that only he can.
The first title track, "Bounce," is a hip-hop track with a tight beat that features sharp, rhythmic sounds, and the second title track, "Why are you like this to me", is a ballad that blends Lee Jun-young's distinctive solid vocals with explosive singing power. With double title tracks that showcase two completely different charms, Lee Jun-young proves himself a "versatile musician" who can do everything from dance to ballads, capturing global fans' hearts.
In addition, the album includes Insomnia (midnight movie), Mr. Clean (Feat. REDDY), and instrumental tracks of the double title songs, and in particular, "Mr. Clean" features Lee Jun-young's direct participation in writing and composing, infusing a deeper musical color and emotion.
With the new album Last Dance, which packs in diverse charms from double title tracks to self-composed songs, Lee Jun-young, who continues his "global superstar" trajectory, introduced the new work directly through a Q&A.
Below is Lee Jun-young's Q&A about his first mini album Last Dance.
Q. How do you feel about returning as a singer after five years with the new album Last Dance?
A. I feel dazed and it still doesn't fully feel real.
Q. Please introduce what the double title tracks "Bounce" and "Why are you like this to me" are like.
A. "Bounce" is a song whose choreography is a point, combining a beat that naturally makes your head move with freestyle hip-hop. "Why are you like this to me" is a song whose lyrics contain the emotions of lovers facing a breakup, and the two songs have contrasting charms.
Q. Was there any reason or occasion that led you to present double title tracks?
A. The company held a vote for the title track, and the two songs tied, so we decided to make them double title tracks.
Q. What are the viewing points of the "Bounce" performance, and please explain the key choreography.
A. The point of this song is the uninterrupted flow and moving as you want, as the lyrics say.
Q. You directly participated in writing the lyrics for the track "Mr. Clean"; what story did you want to convey?
A. I wanted to capture myself feeling many things in a changed environment.
Q. When working on songs, is there anything you focus on, and where do you usually get inspiration?
A. I mostly get inspiration when I'm with dancers. For this album I worked as roughly and comfortably as possible.
Q. During album preparation, including song production, recording, photo shoots and music video shoots, were there any special episodes or memorable moments?
A. I was very pleased that the album preparation was completed quickly for the first time, and it was surprising that it finished smoothly as if wondering whether it was okay to do it this way. And I thought, "I really lived well."
Q. You've been busy this year working across many projects, variety shows, commercials, photo shoots and an Asia tour; was there any burden preparing the album?
A. I didn't feel burdened. I want to say thank you again to the Billions family who supported me so I could do everything I wanted thinking it was the last time, to the 20 dancers who helped, to REDDY hyung who helped with the feature, and to everyone who worked hard for Last Dance.
Q. If you were to describe Last Dance in one word or sentence?
A. Romance. Because only now can I express the emotions I feel now.
Q. Is there a reaction, adjective, or goal you hope for when people listen to Last Dance?
A. No. I'll just quietly and diligently do my best activities in my own way.
Q. Please say a word to the fans who have been waiting for Lee Jun-young's new album.
A. I'm really sorry for making you wait so long. I worked with a joyful heart, so I hope you take away positive vibes. Always stay healthy and happy!
[Photo] Provided by Billions.
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