Hollywood Reporter exclusively reveal that XngHan, the 21-year-old K-pop star formerly known as Seunghan of Riize, is embarking on an exhilarating new chapter with his solo debut single “Waste No Time.” In an intimate conversation ahead of his highly anticipated comeback, the artist opened up about his journey of self-discovery, creative rebirth, and the bold vision driving his future as a solo performer. This transition marks more than just a name change – it represents a complete artistic metamorphosis for the young star who has spent the past year quietly honing his craft while the K-pop world eagerly awaited his return.
The road to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges. Following his departure from Riize late last year – just days after returning from a hiatus – XngHan faced the daunting task of reinventing himself outside the structure of a group. “I used that time to look back on myself,” he reflects, describing months spent in rigorous training to elevate every aspect of his artistry. His Seoul studio became a laboratory for experimentation, where he pushed his vocal range, refined his already impressive dance skills, and even began exploring songwriting. This period of intense preparation wasn’t just about technical improvement; it was a profound journey of self-reinvention. “I think it was a time given to me for more self-improvement,” XngHan shares, his voice brimming with quiet determination. “All the things I learned along the way are definitely going to be something that I can use going forward as fuel.”
What makes XngHan’s debut particularly remarkable is the level of creative control he’s embraced. Unlike many idol transitions to solo work, he’s actively shaped his artistic direction, contributing to lyrics and choreography for his B-side track “Heavenly Blue.” This hands-on approach reveals an artist coming into his own, discovering unexpected talents along the way. “It was my first time trying to pen the words of my own song,” he admits with a mix of pride and wonder, “and I realized that I’m actually pretty good at it.” This creative awakening has sparked even bigger dreams – XngHan already envisions a future album where he oversees every element from composition to choreography, a rarity for newly debuted soloists in the K-pop industry.
The choice of “Waste No Time” as his debut single speaks volumes about XngHan’s current mindset. The vibrant summer anthem, with its pulsating electronic beats and carefree energy, perfectly captures his determination to move forward without hesitation. “When I heard the demo of the song, I knew right away that this was the right one,” he recalls, his enthusiasm palpable even through the screen. The track’s message about spreading one’s wings mirrors his own journey from group member to independent artist. Equally impressive is his collaboration with the two-member dance crew Xoul, which he describes as a meeting of like-minded creatives bonded by their passion for movement. “We would be working on choreography, but we’d also be having a lot of fun dancing,” XngHan shares, his face lighting up as he describes their creative synergy.
Perhaps most striking is XngHan’s thoughtful approach to his stage identity. The deliberate name change – replacing the “S” in Seunghan with an “X” – wasn’t just a cosmetic alteration but a philosophical statement. “It symbolizes infinite potentials, an infinity of possibilities,” he explains. “It’s also the unknown variable when it comes to mathematical formulas.” This mathematical metaphor reveals an artist who sees himself as an equation with endless solutions, a performer determined to explore every facet of his talent. His vision for live performances is equally compelling – he aims to be an artist who “lights the stage on fire” while remaining authentically himself, whether the cameras are rolling or not.
As our conversation draws to a close, XngHan shares a heartfelt message for the fans who have supported him through this transition. “Thank you for the long wait,” he says, his voice softening. “Because the wait was so long, I created music that was worth the wait.” There’s a quiet confidence in his words, the assurance of an artist who has used his time away not just to prepare, but to transform. With his debut, XngHan isn’t just introducing a new stage name – he’s unveiling a fully realized artistic identity, one that promises to evolve in thrilling and unexpected ways. As he steps onto this new path, one thing is certain: the K-pop world hasn’t seen the last of XngHan’s surprises.
Source: Hollywood Reporter – LINK
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.