DAY6's Young K returns with his second full-length solo album 'YOUNGEST' on July 27 at 6 PM, giving fans a candid look at the polished performer and the person behind the name, Kang Young Hyun.
At a round interview held on July 22 at JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Young K explained that the album uses the “young” in his name to explore what feels most like himself. The release comes 2 years and 10 months after his first full-length solo album.
Young K also looked back on DAY6's long climb, from promoting on the streets and busking to playing a small theater in Hongdae. He said those days felt less like responsibility and more like survival, even as the band later filled major venues including Gocheok Sky Dome and Goyang Sports Complex.
Asked about the difference between Young K-ness and Kang Young Hyun-ness, he described Young K as his most refined and confident form. Kang Young Hyun, by contrast, carries the process behind that image, including more fragile, imperfect, and childlike sides.
His way of caring for Kang Young Hyun now is simple but revealing: he asks himself more questions. After years of pushing weak feelings aside, Young K said he realized he had been hurt inside while pretending to stay calm, and he hopes to take care of his own life after solo promotions, even mentioning a first trip to a resort.
The title track "Shut the Door" centers on closing the door to one's heart and turning up the music, not as defeat but as a choice to protect oneself and listen inward. Young K is also set to open his new solo tour 'YOUNGEST' from August 14 to 16 at Inspire Arena in Incheon.
