[INTERVIEW] 261030 Cosmopolitan Korea - Sung Hanbin who debuted as a soloist! The reason why Sung Hanbin from 4 years ago was summoned as <DEAD:ALIVE> was being prepared
#SUNGHANBIN #성한빈 #UNDEAD #DEAD_ALIVE
Q. Congratulations. Finally, your first solo album has been released. What kind of image did you want to show through <DEAD:ALIVE>?
I wanted to convey the message of moving ahead even when experiencing fear when you’re challenging yourself. That also matches well with my beliefs so I was able to blend it in more naturally. I was certain that there would be no enjoyment in showing the same sides (of me) continually, and if I knew what I was good at, I want to grow and develop that even more. Although I am afraid of changes, the company’s opinions matches mine well so I was able to challenge myself without hesitation. I had an opportunity to be photographed by Cho Giseok-nim this year so for this album of mine, he took charge of the overall visual and identity. As such, it became an even more meaningful album.
Q. As you prepared for your album, what were you most concerned about?
My stamina. For a solo stage, I have to be responsible for singing and performing by myself for 3 minutes, and as such maintaining my stamina was really important. However, growing your stamina is not something you can do out of the blue, but it’s something that builds on continuously bit by bit. If I didn’t take care of myself ahead of time, it would become a huge problem. I did core exercises at the gym and also consumed healthy food. To get through my promotion period well, I even started taking Gongjindan 2 weeks before (laughs).
Including the title song ‘UNDEAD’, there’s a total of 8 songs. ‘Our Light’ is a song that I personally write for with a message that I wanted to deliver to my fans. It was written as a song for my college graduation but I’m happy that I’m able to finally release it. ‘Other Side’ is a song I particularly like. With a retro vibe, it has a touch of city pop. I really like the city pop genre. While preparing for this album, I realise that music that I like and music that I’m good at could be different. This song includes the emotions that are to my liking, so it felt like fate that I met it.
Q. Is there a part in Sung Hanbin’s performance on stage that you would like people to take notice of?
The choreography for the chorus. There’s also a part in Verse 1 where a heart is made through ‘isolation’; from the first time I saw it in the draft (dance video), I felt that it was ‘iconic’ and thought that fans would like it.
In the choreography, the move where I raise my hand, it’s the exact same move that I did in the survival programme. It’s a connection between the Sung Hanbin from 4 years ago and the current Sung Hanbin. It’s a part that contains the story of my growth after several challenges so I hope everyone pay close attention.
Q. While preparing for the album, which moment leaves the most lasting memory?
The filming for the music video. There’s a lot of large-scale filming location, and action acting was also required apart from dancing and singing. I also got on wires. Doing something I haven’t even tried once before gave me a huge thrill. I thought that I would want to try action acting someday.
Q. What do you want to gain through this solo promotion?
I hope that a link naturally forms between Sung Hanbin and the stage and performances. My goal is also to hear a compliment like ‘Sung Hanbin’s performance was insane’. (laughs) I especially would like to show my ‘potential’ during this promotion. I chose a new path not just in terms of performance and song but also in the direction and concept of my music. I hope it becomes a turning point that makes people anticipate for the future Sung Hanbin. I want to try everything out, regardless of music genres. I know the (genres) of dance that I am good at so on the contrary, I want to learn the dance that I’ve not experienced. Rather than a completely different genre, there are very diverse styles within ‘choreography’. A huge goal of mine is to widen the spectrum of what I am able to do.
Q. It’s already your 4th year since debut. Which do you want to show more: a perfect image or you as you are?
In the past, there was this overwhelming obsession to be perfect so I was really stressed out. Right now, I do my best in things that I can do, and for things that are unavoidable, I’ll think about it one more time on how I can do better before putting it aside. If you let things go without a thought, it is ‘giving up’ but I feel like if you think about it once more, a path opens up for you to attempt it again later. I don’t give up without giving it a try first. I give it a shot first and if it truly can’t work out, I let it be for a while.
I am learning how to speak more directly and clearly. In the past, I used to really ponder on how to word things nicely. I thought of that as a strength but there were times when the core message was not delivered across. So I’m working on finding a way to get the point across clearly and then to figure ways to refine how I express it only after that.
Q. It wouldn’t have been easy for you at the beginning to be the leader with that kind of personality.
In the beginning, it was really hard (laughs). Back then, I had no courage to accept that people could dislike me. Right now, I know that it’s not possible for everyone to like me. All I can do is to just do my best in every single moment. When I’m working, I make sure to speak the words that I have to say, and in my daily life, I treat people warmly, I think that’s the best way about it. As I spend that time with the members, I was able to become stronger. As that’s why I’m thankful to the members.
Q. As you spend this time, has your attitude towards work changed?
Lately, I tell myself and the members that right now is the most dangerous period. There are more things that we are used to now but the world we have yet to experience is so much wider so we shouldn’t come to a judgement/conclusion so easily. (I/we) try to have have an attitude of caution toward familiarity.
Q. On the other hand, is there a principle of yours that you want to keep and not change?
I try to ensure that I say my “thank you” whenever I wrap something up. It’s such an obvious and basic thing but on the contrary, I want to do the foundation the best. Rather than looking for a principle that’s far away and fancy, I try to maintain the most basic and simple attitude.
Q. When I look at Hanbin-ssi, the term “model student” comes to mind (laughs). How different is the Sung Hanbin that others see and the Sung Hanbin that you yourself know?
I tend to be quite understanding and accepting of others, and gratefully, the people around me have often said that I am a warm and gentle person. Of course I do have that side of me but I also have moments where I am more level-headed than expected. (laughs) When I am convinced about something and have made my judgement, I made firm decisions about it. Even if my emotions get the better of me, if it’s a choice that realistically I can’t make, I won’t do it.
Q. I’m curious about Sung Hanbin’s greatest concern lately
I ponder about what I should do to protect the things I consider precious. Solo and group promotions are included in that. With this solo promotion as the start, I want to continue it with various promotions.
Q. For Sung Hanbin who is not afraid of challenges, is there anything new you would like to try out?
I’m interested in action, acting and piano. My mother played the piano for me from when I was very young and I learned from imitating her. Not too long ago, I wanted to regain those senses so I took lessons but I was not able to continue as I got busy. On the outside, I made it sound like I’ve let it go but in honesty, I still want to learn more. If I were to ever play an instrument someday, that would be the piano. One of my goals would be to personally play the piano while singing.
Q. On the days without schedule, how do you spend your time?
When I get time, I travel. I travel to Jeju by myself often. I stay at a pension or an Airbnb and watch horses in the meadow or hike up the Oreums. I also make sure to eat black pork (laughs) I like quiet places but I like activities too so it’s a little contradictory taste of mine. After I began enjoying spending time by myself, I gained confidence that I can live well anywhere, not as singer Sung Hanbin but as just another person. It is thanks to my parents who brought me up well, as well as the experiences I’ve gained in travelling alone after turning 20. If I get the chance, I want to travel overseas alone too.
Q. This is the last question. Express in one sentence this present in which a new chapter has opened.
I’m standing on a cliff where I can’t even see what’s right in front of me, but it doesn’t feel too bad. It means that I’m ready to take on the challenge. I want to move forward without hesitation and courageously.
261030 Hanbin replies to Crush’s comment
#SUNGHANBIN #성한빈 #UNDEAD #DEAD_ALIVE
🐹 Hyoseob hyung, where are you now?
Note: Hyoseob is Crush’s real name
261030 Crush comments on Hanbin’s post
#SUNGHANBIN #성한빈 #UNDEAD #DEAD_ALIVE
#2026MAMAVOTE #ZEROBASEONE
Hanbin used Crush’s song ‘seesaw’ on his post
👤 Will you do the ‘seesaw’ challenge?
261030 Crush comments on Hanbin’s post
#SUNGHANBIN #성한빈 #UNDEAD #DEAD_ALIVE
#2026MAMAVOTE #ZEROBASEONE
Hanbin used Crush’s song ‘seesaw’ on his post
👤 Will you do the ‘seesaw’ challenge?
