U-Know Yunho reveals dual sides of artistry on 1st full solo album

▲ U-Know Yunho, a member of the powerhouse K-pop duo TVXQ, speaks during a news conference in Seoul for his first full-length solo album, "I-Know." (Yonhap)

▲ U-Know Yunho, a member of the powerhouse duo TVXQ, poses for a photo during a news conference in Seoul for his first full-length solo album, "I-Know." (Yonhap)

▲ U-Know Yunho, a member of the powerhouse duo TVXQ, attends a news conference in Seoul for his first full-length solo album, "I-Know." (Yonhap)

TVXQ member-press conference

U-Know Yunho reveals dual sides of artistry on 1st full solo album

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- In the world of K-pop, an industry built on dazzling spectacle and flawless performance, the image of a struggling artist is rarely seen. But for U-Know Yunho, a member of the powerhouse duo TVXQ, his first full-length solo album, titled "I-Know," is a deliberate, dualistic attempt to show both the effortless grace and the frantic struggle beneath the surface.

Often celebrated as a symbol of passion and unwavering optimism, U-Know unveiled the album Wednesday, describing it as a project born from his long-held concept of "fake & documentary."

His last solo album was the EP "Reality Show," dropped in August 2023.

"I've shown many sides over the past 20 years. But now people seem curious about the artist's own story," he said at a press conference in Seoul.

Explaining the album's core concept, he said: "If the image they see is the artist U-Know -- the 'fake' -- then the hardships I endure are the 'documentary.' I wanted to combine both, because together they make up who I truly am."

The 10-track album features double lead singles "Stretch" and "Body Language," alongside songs like "Waterfalls," "Leader," "Premium" and "Fever." Excluding the intro and outro tracks, each song is part of a deliberate pairing -- two tracks expressing one theme from opposing angles. One reflects the "fake," the polished persona seen onstage; its counterpart mirrors the "documentary," the unfiltered reality of Jung Yunho behind the performer.

This release marks U-Know's first full-length album in his 22-year career and his first since debuting solo in 2019.

Asked why the full album came relatively late, U-Know admitted the delay was intentional.

"It would have been better to release it earlier, but I felt now was the right time to meet everyone as my true self," he said. "People can only empathize when real thoughts and experiences are shared."

He also reflected on his growth as a vocalist and artist.

"I used to be the member with the fewest singing parts," he recalled. "Over time, my range expanded, and I went through many struggles on stage. I've finally reached a point where I can accept and overcome everything. That's why this moment feels right."

As for what keeps him going after more than two decades in the spotlight, he credits one thing above all: curiosity.

"The curiosity that has made me ask -- 'Should I be satisfied here?' or 'Should I try something new?' -- is what led me this far," he said. "And above all, the energy I get from my fans is my greatest strength."

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