TVXQ!'s Yunho Releases First Full Album in 22 Years, 'I-KNOW,' Showcasing a Masterpiece of Honesty

Yunho of TVXQ! has returned with his first full-length album in 22 years of his debut, 'I-KNOW.'

Released on November 5th, the album is hailed as a masterpiece that captures the sincere stories of artist Yunho and the individual Jeong Yunho.

During a press conference held on November 5th in Seoul, Yunho explained his reasons for releasing a full album now, stating, "A reason for me to release this album has emerged at this point." He expressed that while he could have experimented more in his younger days, he felt now was the right time to show his true self honestly.

"In the past, I needed time to fill the stage as a solo artist with fewer parts, but going through that process has brought me to a moment where I can now talk about it with a smile," he added.

The most distinctive feature of this album is its 'Fake & Documentary' concept. It uniquely pairs two songs per theme, expressing them from two perspectives: fake (the artist Yunho seen by the public) and documentary (the inner world of the individual Jeong Yunho).

Yunho explained that the 'fake' aspect represents the public's perception of his bright and healthy image, while the 'documentary' part honestly delves into the struggles and concerns he faces behind the stage. He mentioned that the documentary tracks would tell more of Jeong Yunho's personal story, based on his experiences.

The title track, ‘Stretch,’ builds tension with its whispered vocals over a powerful electronic sound. It honestly expresses his inner emotions about dance and performance, forming a pair with the pre-released track ‘Body Language.’

Yunho shared that he rediscovered ‘Stretch’ while returning to his roots and searching for a song with a captivating bassline. He confidently stated that it's a song that evolves the SMP style in both performance and message, paired with ‘Body Language.’

The album also features notable collaborations with Kai from EXO and Minnie from (G)I-DLE on the tracks ‘Waterfalls’ and ‘Premium,’ respectively. Yunho praised Kai, calling him "a friend with a lot of ambition," and noted that he intentionally gave him challenging parts to utilize his vocal beauty and falsetto, which Kai flawlessly executed. He believes EXO fans will also discover a new charm in Kai.

Regarding Minnie, he explained that her unique dark vocal tone complements the brighter song, creating a unique combination. He also playfully mentioned learning photography tips and poses like the ribbon heart and cat pose from her.

This year, Yunho has been at the center of much attention, with his 2021 song ‘Thank U’ being re-examined as an online meme and his acting in the drama ‘Find Me If You Can’ receiving praise.

However, he emphasized that he hasn't become complacent and has consistently worked at his own pace. "If the results weren't there, I just thought it wasn't the right time," he said, persevering. He wanted this comeback to be his final act of the year, concluding it with a performance as an artist.

Yunho identified curiosity as his driving force. He confessed that even at a recent album exhibition celebrating with acquaintances, he found himself wondering, "Will I be satisfied with this, or should I look for something new?" This curiosity keeps him moving forward. Above all, he stated that his fans provide him with immense strength.

Reflecting on his position as a representative idol of K-pop's second generation, he said, "I'm lucky to be part of a generation that has experienced tapes, CDs, and data." He expressed gratitude simply for being able to remain active. He believes that the reason junior artists call him a good senior and role model lies in the tradition that continues.

Yunho's first full album, 'I-KNOW,' includes a total of 10 tracks, including ‘Stretch’ and ‘Body Language.’ He is currently actively promoting his comeback through various music shows and entertainment programs.

Korean netizens have reacted enthusiastically to Yunho's first full album, with comments like, "As expected from Yunho," "I'm more excited because it contains his honest stories," and "Kai and Minnie featuring? The lineup is insane!" Many are celebrating his return with his solo work.