
2PM's Jang Woo-young Makes Solo Comeback After 7 Years and 5 Months with 'I'm into'
Jang Woo-young, a member of the group 2PM, has returned as a solo artist after a hiatus of 7 years and 5 months with his third mini-album, 'I'm into'. The album, released on the 15th at 6 PM KST, marks his first solo release in approximately three months since the digital single 'Simple dance' in June, and his first mini-album since 'Bye Bye Bye' in January 2018.
'I'm into' features a total of five tracks, including the title song 'Think Too Much (Feat. DAMINI)', 'Carpet', 'Swamp', 'Reality', and 'Home Vacation'. Jang Woo-young has personally contributed to the creation of all songs on the album, showcasing his capabilities as a singer-songwriter, building on his experience with 2PM hits and his previous solo works like 'R.O.S.E.' and 'Off the Record'.
Addressing concerns about his visibly thinner appearance before the comeback, Jang Woo-young explained, "I didn't intentionally lose weight, but being in a sensitive state with so much to do naturally led to some weight loss. Usually, even a 1-2 kg change significantly affects my body. I tend to fluctuate within 5 kg, and my body weakens quickly when I lose weight." He humorously added that he's been receiving comments about looking similar to Joo Woo-jae.
Reflecting on his return to the solo scene after a long break, he shared, "When 2PM was new, my head didn't hurt like this. Back then, the focus was on what performance or stage to show, so it wasn't a major concern. However, as I started creating music and developed my own standards, the process became more sensitive, and the responsibility made me push myself." He elaborated, "Even with advance preparation, my standards kept rising, making the process lengthy. There were times I felt my confidence drop, thinking 'This isn't enough.' It felt like I was undergoing training in the mountains. So, starting last year, I decided I absolutely had to be active, which led to releasing 'Simple Dance', and it resulted in a positive outcome."
He discovered the joy of singing and dancing again through 'Simple Dance' and expressed his intention to shorten the intervals between new song releases. Jang Woo-young also plans to engage in music show promotions and fan events, confident that he will deliver a powerful performance, even joking that his younger choreography team finds the moves strenuous.
Jang Woo-young also shared his thoughts on the 'challenge culture,' stating, "I've considered wanting to start an anti-challenge movement because I deeply ponder if it helps those who request it or if it suits me. However, I'm doing them diligently myself." He emphasized, "Challenges should be done out of a genuine desire to help each other. With the trendiness of challenges, I sometimes feel they can be somewhat consumptive." He acknowledged this might sound like a lecture but believes maintaining such personal convictions is important.
Following his comeback, Jang Woo-young is scheduled to hold his solo concert '2025 Jang Wooyoung Concert < half half >' on October 27th and 28th at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, promising fans a full display of his musical charm.
Jang Woo-young is known for his dynamic stage presence and unique musical style that blends various genres. His solo endeavors often explore introspective themes and showcase his growth as an artist. Fans eagerly anticipate his return, expecting a performance that highlights his evolving artistry and deep connection with his music.