“I Wanted the Album to Reflect Love”—WONHO on His First Full-Length Album and Artistic Evolution

WONHO shares the emotions behind Syndrome and what he hopes WENEE takes away from it.

Since making his solo debut in 2020 with Love Synonym #1: Right for Me, WONHO has continued to prove why he’s regarded as one of the most dynamic artists in K-pop. A powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer, he’s carved out a niche entirely his own—one built on passion, artistry, and authenticity. With over a decade of experience, his maturity and grace shine both on and off the stage. Whether fans have been with him since day one or joined along the way, WONHO remains the same: an insanely good performer, a commanding dancer, a powerful vocalist, and someone who deeply cherishes his fandom, WENEE. His songs carry that sincerity—ethereal yet grounded, emotional yet empowering—and across mini-albums like Love Synonym #2: Right for Us, Blue Letter, and Facade, he’s continued to evolve while staying true to his core. His artistry has also taken him across the globe—from Japan to Europe to the U.S.— where he’s performed concerts, been a featured artist at Jingle Ball in 2024, and won the 2021 AAA Musician Award for his dedication to the craft.

Now, WONHO reaches a new creative peak with his first full-length album, Syndrome. The record captures his evolution as both an artist and storyteller, weaving dance and pop soundscapes with introspective lyricism and bold self-production. Pre-release singles “Better Than Me” and “Good Liar” offered a glimpse into the album’s cinematic and emotional core—anchored by striking lines such as “People love to talk in California, baby” and “There's only one me and you can't lie.” WONHO’s songwriting, composition, and arrangement credits throughout Syndrome highlight his rare combination of creativity and control, while his seamless inclusion of English-only tracks feels refreshingly natural, not calculated—just another honest expression in his ever-growing discography.

In our exclusive interview, WONHO dives deep into the making of Syndrome—reflecting on the lessons he’s learned, the emotions behind his music, and the growth he’s experienced since his solo debut. He opens up about the creative challenges that pushed him most, the songs that best capture who he is right now, and how WENEE’s unwavering support continues to fuel his passion. From discussing how he knows when a song is truly finished to sharing his pre-show rituals and what still excites him after more than a decade in the industry, WONHO offers a heartfelt and revealing look into the mind of an artist who continues to move, inspire, and connect—one stage, one song, and one moment at a time.

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Hi WONHO, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us! Congratulations on your first full-length album, ‘Syndrome!’ To start, we’d love to know — what’s one unexpected thing you discovered or learned about yourself while making this album?

WONHO: While preparing for this album, I worked on a wide variety of songs and tried so many new things along the way. Collaborating with different producers gave me the chance to experience various musical styles and creative processes firsthand, which was a valuable learning experience.

I also experimented with approaches I wasn’t used to and spent a lot of time thinking about how to blend them with my own color palette. It was challenging at every step, but it was also incredibly fun and fulfilling.

Building on that, is there a song on ‘Syndrome’ that feels most like you — a track that really captures who WONHO is right now?

WONHO: The song that feels most like me right now is “On Top Of The World.” It captures some of my brightest moments and the sense of freedom that comes with youth. I think it’s the most honest reflection of the happiness and energy I feel these days.

Thinking about the album as a whole, what emotion hits you first when you hear ‘Syndrome,’ and what do you hope fans feel or take away as they listen from start to finish?

WONHO: When I think of Syndrome as a whole, the first emotion that comes to mind is love.

I believe love can take many different forms depending on the person, and I wanted the album to reflect that.

As fans listen from start to finish, I hope they can feel the shifting shades of emotion — the excitement, the intensity, and the quiet calm that follows. I believe there will be moments that resonate with everyone’s own experiences. While listening, I hope they can simply follow those emotions and feel their own version of “Syndrome.”

What was the biggest creative or emotional challenge you faced while making ‘Syndrome,’ and was there a specific track that pushed you the most creatively?

WONHO: The biggest challenge this time was expressing emotions that weren’t familiar to me through my own voice and style.

Especially with “Fun” and “Good Liar,” which were originally written for female vocals, I had to think deeply about how to reinterpret those feelings and make them my own. It was definitely a challenge, but also a very new and meaningful experience.

If you had to describe the title track, “원호 'if you wanna',” in just three words, what would they be? And Why?

WONHO: If I had to describe “원호 'if you wanna',” in three words, they would be direct, thrill, and energy. The song carries the message of moving straight toward what you want without hesitation, that’s where “direct” comes from. And the thrill that follows, along with the infectious energy that makes your body move naturally, is the essence of the song.

When you’re working on songs that you also compose or arrange, how do you know when a track is finished?

WONHO: When I’m working on a song that I compose or arrange myself, there’s a moment when I just know it’s complete. I usually play it loud in the practice room, and if my body starts moving naturally and I feel the energy rising within me, that’s when I think, “Okay, it’s done.”

“Better Than Me” and “Good Liar” were both English pre-releases — how does recording in English influence the way you tell a story or deliver your vocals?”

WONHO: When recording in English, the way I express emotions changes a little. Korean allows for more detailed, nuanced emotional lines, while English feels more direct, with emotion conveyed through rhythm and tone. So I tend to adjust my vocal tone to match the flow of pronunciation and the atmosphere of the song.

Is there a particular lyric from ‘Syndrome’ that feels especially meaningful or personal to you?

WONHO:  There’s a line from “At The Time” that really resonates with me:

“매일 걷다 보니 더 멀리 / But as of lately.”

To me, it means that if you keep walking every day, before you know it, you’ve come farther than you thought. It reminds me that those quiet, everyday moments were precious, and that all those times have built up to create who I am now.

Looking back at your solo debut in 2020 to now, how do you think your sound and confidence as an artist have changed?

WONHO: When I debuted as a solo artist in 2020, I was in the process of finding my own color by trying everything myself. Everything felt new back then, and I spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of music I wanted to show. Looking back, I realize that every one of those experiences shaped who I am today. My musical style has become much clearer, and now I have the confidence to take on new challenges whenever I want. The emotions and messages I want to express also feel much more defined now.

You have such an amazing discography of solo work. If WENEE could only listen to one of your songs to understand who you are, which one should they pick?

WONHO:  If I had to choose just one song for WENEE to understand who I am as an artist, it would be “On Top Of The World.” It captures the emotions and energy I have right now, as well as the direction I want to keep moving toward.

It’s free, bright, and full of strength. I think within that atmosphere, you can really feel who WONHO is today.

Performing live has always been one of your strengths. Do you have any pre-show rituals or habits that help you center yourself before stepping on stage?

WONHO: I don’t have any specific rituals before going on stage, but I always try to stay in good shape by working out and managing my condition consistently. When I’ve taken care of my body and mind beforehand, the focus comes naturally the moment I step on stage.

After more than a decade in the industry, what still excites you most about making music?

WONHO: Even after more than ten years in the industry, the most exciting part of making music is still thinking about my fans. Whenever I’m working on a song, the first thought that comes to mind is, “Will WENEE like this?”

Just imagining their reactions makes my heart race and gives me the energy to create better music. That thought has always been —and still is —my biggest motivation.

If you could describe your artistic journey in one word right now, what would it be — and why?

WONHO: If I had to describe my artistic journey in one word, it would be “challenge.”

From the moment I started as a solo artist until now, I’ve constantly been trying new things.

There were definitely tough moments along the way, but I learned so much from every experience, and I believe those challenges shaped who I am today. I’ll keep pushing myself and taking on new challenges to show you even better sides of me.

Lastly, please leave a message for WENEE reading this.

WONHO:  I’ve prepared this full-length album with so many different songs for WENEE, who have been waiting for a long time. Your love and support mean everything to me, and I gain so much strength from it. Thank you always for your patience and encouragement. I’ll continue to repay you with good music and great performances. I love you all!

Listen to WONHO's discography on Spotify or Apple Music.

Connect with WONHO on Instagram (Official), Instagram (Personal), X, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

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*Special thanks to Highline Entertainment and WONHO for this exclusive interview.

Image and Video Credits: Highline Entertainment