"No regrets from Vietnam to Korea"... TEMPEST Hanbin's first solo 'Heung Hanbin' [hanbok interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

The "excitement" for music that began in Vietnam has become "Heung Hanbin" in Korea. Hanbin, a member of the group TEMPEST, embarked on his first solo project after four years since debut, filling it with his own music and unique colors to take on a new challenge.

Recently, Hanbin shared various stories, including his thoughts on his first solo and an introduction to his new songs, through a hanbok interview held at the StarNews building in Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for the Chuseok holiday.

Hanbin chose to come to Korea while attending university in Vietnam to pursue his dream of becoming a K-pop singer. At the time, he had deep concerns about whether it was okay to go to Korea, but ultimately decided to take the challenge with the thought that "I might regret it if I don't go." His mother also supported her son's decision, and Hanbin left school temporarily to head to Korea.

He stated, "If I hadn't come to Korea back then, I would have been working at a marketing company, commuting every day. I probably would have regretted not coming to Korea," adding, "I don't regret coming to Korea. I truly love what I'm doing now."

Continuing his dream in Korea, Hanbin stepped onto the stage alone for the first time after four years since debut. For him, who had always filled the stage with his members, going solo was a new challenge.

Hanbin said, "At first, I wondered if I could do it as a solo artist. Since I've always been with my members, it was hard to imagine doing things alone. But once I started preparing, it was fun because I could do what I wanted," he revealed.

The reaction from his members was warmer than expected. Hanbin shared, "My members trusted me more than I thought, which moved me. One member who heard the song said, 'Hyung always has a great vibe. You're good at everything,' and since I practiced late into the night, they also told me to take care of my health."

Hanbin's personal story is fully reflected in the title track "No Fear." During the song production process, he discussed his personality with the producer and even participated in writing the lyrics. He explained, "It carries a positive message that although you might lose your way, don't worry. There are many elements that feel like 'this is Hanbin' to me."

"No Fear" delivers a bold message of believing in one's possibilities rather than fear, and moving toward the desired direction not by following a set path but by embracing the most authentic way. The album includes the title track "No Fear" and the B-side song "Air." Hanbin is credited as a lyricist for both tracks.

Especially, just like the song title "No Fear," he incorporated his own image of continuing new challenges without fear. Although he had many concerns before coming to Korea, this experience aligns with his decision to choose a new path with the mindset of not making any regrets. When asked to describe the album in one word, he replied, "Heung Hanbin, let's get excited."

The expression "Heung Hanbin" encapsulates his story from his childhood growing up in Vietnam and loving music to his current activities as a singer in Korea. He said, "It feels like everything I've lived through has been connected like fate. That's why this album is truly 'Heung Hanbin'."

The music video also naturally showcased his identity by incorporating elements symbolizing Vietnam, such as food, traditional clothing, and the sea. Hanbin stated, "Since it's my first solo, I wanted to show who I am. I wanted to present both my side as a Vietnamese person and as a K-pop artist."

The solo stage was also a new experience for him. While in the team, roles were divided according to positions, but on the solo stage, he filled the entire performance with his own strength from start to finish. He personally recruited the dance team and participated in choreography work to complete the stage.

Hanbin said, "At first, I wondered if I could fill the stage alone, but it was so much fun while practicing. It seems like everything, including joining TEMPEST and going solo this time, is fate."

Hanbin's passion for music and performance continues even in Vietnam following the release of his first solo album. After making it to the top songs chart on iTunes Vietnam, his video content has also been consistently receiving attention on local YouTube charts.

A significant factor in Hanbin developing such passion for music was the influence of his father. Watching his father play the guitar and sing with customers while running a restaurant naturally nurtured his dream of music. Hanbin revealed, "He is my role model. Seeing my father enjoy music made me think I want to do music like that too."

-To be continued in interview ②.

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*This content was translated by AI.