[Exclusive]Heo Hwe-kyung: "This year is a sabbatical... I want to move steadily without being in a hurry" [Heo Ji-hyung's Topography] ③

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] An interview that looks into an artist’s musical journey. We follow their current direction and future path to draw their unique 'musical topography.'

-Continuing from Interview ②.

For Heo Hwe-kyung, creating new songs remains an exciting endeavor, though it is not entirely free of pressure. However, the burden feels less about past hits or well-received tracks and more about the uncertainty of not having a new song ready immediately.

Heo Hwe-kyung said, "I do feel some pressure when I can't come up with songs. Still, I don’t seem to carry the burden of worrying too much about previous works or feeling compelled to create another hit." She added, "We don’t have much time left in life, and stories about life are themes that can be explored even into our 80s and 90s. In fact, I believe more meaningful songs may emerge as I mature further, so I’m not particularly in a hurry."

The most common concern while creating music remains ultimately "making good songs." There is also a desire to share diverse musical styles.

He said, "I think the most frequent thought is that I hope the song turns out well. I don’t feel much heavy burden," but added, "However, since performing in concerts or live shows requires variety, I intentionally try songs with different tempos."

Musical experimentation continues as well. Aiming to release an album in the second half of this year, he hinted that it will showcase a sweeter and more loving atmosphere than before. He joked, "I’m planning to fill this EP with sweet and love-filled tracks. But by next year, I might get tired of such songs."

Ultimately, what Heo Hwe-kyung wants to hold onto the longest is stories about life. He shared, "I feel most satisfied when writing about values, life, or love with deeper insight. It was a year filled with many thoughts and reflections. Perhaps because I’m in my late 20s and early 30s, I’ve found myself thinking more."

In that sense, this year has become a time for Heo Hwe-kyung to slow down momentarily. He described 2026 as his personal "sabbatical year." He explained, "Sometimes the future feels daunting. I’ve been grappling with complex thoughts. Looking toward my 30s, things feel more complicated. But I believe more stories will emerge as I mature further, so I’m not overly anxious."

The transition from late 20s to early 30s was a period of deep reflection for him. Questions arose about how to live, whether he could continue making music, and if he was doing well now. So where does Heo Hwe-kyung currently stand on his musical topography? He views the present as "a point to rest briefly."

Heo Hwe-kyung explained, "This year feels like a break. I’ve designated it as my sabbatical year. I’m trying not to be in a hurry or overly anxious." In fact, musically, he looks forward even more to his 30s than the present.

However, as thoughts multiply, there are moments when he pushes himself too hard. He confessed, "Maybe because it’s my unlucky year, this has been difficult. My thoughts have increased, and I wonder if my life cycle is changing. Recognizing myself in this state makes me feel overly anxious and uneasy. I sometimes feel too weak." To avoid becoming listless, he said, "I consciously read books and visit the library. I’m also trying to develop healthy hobbies like running."

Nevertheless, Heo Hwe-kyung is expected to continue walking his own path steadily and silently in the future, just as always. He calmly stated, "Being too energetic burns out quickly, so I want to do well steadily. There will surely be hardships ahead. To endure them well, I think I need to train myself properly."

-End.

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*This content was translated by AI.