Solo Sweetheart

Kyu Jong parties in Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of One Four Entertainment

When his former group SS501 disbanded two years ago, 25-year-old singer Kim Kyu Jong decided to pursue a solo career. He started out strong, starring in the stage musical Princess Hours. Kyu Jong then acted in the TV drama, Go! Mrs. Go!. Aside from his acting career, Kyu Jong has also been keeping busy with music, releasing his solo EP Turn Me On at the end of last year. He has also spent time promoting his catchy dance hit, “Yesterday.”

More recently, Kyu Jong visited the City of Angels to meet his Thai fans at an event called Kim Kyu Jong's First Romantic Party Gift in Bangkok at Scala Theatre. At the event, Kyu Jong charmed his fans right from the start by walking through the crowd to get to the stage, giving out roses along the way.

Kyu Jong performed many songs at the event, including his popular hits “Wuss Up” and “Yesterday.” The song that stunned fans the most was his performance of Pramote Pathan’s Thai song, “Thee Rak (Sweetheart),” sung perfectly in Thai.

Student Weekly met up with Kyu Jong at a group interview on March 30 to hear all about his latest trip to Thailand and about his solo career.

Question: Apart from your Thai fans, what have you missed most about Thailand?

Kyu Jong: A lot of things. I missed the warm sunlight, peoples’ smiles and Thai cuisine. I’m thinking about dinner now! I’d love to have Tom Yum Kung because I haven’t had it for a long time.

Question: Did you feel lonely working on your solo album?

Kyu Jong: Of course. I was nervous initially, but also very excited because I had no idea how it would come out. But now I enjoy working on my own.

Question: What did the other members of SS501 say about your “Turn Me On” video?

Kyu Jong: They gave me positive comments. They liked the song and said it was very distinctive.

Question: How do you feel about working with Luna from f(x) on Go! Mrs. Go!?

Kyu Jong: The atmosphere on the set is always fun. We will film the final episode soon. I really admire Luna. Despite her young age, she’s capable of doing many different things. She’s good at both singing and acting. I’m always glad to work with her.

Question: Is it true that you asked the script writer for a kissing scene with Luna?

Kyu Jong: It was only a kiss on the cheek. Actually, I was joking with the script writer when I asked if I could have a romantic scene with a leading actress. I wasn’t being serious, but the writer came up with one anyway! I think Luna was a bit shocked.

[Laughs.]Question: What does a cheerful person like you do when you’re feeling stressed out?

Kyu Jong: I like to read poetry, philosophy or epigrams. Reading stuff like that can give you a new perspective on problems. I always try to be optimistic and just enjoy life.