With a habit of adding “thanks to them” to the end of his sentences as he smiles so radiantly it could brighten any room, JIHOON always knows how to express gratitude for everyone around him. Below, the 19-year-old TWS member reflects on the people, experiences, and emotions that have shaped who he is today.
It’s your birthday next week, so, happy early birthday! [Note: This interview took place on March 20.]
JIHOON: Thank you! This is my first birthday being an adult, so I’m really excited. This year, I really want to keep in mind how much I’m loved and how grateful I need to be. Honestly, my first birthday after debuting almost didn’t feel real. I’d see the cafes with my pictures on display and go, “I guess really I debuted.” Thanks to 42, I’ve come to realize just how happy a birthday can be.
In “[TWS:CLUB] TWS’s Home Life,” DOHOON mentioned how “you really like that you’re an adult now.” It seems like you were really looking forward for that. (laughs)
JIHOON: I haven’t gone to a jjimjilbang yet, though, and haven’t gone to a late showing of a movie. (laughs) But I think there are different moments when it really sinks in that you’re an adult now. I used to just accept things as they came instead of thinking deeper about them, but now I find myself thinking more about how I can grow, even if it’s a little more complex. It’s like I have this desire to absorb as much as I can. And now that I’m an adult, I feel a greater sense of responsibility, too.
What do you aspire to be like in terms of being an adult?
JIHOON: I think an adult is someone who acts as a support beam for others. The people I consider truly adults in my life are the ones who quietly stayed by my side during tough times or when I needed help. I want to be that kind of person for other people, too—an amazing grown-up who helps others get through the hard times.
It seems like your idea of growth is deeply connected to the support you’ve received from those around you.
JIHOON: I went through a long trainee period, so it was easy to start feeling worn down, but there were so many people who stood by me and helped me push through and do my best—my vocal coach, my contemporary dance teacher, and more. When I had no self-confidence, they told me, “You’re already doing great,” and that gave me a little confidence boost. And after debuting, 42 and my friends would sometimes tell me, “Anyone would feel worn down being a trainee that long, but you kept your chin up.” And that was all thanks to my family. When I was a kid, they made sure I always had a happy life, my sister looked after me when I was having a hard time, and my mom would always pick me up after practice. I think about how thankful I am that my friends were always there for me even though I missed school when I was busy. That gratitude has been what’s kept me moving along. That’s why I’ve always been determined to debut, to grow, and to repay that kindness—in ways I can’t fully express in words.
Maybe that’s why your hard work and dedication with the group always shows. You poured so much energy into every single dance move for your new lead single, “Countdown!”
JIHOON: It’s arguably the most challenging choreography we’ve ever done. I really feel it during the big formation changes, like when I go from the back to the very front. Honestly, I was so invested in this performance that I even choreographed four different versions of the hook and sent them in for consideration. And performing it face-to-face with the group made it even more enjoyable, so I tried to go with the same free-spirited vibe as the song’s [Korean] title. It would look pretty lame if I went against that and you could see me all full of uncertainty and worry. (laughs) So I focused on just enjoying the moment and told the others, “Keep looking into each other’s eyes!” I hope people who watch can feel we’re taking on bigger, bolder things and growing fearless.
You went on Weverse LIVE before the comeback and said, “I’ve been working on my vocals a lot and personally pushing myself,” hinting at the kind of personal growth all your effort led up to for this comeback.
JIHOON: I really devoted myself to vocals this time. I asked myself, “What else can I do for TWS?” I figured upping my vocal game would help make our group’s music even richer. Ever since we performed “plot twist” live, I kept thinking about how I needed to improve vocally, and I haven’t let go of that thought since. My gratitude toward my vocal coach became a source of motivation, too.
Perhaps because of that dedication, your vocals sound even better on the new album. You even managed the high notes in the chorus of the lead single where you sing, “Shout ‘follow me, follow your heart.’”
JIHOON: That part was originally falsetto on the guide track, but they made that part that way after I said it might be more impactful if I used my normal voice instead. Since I have to sing while doing those intense dance moves, I practiced one-take recordings a lot to so I wouldn’t sound shaky. Whenever I felt unsatisfied, instead of rerecording just one part, I’d say, “Let’s go from the top!” I wanted to make sure it was a high-quality track. I’m also practicing singing while running. And it really feels different that way! (laughs)
In “Random Play,” the little touches you give to the end of lines like “ready, go (my way)” and “I wanna wander some more” is really impressive.
JIHOON: I tried not to overthink the details and just aim for making it sound natural. I think it actually turned out better thanks to me saying, “Let’s just do this!” Those parts were actually really difficult for me, though. But I took it as a sign—a challenge from the universe to help me improve—and did my best to conquer every bit of it without ever giving up. What’s particularly meaningful for me is that I hit a C#5 in the ad lib part. It’s the highest note in any TWS song to date. It was a huge challenge to take on, but I’d give myself an 85 out of 100. I was just so happy while doing it.
Which track from the new album resonates with you the most?
JIHOON: Personally, “Lucky to be loved,” but from the perspective of a member of the group, “Now Playing.” I had a clear image in my head when I heard “Lucky to be loved,” so things went smoothly working on that performance. It’s weird, but I just felt really good when we recorded “Now Playing.” I didn’t even have to act excited—it just put a smile on my face. And I knew when I saw the lyrics that we could do it in a distinctly TWS way. I kept my mind on the newfound freedom that comes with adulthood when I was singing it. “TRY WITH US,” the new album, mainly revolves around becoming an adult, and while that comes with its own pressure and new concerns, the bigger feeling is actually one of happiness. And I loved the song as soon as I heard it because it speaks to that happiness.
That happiness also shows in “Countdown!” when you’re all having fun high-fiving and smiling at each other.
JIHOON: You can communicate so much through eye contact alone. Rather than deciding in advance when to look at each other, our approach was like, “You know that feeling when our eyes randomly meet and we just laugh? Let’s use that.” When you see us smiling onstage, it’s because we’re genuinely having fun. That‘s a trick of the trade. (laughs)
Have you ever thrown yourself wholeheartedly into something, like the [Korean] title of “Countdown!” suggests?
JIHOON: I’ve got a story from when I recorded the song! At the time, I felt like I just couldn’t get it together during the dance, and I felt frustrated for whatever reason. I thought it might be time for some fireside time, but somehow I couldn’t bring myself to open up and stewed in it for two weeks. But eventually I just laughed it off and said to myself, “What am I worried about? What’s a little worry between friends?” And that thought came back to me. And that’s when I thought, “Just follow your heart. What are you waiting for?” (laughs) The group always listens with open ears and open hearts at the fireside, no matter what’s on our minds.
The fireside time idea, where everyone opens up, is such a unique TWS tradition. You’ve said you were never the type to speak out much in settings like those but that you don’t want to hold back when it comes to the fireside.
JIHOON: I say, if it involves the other members, then it involves me, too. If one of them’s dealing with a hard time, I want to help out however I can. It’s not easy to start talking about a less-than-pleasant topic, but if it’s for us, I’m willing to put up with a little bit of headache and do it. There’s nothing I’d rather see less than TWS stumbling.
What about when you’re dealing with a hard time?
JIHOON: The others always pick up on it! I’m not one to openly show when I’m struggling, but what’s been really inspiring for me is that the other members come up and help me even without me having to show it. When I remind myself I have five people who love me and will stay by my side until I get old, I can bounce right back. And on the rare occasion I do open up about having a hard time, they immediately check up on me and look after me. They help me snap out of negative thoughts and go, “Okay, forget all that,” and boom, I’m back on my feet. (laughs)
It’s hard to imagine now, but you’ve mentioned that you and SHINYU were awkward at first and couldn’t even joke around when you were filming your first music video. (laughs) How did you end up becoming so close in the end?
JIHOON: During our trainee days, every day on my way in, I’d think, “What should I ask him today?” (laughs) Once I ran out of questions, I finally felt like we’d grown closer. Then, during our “SUMMER BEAT!” promotions, we all became really determined to do even better and spent time getting more in sync. Once I stopped thinking things like, “How should I talk to them?” or, “What do they think of me?” then I knew we’d truly connected. At first, I joked around just to make them laugh and bring the mood up during shoots, but now, those jokes come from a place of genuine natural affection.
When you were on “Weekly Idol” shortly after debuting, four of the others named you as the person they were most grateful to for always taking care of others. Even with your hectic schedule, you clearly always support those around you.
JIHOON: I really think I’m shining brighter now than ever before, and that’s all thanks to 42, the group, and all the staff. Without them, I’d just be regular old Jihoon Han. That’s why I find seeing the other members struggle worse than having my own problems. I’m known for always following YOUNGJAE around, for example. If he’s having a hard time? That’s a code red for me. (laughs) The TWS members are some of the purest, most dazzling people I’ve ever met. I want to give them only the very best I can.
You seem to have a good sense of how to approach each of the members individually.
JIHOON: I have my own little tricks. For SHINYU? If I say something like, “I think I need your help—you’re so good at this,” he’ll be extra enthusiastic. YOUNGJAE responds well if I just whine and ask to be validated, like, “Please?” That’s because he secretly thinks of himself like a big brother. (laughs) With DOHOON, since he’s my roommate, I’m just open about what’s bothering me. He’s great at helping me get over my issue where I think my problems will only be a burden on the others. I can be more open about feelings with HANJIN since we’re the same age. And KYUNGMIN feels like a younger version of myself. When I see him, I feel like he might be going through the same thing I went through at his age. I think I know them so well because I love them as much as 42 does.
You’ve also talked about how 42 has helped you love yourself more. I’m sure you could really tell how much they love you when you saw them at your first fan meeting event recently.
JIHOON: It was basically tears the whole time. (laughs) While getting ready for the event, I went around to check the view from every seat. I wanted to scope out where I should be so that 42 could see as clearly as possible. I kept looking up more than usual onstage to let them know I saw them and to take in and always remember each and every face of the people who love me. 42 said I had a cute smile going on, but that was just because I saw how cute they looked smiling while looking at me.
It’s a very healthy mindset to have the kind of relationship where you feel lucky to have someone. As you said before, you realized that the happiness you get from 42 isn’t just a flash in the pan.
JIHOON: 42 gives me the strength to go that extra mile. I’d go as far as to say they make up a major portion of what I see when I think back on my whole life. There’s been so many times where I felt happy and wanted it to last forever but it fizzled out all too quickly. I was worried if 42’s love would be the same way, but as time goes on with each new performance and comeback, they’re always there for us. Honestly, when I came to that realization, I really teared up. They’re the ones who taught me that this happiness isn’t just a fleeting feeling.
You really are always thinking about others.
JIHOON: The people closest to me are a constant presence in my life. If my personal growth and improvement makes them happy, then I’m determined to do just that. And no matter what comes next, one thing will never change: I’ll always side with TWS. They’ll forever be my number one. 42 loves TWS, and TWS means everything to me, too, and I think that’s what’s made me who I am today.