There’s something special about Heon Seo’s music—a fresh approach that’s helping shape the sound of everyone from TWS to NCT WISH and aeon. There’s just something different about the way it pleases the senses. Whether he’s producing for others or dreaming something up for his own singer-songwriter career, Heon Seo never stops pushing the boundaries of his musical world. Read on to hear his thoughts on the music he writes, sings, and finds inspiration from.

“plot twist” (TWS)
Heon Seo: If you ever find yourself unsure about how to go about getting started with something, this song is there to welcome your effort with open arms. The song’s become synonymous with a fresh sound, but to me, there’s something warm about it in the way it takes once-forgotten memories and breathes new life into them. Since it was going to be TWS’s debut single, Jeon Jin and I worked night and day to push it to the peak of perfection.

“hey! hey!” (TWS)
Heon Seo: There’s nothing quite like seeing TWS perform this song live. It’s sort of an anthem and symbol of the mutual support going on between the group and 42. The way they sing along in concert really is spine-tingling. It’s incredibly moving. Everyone feels connected by the end of the song.

“Keep On” (TWS)
Heon Seo: If TWS were a TV show, this would be the ending theme. The uniquely delicate texture of their vocals really captures what makes it so brilliant and overwhelmingly emotional. I’ll never forget when I first got the lyrics from KENZIE and how they put the finishing touch on the song. I absolutely love it!

“WISH” (NCT WISH)
Heon Seo: I think this song perfectly symbolizes NCT WISH—it’s right there in the title. The intricate structure, the unbeatable groove, those almost explosive vocals—what an absolute delight for K-pop listeners. If this is your first brush with the group, be prepared to become totally engrossed in the world of NCT WISH.

“All Blue” (Heon Seo)
Heon Seo: This song has the power to set off the imagination of the listener, letting them dive into the ocean and swim around carefree. It takes notes from my own memories of summer, so I put it on anytime I feel my memories starting to fade. Why not write down your own memories of summer for this song, like I did?

“COCOA” (Heon Seo)
Heon Seo: The first line, “Do you wanna build a snowman,” is an homage to the movie “Frozen.” No surprise, but I’m a longtime fan! I wanted to write a song that took my nostalgia for the pop songs I enjoyed back in the 2010s and the dramatic flair of Disney songs and put them into a single song. Let it warm your heart like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day.

“Onward” (Heon Seo)
Heon Seo: I didn’t actually plan for this to be one of my own songs when I made it. They say food ends up tasting better when you think about how someone else is going to eat it, and so I wrote the melody to pack in every last inch of my vocal range. Who could’ve guessed it’d end up being me who sings it … ^^7;; It announced my new beginnings to the world, filled with confidence, determination, and energy. And for that reason, I often listen to it when I set off on a trip. It’s really empowering!

헌서의 추천:
“Residuals” (Chris Brown)
“Angles Speak (feat. Poo Bear)” (Justin Bieber)
“Over The Moon” (Eddie Benjamin)
“Texas” (keshi)
“I Think I Like You” (The Band CAMINO)
“金木犀 (feat. Ado)” (WhaleDontSleep)
“The Other Side” (SZA, Justin Timberlake)
“You Rock My World” (Michael Jackson)