LEE JIN HYUK has recently been putting on different faces as an actor. Now he’s expressing his deepest feelings through his music. His fifth mini album, 5ight, has the power to stick with you like the memory of when you first locked eyes with your love interest. We asked LEE JIN HYUK about the lead single, “Crack,” and for songs that he empathizes with and that are always on his mind.

“Crack” (LEE JIN HYUK)

LEE JIN HYUK: The lead single, “Crack,” took nine months to get together. It was tough to identify the core of it and capture the mood properly. It was all new to me so it was quite the challenge. But I think my performances of the song became better because I went through all that, so I’m looking forward to how fans react. It’s a really catchy song and I hope they like it, and my performance of it, too!

“TOY” (LEE JIN HYUK)

LEE JIN HYUK: In this song, I compare myself metaphorically to a toy. There’s some cool guitar and flute in the song but “TOY” is really an exciting hip hop track. The lyrics are memorable and describe wanting to make someone feel better by becoming a doll or toy soldier and listening to them talk about how hard their life is lately. It represents sticking with someone important to you and listening to them without speaking yourself, or me being wound up and singing a simple and honest song to my fans.

“Rooftop” (LEE JIN HYUK)

LEE JIN HYUK: “Rooftop” is about telling people who work tirelessly toward their lofty dreams and goals that it’s okay to take a break now and then, and that they can take a break on our private “Rooftop” and build up their hope for the future, all conveyed with a crunchy electric guitar. It’s the perfect song to listen to when you’re out for a drive. I hope you like it!

“Running Up That Hill” (Kate Bush)

LEE JIN HYUK: I fell in love with this song while watching season four of Stranger Things. It’s an old one, but it really captures the feeling of the times, so I recommend you give it a listen.

“In My Dreams” (YOUNHA)

LEE JIN HYUK: This song by Younha is one I’ve been listening to ever since I was young. I’m amazed how beautiful the lyrics are every time I hear it.

“Let It” (CL)

LEE JIN HYUK: This song reminds me of all the 2NE1 songs I used to listen to when I was younger.

“Some Days” (Stella Jang)

LEE JIN HYUK: Whenever I listen to this song, I feel like I’m in Italy.

“The Kiss of Venus” (Paul McCartney, Dominic Fike)

LEE JIN HYUK: This is one of those Paul McCartney songs that make me feel like every song he writes is a hit. Whenever I see him collaborating with other artists, I think he’s just amazing.

“Little Talks” (Of Monsters and Men)

LEE JIN HYUK: This song really gave me a lot of inspiration when I was a trainee.