Yunho of TVXQ shares thoughts on his first full album 'I-KNOW' after 21 years, expressing gratitude and reflecting on his journey.

Yunho of Tohoshinki revealed his thoughts on releasing his first full album after debut. On the afternoon of the 5th, a press conference was held at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Songpa District, Seoul, to commemorate the release of Yunho's 1st full album 'I-KNOW'. On this day, he greeted, 'After 21 years since debut, I have finally returned with my 1st full album.' He continued, 'Of course, it might have been better if I could have released it a bit earlier. I could have showcased it with a younger body and heart. However, I thought differently. I believe now is the right time to show my current self as I am. Having experienced many things and being able to accept everything, I think this is just the right timing. I am grateful for my current self and think I can release an album about myself with a smile.' This album features a unique structure where songs are paired lyrically with two songs each expressing one theme from fake and documentary perspectives. Based on this, listeners can enjoy an expanded musical world of Yunho. He introduced this work by saying, 'I wanted to express my true self. I thought the struggles I face as an artist are a documentary, and I expressed it by pairing the two parts, believing that even those two are a perfect representation of myself.' The title track 'Stretch' is an impressive pop number with a strong electronic sound, featuring a vocal that unfolds like a chant, creating a contrast and tension. The lyrics convey the inner emotions and meanings related to dance and stage, pairing with the double title track 'Body Language'. The music video for 'Stretch' captures Yunho's intense performance and confrontation with his inner shadows in a cinematic style. It is narratively connected to the previously released music video for 'Body Language', further completing the album's worldview. The track 'Waterfalls' features EXO's Kai. Yunho mentioned, 'People might think, 'Yunho and Kai collaborating? They will probably show an amazing performance.' Both of us had a strong performance image. However, since this is fake and documentary, I thought it would be appropriate to collaborate vocally.' He continued, 'Kai has a beautiful voice. By incorporating the sensibility of the 2000s and arranging it in our style, I thought it would become a wonderful song. The lyrics convey the message that one must learn to go with the flow. This song is paired with 'Premium', which features i-dle's Minnie, so there should be enjoyment in comparing the two.' When asked if the collaboration with Kai would also meet expectations in terms of performance, he said, 'The reason I asked Kai to feature is that I believe I will not just show music but will also present it on stage. I will greet you again with good news soon.' Regarding 'Premium', which he collaborated on with Minnie, he praised, 'Minnie has a darkness in her voice. Although it is a bright song, Minnie's unique voice gives 'Premium' a sense of luxury and brightness.' He also revealed artists he would like to collaborate with, saying, 'Recently, I thought Be Jin-young from former CIX was cool. I think it was probably his first solo, but he has shown different expressions of himself from a young boy to a grown man on stage, which was impressive. Personally, I would like to collaborate with RAIN (Bi) sunbae in a cool way.' Last year, he celebrated the long-awaited 20th anniversary of Tohoshinki's debut, and in July this year, he showcased his acting in the Disney+ drama 'Pine: The Outlaws'. Furthermore, in October, he received a presidential award at the '2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards'. Regarding this, Yunho expressed, 'I feel a great sense of fulfillment that Tohoshinki has received such a wonderful award in the K-POP industry. Fortunately, our group has experienced many eras, starting from tapes to CDs and now the digital age. I am grateful that we can still greet you like this.' He added, 'As many juniors say we are 'good seniors' and 'role models', I believe everything is connected, and you have been watching over us in a good way. So, I thought one of the members should publicly state this, and I spoke here.' Yunho, who has received enthusiastic attention and love for his solo song 'Thank U', which was released in 2021 and has become a trend again this year, said, 'I have been loved more than I expected. I realized that good songs are truly important. 'Thank U' started as a meme in a sense, but I think how amusingly it unfolds is important. Thanks to many people who helped me overcome and develop it well, I was able to enjoy it.' He continued, 'Actually, it is a 19+ music video, and I worked really hard to develop the story philosophically like a movie. It has been satirized again (laughs). I have a nephew (niece) in elementary school, and they call me 'Thank You Uncle'. Everywhere I go, I am called 'Thank You Brother', 'Lesson Brother', 'Lesson Uncle'. I am grateful.' Representing the long run of the music industry, Yunho said, 'I don't think I am the type to get drunk on success. I have always progressed at my own pace. I am afraid that this connects to lessons, but I have endured it. In a good way. While doing so, the timing aligned, and I have this opportunity to greet you again.' Furthermore, regarding his extraordinary passion, he said, 'Many people say, 'Yunho, passion', but I am not the type to have passion for everything every time. I do my best for things I like and am interested in, and I refuse to do things I am not interested in. When I actually do it, I tend to think about gaining experience. That accumulation has led to now. Rather, I dislike being conscious of 'passion, passion' and try to observe myself from a third-party perspective. That appearance is reflected in this music video.' When asked who he would name as a junior who inherits his passion within SM Entertainment, he replied, 'I think it differs by field. First of all, in terms of sports, there is probably no one better than SHINee's Minho. At this point, I think SHINee's Key is also really passionate. He continues to do what he wants through various programs and creatively releases albums.' He continued, 'While there are such aspects, if I were asked about younger juniors, I would like to choose the members of RIIZE. RIIZE is really curious. Especially since they have prepared hard for this album, I think if they show that passion on stage, it will be felt as it is.'