Music has played a significant role in Jaehyun’s life, a member of NCT.

“In my childhood, my dad would play various songs for me, and my mom was a pianist,” the 27-year-old shared with YSL News. “During school events, I was always the one eager to perform and sing with friends. Music has always been present in my life.”

Jaehyun’s passion for music paved the way for his involvement in South Korea’s entertainment scene. He became a part of K-pop group NCT in 2016 and has since joined its sub-groups NCT 127 and NCT DOJAEJUNG in 2023.

Over the years, Jaehyun has continually evolved his artistic abilities, both as a member of NCT and as an independent artist. He possesses the versatility to adapt to various musical concepts, but his signature style is marked by smooth vocals and genuine songwriting.

His debut album, “J – The 1st Album,” now released, reflects the depth of his musical passion.

Creating Jaehyun’s debut solo album

Before releasing “J – The 1st Album,” Jaehyun explored solo ventures with tracks like “Forever Only” in 2022 and “Horizons” in 2023.

These initial experiences inspired him to take a more hands-on approach to his music creation. He began working on “J – The 1st Album” back in December.

“I introduced several songs I had been working on to the label and they listened to three of them,” he recalled. “That marked the beginning of this album.”

Among these was “Roses,” a track he pre-released. Jaehyun found great enjoyment in the collaborative process with his team.

“I feel it’s crucial to invest my true self in the music creation process, as it allows listeners to grasp my distinctive genre and style,” he expressed.

“From the onset, my goal was to create timeless songs that would remain enjoyable across the years.”

This timeless essence is underscored by the jazz and R&B influences present throughout “J – The 1st Album”.

“I felt that ‘Can’t Get You’ was essential as the concluding track of the album since it neatly wraps everything up, while ‘Flamin’ Hot Lemon’ serves as an enjoyable vibe track in the middle,” he elaborated. “I also wanted ‘Roses’ and ‘Dandelion’ to evoke deep feelings, and ‘Completely’ offers a moment for silence where you can close your eyes and fully immerse yourself.”

Regarding “Smoke,” the album’s highlight track, Jaehyun describes it as “laid-back” and open-ended for listeners’ interpretations. “I believed many would easily connect with it,” he noted.

Authentic artistry

Through music, Jaehyun finds a way to express vulnerability and authenticity.

“I’m not very open about my feelings, like saying ‘I’m feeling down’ or ‘I’ve been struggling,’ ” he confided. “I believe that during this promotional period, people may start to understand my thoughts and passions.”

His experiences as part of NCT have also shaped his solo work.

“Being in a group has taught me a great deal,” Jaehyun confesses. “I have continually explored my musical interests, which has been beneficial for my solo projects.”

Looking ahead, Jaehyun aspires to keep creating music, whether as part of NCT or as an individual artist.

“After eight years since joining NCT, I have given everything and have no regrets,” he said. “My solo career feels like an exciting new adventure, and I truly hope fans will enjoy being part of this journey with me.”