JUNHEE from A.C.E is making art on his own terms

The leader of A.C.E discusses his decision to establish his own company, his interest in film and the success of KPop Demon Hunters

(Photo credit: H&P Entertainment)

JUNHEE may be known as the leader of the K-pop group A.C.E. But these days, he’s also enjoying a new role as a CEO and soloist.

The 31-year-old made his solo debut on August 14 with the dance-pop track “Supernova”, a song he says is inspired by disco and the European dance music scene.

The track is catchy and infectious, paired with a cinematic music video that sees JUNHEE chasing after a woman that captures his attention.

“I wanted to share a story about a love that feels just out of reach, but draws you in instinctively,” he tells me in an interview.

These days, JUNHEE is taking creative control over his work, having launched an entertainment company called H&P Entertainment earlier this year.

Now with the freedom to develop his art, he’s eager to show fans edgier and darker sides to him, apart from the bright lights, makeup and costumes of the fast-paced K-pop world.

“Every moment, it feels like I’m holding a double-edged sword. Big choices always come with big responsibilities,” he says.

“I’m curious about what results will come from trying the things I’ve always wanted to do, and it feels like now is the only time I can really do them.”

Below, JUNHEE shares more about his solo journey, what filmmakers influence him and going viral with his recent song covers from the hit movie KPop Demon Hunters.

Congratulations on your solo debut! How are you feeling as you embark on this new chapter of your career?

Every day feels new and exciting. I think it’s a period where I’m constantly thinking about how to make things the best they can be.

Can you tell me a bit about your latest track “Supernova” and the story you wanted to share here?

I wanted to share a story about a love that feels just out of reach, but draws you in instinctively. I really tried to bring that to life in the music video. I think when you watch the video and listen to the music together, you’ll get fully drawn into the story.

I think dance pop and Europop is really making a comeback, which I can hear in “Supernova.” Can you tell me a bit about your influences, and what it was like to work with producers PhD?

The main reason I decided to release "Supernova" was that retro disco is almost non-existent in the current K-pop scene, and the PhD duo made this genre sound so trendy and polished. Working with them was incredibly smooth and professional. They’re already top-tier producers in the K-pop scene, and collaborating with them really gave me even more confidence in "Supernova."

(Photo credit: H&P Entertainment)

You are releasing this project after creating your agency H&P Entertainment. What do you hope to achieve as the owner of your own agency?

I have exactly two goals.

The first is that every album I release from now on will be carefully curated so that no one can deny it’s a masterpiece, whether a mini or a full album.

The second is to hire talented and creative colleagues at my label. I’m going to keep searching for people who truly understand what they do, have a clear vision for their work, and know their future goals.

I believe that if I keep going through this process, H&P will naturally grow. I don’t want to build a company just for the sake of the company, I want to create a company for capable people.

As part of your agency, you created an art film called “MOLT.” I think many fans of yours have not seen this darker side to you before! Can you share a bit about the process of making this film and the meaning behind it?

‘Molt’ is literally about shedding the heavy, uncomfortable clothes, makeup, locations, and everything that doesn’t fit me, and showing the path I really want to take as my true self. In the video, you can see me looking at a mirror, struggling between the version of me created while trapped inside a room and my real self. Then the situation starts as I step outside the house that had been keeping me trapped.

What films and directors are influencing you these days?

He’s not a recent influence, but the only director who has always blown me away is Christopher Nolan. I’ve seen all of his works. He makes movies, but what I feel from watching them is something beyond just movies. That’s probably the device and message he embeds in his work. I think he’s a director who gives a lot of inspiration and makes you rethink life.

You recently went viral, covering songs from the hit movie KPop Demon Hunters. Can you tell me about the concept of making these covers?

I started these covers because I thought the fans would like it. Then so many of them actually did, and every day felt like a dream I could hardly believe. The popularity of KPop Demon Hunters just keeps going strong. I’m realizing all over again just how powerful K-pop really is.

What made you want to cover “Your Idol” in particular?

A fan recommended it because they thought my voice sounded similar to the original song. When I listened, it really did. I was so surprised. Then I thought, what if I seriously covered it to match that similarity? It would be fun. Looking back now, it still makes me laugh.

What was it like to work with AleXa to recreate “Free”?

Everything was perfect. Her vocals speak for themselves, and from recording to filming, she prepared with such professionalism. Did you see her hair, outfit, and performance? She prepared everything herself and showed up on set as Rumi brought to life. It was surprise after surprise.

KPop Demon Hunters is a global sensation, and certainly brings K-pop to another level. How do you feel about the role this movie plays in K-pop’s growth?

I think of it as a very positive thing. In my opinion, there has probably never been an animated film on an international platform that captured Korean culture with such detail and nuance. This project has made people around the world feel more familiar with our culture and sparked deeper interest in it. That is truly an incredible impact.

Many know you from A.C.E. What has been the biggest challenge of being on your own without your members?

The biggest challenge is, of course, being on stage alone rather than with the members. I have to fill the entire performance of each song by myself, which naturally brings more pressure and makes me miss them at times. But I believe this period will help to create incredible synergy when A.C.E comes together again.

What has being in A.C.E. taught you about leading your own agency?

It’s that nothing can be done alone. Especially if you’re trying to take on something big or go far, you need talented teammates by your side. At my label, I am surrounded by incredible colleagues who work as hard as I do. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Members of A.C.E. are currently pursuing different paths, but know the group will work together again one day. What does supporting each other look like right now, and how do you keep the bond alive?

We trust and stand by each other unconditionally. None of us expect anything in return. We simply respect and support whatever each person chooses to do. Everyone has earned that, and at this point in our journey, I believe we deserve to have those kinds of experiences. I still see my members as family, and I always will.

What are some of the goals you’d like to achieve down the line?

I want to perform at Wembley Stadium. I want to hear my fans singing along to my song there. That’s my dream.

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