[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] From Leader to Legend—JUNHEE’s Viral Summer and What Comes Next

3 weeks ago 29

New performances. New agency. Same JUNHEE—charming, honest, and ready for what’s next.

JUNHEE is the kind of artist who commands attention the moment he steps on screen—whether it’s with his powerhouse vocals, striking visuals, or razor-sharp performance instincts. As the leader of A.C.E since their debut in 2017, he’s built a reputation as a multi-talented performer with a captivating stage presence and effortless charisma. But it’s his recent solo covers that have reminded fans—and the industry—that JUNHEE isn’t just a group leader, he’s a star in his own right. His ability to channel emotion, precision, and attitude into every frame has turned heads all over again.

In a breakout moment this summer, JUNHEE’s cover of SAJA BOYS’ “Your Idol” from K-Pop Demon Hunters exploded online, racking up nearly 4 million views with its fierce delivery and cinematic flair. Just two weeks later, he joined forces with AleXa for a hauntingly powerful version of “Free,” proving his vocal range and performance instincts are truly next level. Whether he’s casually going viral, popping onto his broadcast channel to chat with fans, or getting teased by (or teasing) fellow A.C.E members during TikTok lives, JUNHEE’s mix of talent, humor, and charm makes him magnetic.

Now, in an exclusive interview with Hellokpop, JUNHEE opens up about the creative process behind his viral covers, his passion for music, and what it’s been like stepping into a new chapter, one that includes founding his own agency, H&P Entertainment. From jaw-dropping performances to unexpected live moments, JUNHEE is keeping fans on their toes, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning.

Hellokpop: Hi JUNHEE, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. It feels like a really special time for you right now. How would you describe this solo chapter in your own words?

JUNHEE: This chapter feels like a more personal way of sharing the musical direction and creative content I’ve always pursued with my fans and listeners. For me, it’s the start of a new journey, and I want to keep it honest and unfiltered throughout the process.

HKP: How have your fans supported or motivated you during this new beginning?

JUNHEE: They’ve always supported me, even back then, and still continue to believe in and cheer for my new journey. Recently, when I released the OST cover from K-pop Demon Hunters, fans even made custom hashtags on social media, promoting me and my new side to K-pop listeners who didn’t know me yet. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.

HKP: Since parting ways with your previous agency, how do you feel you’ve grown, both personally and musically?

JUNHEE: I definitely feel much freer now. Since I’ve been involved in nearly 100% of the album production, I’ve started seeing things I hadn’t noticed before and realized there’s so much to consider. I think I’m going through a phase of intense learning and growth as a solo artist. Maybe once my first solo album is fully completed and released, I’ll be able to tell exactly how I’ve grown. Right now, I’m just too caught up in the work every day to really tell.

HKP: Congratulations on launching your own agency, H&P! What inspired you to take that leap, and what kind of music or creative vision are you hoping to build through it?

JUNHEE: There wasn’t one specific moment that pushed me. I just kept wondering what I should do as my contract was ending at my previous company. I thought, “Before it’s too late, I should at least try the things I’ve always wanted to do and create the music I’m good at.” To express all of that without limitations, I felt it was best to start my own company.

HKP: As a leader in A.C.E. and now a leader of your own agency, what does leadership mean to you today?

JUNHEE: Responsibility, and showing it through action. A leader doesn’t hide. A leader steps forward and leads others. It’s a simple principle, but the weight it carries is indescribable, because if things go wrong, it’s on you. If the results are good, everyone gets the credit. But if not, the leader needs to reflect first. Still, if someone has to do it, I’d choose to do it. No specific reason, it just feels right for me.

HKP: Your cover of “Your Idol” from the movie Kpop Demon Hunters really took off! What made you choose “Your Idol” over the other Sajaboys track, and how does it fit you?

JUNHEE: During a livestream, fans said the singer’s voice sounded a lot like mine. When I listened to it myself, it really did sound similar. I just had this feeling that I could sing it well. And so, without overthinking, I recorded the song, made the cover, and released the content with a simple thought that “My fans will enjoy this!”

HKP: You created such a polished visual and vocal masterpiece through the “Your Idol” cover. How did you turn that project around so quickly? Could you walk us through the process?

JUNHEE: Fans let me know about the song just a day or two after the film hit Netflix. Once I decided to do a cover, my instincts told me it was a race against time. I figured if I could be the first to release a high-quality version, it would definitely get a reaction. So I recorded it the very next day and sent the audio to the label team, saying, “Let’s shoot this.” Three days later, we filmed, and the day after that, the video team edited it, and we uploaded the final version by midnight that same day.

HKP: Did working on that cover give you any new perspective on your vocal or performance style?

JUNHEE: Definitely. Even during the recording, I was thinking about how to infuse my own tone into the song. And while filming, I discussed with the video team how to enhance the visuals. So I realized that to do all of that, you need a deep understanding of the song itself.

HKP: What does your creative process look like when you’re preparing a cover versus an original song?

JUNHEE: This is just how I approach it, but I don’t spend as much time on covers. Since the original already exists, I just focus on adding my own color without altering the core of the song too much. But with original songs, I have to design everything from scratch, emotion, vocal style, and dynamics, so the approach is completely different.

If you could soundtrack any movie or series with your own music, what would it be?

JUNHEE: I’d love to blend my own unique style into trendy, modern sounds for romantic films or musicals like ‘La La Land’ or ‘About Time,’ as well as high-teen dramas.

HKP: You’ve been teasing new activities. Can you share anything about what’s coming next, or give fans a hint about the concept or sound of your upcoming solo debut?

JUNHEE: The overall concept of the solo album is to represent different times of day through music. I’ve paid close attention to genre, sound, weather, and seasonal vibes. You’ll hear a range of emotions and sides of me that you probably haven’t seen before.

HKP: What kind of stories or themes are you most interested in telling through your music?

JUNHEE: To be honest, I just want listeners to feel free while listening to my music. I hope they can dance, vibe to the rhythm, go for a drive, eat something delicious, enjoy a drink, go for a run on a nice day, or even cry. Just enjoy the music in whatever way it feels natural. However you feel it, that’s the right way.

HKP: What do you think might surprise or stand out most to fans about your solo sound and style?

JUNHEE: There’s a part in this album where I sort of rap, just a little, due to the song’s structure. Fans already know I wasn’t the rapper in the group, so they might be surprised when they hear it. Just giving you a heads-up! Haha

HKP: Fans know A.C.E isn’t done, just on different paths for now. How has it been cheering each other on during this time, and what keeps that A.C.E connection so strong?

JUNHEE: It’s about trust and respect. We’ve been through a lot together, and we know how much each of us has sacrificed for the team. That bond is unbreakable. I want to give my members endless support and love. I believe fans feel the same way, too.

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for your fans reading this.

JUNHEE: Hello C.Cs! To be honest, I don’t know how great of an artist I’ll become in the future.

But what I do know now, finally, is where I need to spend my time each day, where that time is taking me, and what kind of results it’s building toward. And throughout that journey, I know you’ll always be there with me. So please, just like you always have, continue to love and enjoy music with us. If you do, I think I’ll be incredibly happy every time I see you. I love you, C.C!