[Exclusive Interview] LIM SEJUN Opens Up About His New Solo Chapter and ‘You’re My Summer’

3 weeks ago 25

From VICTON to solo artist — LIM SEJUN reveals the emotions and inspiration that shaped his new single.

LIM SEJUN has long captivated fans with his emotive voice and charismatic stage presence, first rising to prominence as a member of the K-pop group VICTON. Since his debut in 2016, he has steadily expanded his artistic range, making his mark not only in music but also in musical theater, television, and radio. Whether performing in a tightly synchronized group or commanding the stage on his own, LIM SEJUN has always stood out for his sincerity and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.

Now, LIM SEJUN is carving out a new path as a solo artist under the independent label WAY BETTER. His debut single, ‘You’re My Summer,’ featuring the title track “Summer,” marks both a musical and personal milestone. With guitar-driven pop-rock at its core, the track evokes the warmth and wistfulness of past summers, transforming memories into melodies. It’s a nostalgic yet forward-looking sound that mirrors LIM SEJUN’s journey—reflective, full of heart, and ready to grow.

In an exclusive interview, LIM SEJUN opens up about the emotions behind ‘You’re My Summer,’ his creative process, and what this new beginning means to him. As he steps into the spotlight solo for the first time, he shares intimate stories and the inspiration that shaped “Summer”—a heartfelt message for fans and a powerful glimpse into his evolving identity as an artist.

Hellokpop: Congratulations on your first solo single, “You’re My Summer”! It’s a beautiful blend of reflective yet feel-good vibes. What inspired you to write and release this single album, and what does this single represent for you personally as an artist?

LIM SEJUN: I prepared this album with the heart of saying goodbye to the past summer, my twenties, which were filled with the most precious and countless experiences, and welcoming a new summer.

HKP: With ‘You’re My Summer’ being your first solo single, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during its creation, and how did you overcome them?

LIM SEJUN: I tried my best not to use the same vocalization techniques and tones that I had been using up until now. I wanted this album to sound different vocally, so I researched new techniques for a couple of months. I recorded the songs countless times, before the actual album recording, and there were times when I stayed at home for a couple of days just to prepare for “Summer”.

HKP: The track “Summer” seems to convey both nostalgia and hope. How do you balance the feeling of reminiscing about the past while also moving forward and embracing new experiences?

LIM SEJUN: The emptiness of the past that had gone by, the confidence and courage I always tried to hold onto… I wanted to move forward, but the environment and circumstances wouldn’t allow it. It was an incredibly painful time, trying to find balance. Then one night, I had a dream. I saw myself on stage, singing, and I looked truly happy. From that moment on, things began to change.

HKP: Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the second track, “Forever,” and how you approached creating its sound and mood? Also, is there any connection between the two songs?

LIM SEJUN: As I let go of my past summer and welcome a new one, I believe that every summer to come will always be with you forever.

HKP: What are some of the key moments from your journey that inspired the lyrics or the overall feel of the tracks?

LIM SEJUN: I love the lyric “I’m Grown Up As Time Goes By”. I have always wanted to become an adult. But as a year passed, then two years… and looking back, I was still just a child. Then another year or two pass, and again I look back, and I am still the same kid. However, at this very moment, I finally feel complete.

HKP: As an artist, how do you feel your music has evolved over the years, especially with the release of ‘You’re My Summer?’ How does this single reflect your growth?

LIM SEJUN: With this album, what I want to show is that I am no longer standing still.

HKP: You’ve had a diverse career in music, musical theater, and radio. How have these different experiences shaped your approach to creating music as a solo artist?

LIM SEJUN: While working in various fields and observing the people around me, I came to realize that beyond music, art is ultimately about expressing oneself. The focus, energy, and emotional expression I bring to the stage in musicals, and the sincerity I show when hosting a radio show – I think all of these come together to shape yet another version of LIM SEJUN.

HKP: The upcoming Asia tour is an exciting next step. How do you prepare for a solo performance compared to group performances, and what are you most looking forward to on this tour?

LIM SEJUN: The thing I’m looking forward to the most is meeting my fans who have waited for me for a long time.

HKP: Now that you’ve embarked on your solo journey, how do you feel your music has evolved since your time in VICTON? What differences do you see in your solo music compared to your work as a group member?

LIM SEJUN: While promoting as a group, you do music that would fit the group’s image and personality, rather than doing music that you would want to do personally, so for that reason, I couldn’t fully express myself musically. But now, as a solo artist, I am finally able to do things that I set for myself.

HKP: As you work on future projects, do you see yourself experimenting with different genres, or do you want to continue exploring the sound you’ve established with “You’re My Summer”?

LIM SEJUN: Moving forward, I want to continue making band-sound music while venturing into movies, musicals, dramas, as well as festivals. While doing so, I want to take control of LIM SEJUN’s music.

HKP: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

LIM SEJUN: Energy. Courage. Warmth.

HKP: If you could travel anywhere in the world to find new inspiration for your music, where would you go and why?

LIM SEJUN: I really want to go to the U.S. Take a light guitar with me, and get inspired by the freedom while enjoying music.

HKP: You’ve now experienced the thrill of creating and releasing your own music. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this journey that you didn’t know before?

LIM SEJUN: I am stronger than anyone. While preparing, I found myself battling with myself countless times. I would look in the mirror and try to pull myself together. Through it all, I came to believe that I am strong.

HKP: Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today! Before we let you go, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans who have supported you on this incredible journey so far?

LIM SEJUN: Up until now, I showed my beloved fans many different sides of me, but it’s not all I have in store. From now on, I will keep going while looking forward only.