K-pop artist Ilhoon on painting, music and finding courage from fans | ABS-CBN

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K-pop artist Ilhoon on painting, music and finding courage from fans

K-pop artist Ilhoon on painting, music and finding courage from fans

Alyssa Carmina Gonzales,

ABS-CBN News

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Ilhoon. Photo from Carpenterz Art RepublicThe sound of waves crashing against the shore blends with a mellow, dreamy tune inside a quaint two-story building, where paintings — including one seemingly depicting flowers and leaves, and a trio dominated by shades of blue — adorn the walls, breathing life to the pale gray interiors.

Such was the scene at "Tiny Ark," an exhibit held in October in Seongsu, a trendy neighborhood in Seoul. Over three days, the exhibition drew numerous visitors — many of whom came to see the works of its featured artist: K-pop star Jung Ilhoon.

Photo from the Tiny Ark exhibit in Seoul, South Korea last October 2024. Alyssa Carmina Gonzales, ABS-CBN NewsFor four years, Ilhoon remained out of the public eye following his departure from the boy band BTOB, which he had been part of since its debut in 2012. He left the group in 2020 after becoming embroiled in a drug-related controversy.

During his time away from the spotlight, Ilhoon stayed at a friend’s house in the United Kingdom and traveled around Europe. There, he found solace in an unexpected creative outlet: painting. Through this newfound form of expression, he embarked on a journey of healing.

“Travelling and seeing many exhibitions, I became attracted to painting. Previously, I had only expressed creativity through the art of music, but I realized that painting could also adequately express my emotions, and I began painting alone with passion,” Ilhoon said through a translator in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

“This became a significant help in transforming the stagnant time [of my life] into a healing period,” he said.

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Paintings from the 'Tiny Ark' exhibit in Seoul, South Korea last October 2024. Alyssa Carmina Gonzales, ABS-CBN NewsPaintings from the 'Tiny Ark' exhibit in Seoul, South Korea last October 2024. Alyssa Carmina Gonzales, ABS-CBN NewsThis passion for painting culminated in "Tiny Ark," an exhibit inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Through the showcase, the 30-year-old artist was able to reconnect with his fans and once again feel their unwavering support.

“During the exhibition, many more fans came than I expected, which really surprised and moved me a lot. It also made me realize that I need to work hard to continue providing good artistic experiences in the future, and even now, I am constantly reflecting on how to keep that promise,” Ilhoon said.

“‘Tiny Ark’ was an invitation to my fans into my world. It was a space that reflected my contemplation of the past, my values on life, and where love exists. I hoped that fans could resonate with these aspects,” he added.

Break from music

Ilhoon, who reportedly has over a hundred songs registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association, said he has been making music since his teenage years but took a one-year break during his hiatus.

He believes his break from music was necessary. “I think if I hadn’t had that time for myself, I probably would have lived a difficult life for a long time,” he said.

“I think the previous version of me was unable to live a truly beautiful life, as I was consumed by anxiety and emptiness. I was chased by imaginary fears of my own imagination, which led me to make poor decisions repeatedly,” he added.

When asked how much has changed since his hiatus, Ilhoon answered: “I feel like I am in the process of changing, not that I have already changed. I will make sure that I never disappoint my fans again, but before that, I believe that everyone, including myself, is continually changing in their own ways.”

What’s constant for Ilhoon, however, is his commitment to music, which remains at the core of his creative expression, even as he adds painting as a new outlet. His new single, “Lullaby,” stands as proof.

Released in November, “Lullaby” weaves together themes of comfort and personal growth. The track is Ilhoon’s debut under Carpenterz Art Republic, which also supports his painting endeavors.

“Lullaby” also serves as his first official offering since “Spoiler” in 2019 (aside from a duet with BTOB’s Sungjae, which surfaced in 2020).

In an Instagram Live session, Ilhoon mentioned writing the song sometime in 2021, but “thinking about it now, it seems it was made a bit earlier than that.”

“After spending over a year without touching my music work, I began interacting with various artists... There was a time when I started working on music again after a long break, and I worked almost all night. This song was created at dawn that day,” he recalled in the interview.

“A few days after making this song, I remember telling a fellow artist, ‘If I have a chance to let my fans listen to my music, I definitely would want to play this song for them.’ I thought that the song itself was really good, and it is also the song I hold dearest among all the songs I’ve created.”

It seems that “Lullaby” was just the beginning. Earlier this month, Ilhoon announced the upcoming release of a 12-track album titled “The Adam” and invited fans to help him choose a pre-release single, set to drop in February.

Below is the rest of our interview with Ilhoon.

Q: What motivated you to finally release music again?

While I was reflecting on myself, I naturally began to write music and express my emotions. In the process, I realized that many fans were curious and worried about my sudden disappearance, which gave me courage. 

I wanted to share my honest feelings with my fans, hoping it would be a special gift to those who were hurt. I felt that sharing the comfort and special emotions I experienced while creating the music was the best I could do, and that led me to release the song.

Photo from Carpenterz Art RepublicQ: Since you’re involved in both art and music, how do these two creative pursuits complement each other for you?

I think that all senses interact and there is a point of intersection. Both music and painting are processes and results of creation. I do not wish to say that I am as confident in painting as I am in making music, but I believe that there are no limitations in the relationship between an artist and an audience who strive to express, feel, and empathize with something as it is.

Q: What are your goals for 2025 and how do you plan to achieve them?

Rather than discussing other goals, I primarily want to become closer to my fans again and create many opportunities to do so. I want to continue to create spaces for communication both online and offline, spend quality time together and build many memories together.

Q: You’ve also acknowledged your fans from the Philippines, especially when you read a comment during your recent Instagram Live saying, “Please come to Manila next year (2025).” What message do you have for your Filipino fans who have been waiting for you?

I feel the special love of my fans in the Philippines. Although we are far away and it has been too long since we last met, and maybe we haven’t actually met in person yet, I believe there are fans who support me. I want to rush over right now if I could and meet many of my fans in the Philippines to share laughter and conversations. That time will surely come. I will pray for the day we can meet. Thank you so much. I love you, Philippines!

Translation by Kyungmin Kim

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WATCH: Taeyang of Bigbang sings TJ Monterde’s 'Palagi' in Manila concert

WATCH: Taeyang of Bigbang sings TJ Monterde’s 'Palagi' in Manila concert

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

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BigBang member Taeyang, whose real name is Dong Young-bae, delighted his Filipino fans with a special surprise during the Manila leg of his The Light Year tour on Saturday, February 22. 

The South Korean star performed the OPM song “Palagi” as part of his special stage during the last stop of his Asia tour.

In a video posted by Philippine Concerts on X, Taeyang sang the song fluently, impressing fans with his pronunciation and heartfelt delivery. 

He was also heard expressing his love for his Filipino supporters, saying, “Manila, I love you… palagi.”

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In another post, Taeyang also asked his fans to sing along with him.

“TAEYANG MONTERDE IN DA HAUS! When VIPs asked Youngbae to sing "Palagi" once again #TAEYANGinManila #TAEYANG2025TOUR @Realtaeyang,” a fan captioned in a post on X.



The original singer and songwriter of “Palagi,” TJ Monterde, was pleasantly surprised by the tribute. He reposted the video on his personal X account, adding a shocked emoji.

TJ also commented on Taeyang’s photos from his Manila show, expressing his gratitude to the K-pop second generation star for singing his song.

“Thank you for singing ‘Palagi’! Love from the Philippines! 🇵🇭,” TJ said.

Taeyang captioned his post from his Manila show with “Thank u Manila Love u palagi 💛.”



Fans were deeply moved by his performance, with many expressing their appreciation online.

“Same energy yung Palagi ni Taeyang at Pasilyo ni IU! Ibang level ang fan service!” a fan said on X.

Another one posted, “Gagi yung Palagi ni Taeyang. hahaha bakit naiyak ako nung pinakinggan ko ulit. Grabe eh..ang galing nya. Parang Pinoy na Pinoy sya. Wala bang full version nun Taeyang. Ang galing eh!”

Some speculated on why Taeyang chose “Palagi” as his surprise song.

“Feel ko na gustohan  ni Taeyang ang Palagi kasi same meaning dun sa "Reason" na kanta  niya para sa asawa niya. 🤍🤍,” one netizen guessed. 

This is not the first time a South Korean artist has covered “Palagi”. In 2024, singer-songwriter 10cm, also known as Kwon Jung-yeol, expressed interest in collaborating with Filipino artists, including TJ Monterde.

“Among the well-known ones, there are artists like Zack Tabudlo and TJ Monterde. It seems like there are many aspects that resonate with me, and I feel the desire to try something together,” the South Korean singer said.

He also praised Monterde’s style, saying, “I’d like to collaborate as soon as possible because he has a very professional and acoustic feel, and it seems like there are many aspects that resonate with me.”

During a media conference for his first Manila concert, 10cm shared how much he admired “Palagi.”

“Unang-una dahil sobrang nagustuhan ko po yung kanta ni TJ na ‘Palagi’ na kinover ko rin po and maswerte na nag-connect kami and nag-contact kami to each other,” 10cm shared. (Firstly, because I really like TJ’s song “Palagi”, of which I did a cover. Luckily we made a connection and got in contact with each other.)

 

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