Lee JinHyuk Marks 2000 Days Since His Solo Debut With Heartfelt Special Album “D – XXXX” For His Fans | Exclusive Interview

Much has changed in the entertainment scene, but Lee JinHyuk remains, still filled with a burning passion for the stage, whether it’s to perform his own music or showcase his immersive acting skills.

Starting off as a member of the beloved K-Pop group UP10TION, Lee JinHyuk has experienced amazing highs, recognized for his undeniable talent and spellbinding charisma, both on and off stage. He made his iconic solo debut in 2019, and has continued to cement his legacy as a soloist all this time. Now, he has reached an incredible milestone of 2000 days since his solo debut, an achievement worth celebrating. In order to do just that, Lee JinHyuk has prepared a special album, “D – XXXX”, to not only commemorate this remarkable occasion, but as a gift to his loving fans, V-DAN.

To delve deeper into this special album and reflect on his journey so far, Kpopmap had the honor of conducting an exclusive interview with Lee JinHyuk himself. He talks about what it means to reach 2000 days, how he approached this album, and much more. So without further ado, let’s get into the interview!

Lee JinHyuk

A very warm welcome to Kpopmap, Lee JinHyuk! It’s an honor to be interviewing you. First of all, congratulations on reaching 2000 days of your solo debut! Have you realized it’s been that long? How do you feel reaching that milestone?

Hello, this is Lee JinHyuk, who is both a singer and an actor doing my best in both fields.
Before I knew it, it’s already been 2000 days since my solo debut. To be honest, I’ve actually been feeling it coming. As I prepared for this moment myself, I realized just how much I’ve accomplished, and it filled me with a deep sense of reflection and pure joy.

You’re not only a singer, but also an actor too! Do you feel like there is a difference between Lee JinHyuk the singer and Lee JinHyuk the actor?

In the past, I used to think there was a clear difference between being a singer and an actor on stage, but lately, through my experience on SNL, my perspective has changed. The professions may be different, but I believe captivating the audience on stage is the same at heart. That’s probably why I keep wanting to practice more and do even better.

You’ve come such a long way since the beginning of your solo journey. And through this album, you’ll be greeting fans as Lee JinHyuk the singer. How do you think you’ve grown as an artist over the years?

Growth… it’s such a difficult word. Whenever I think I’ve grown, I realize there’s still so much I lack, so much I don’t know, and so much I still need to learn. And when others say I’ve grown, I start to doubt if I really have. Maybe that’s why I try to be more mindful and not let myself get lazy.

Lee JinHyuk

You’ve prepared a special album, “D – XXXX”, with three incredible tracks for your fans. What was the process like while preparing this album? Did you always have these three songs in mind?

To be honest, when I left my company and started going off on my own, I went through about two weeks of feeling lost. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to act in dramas again but wasn’t sure how to go about it, or whether I needed to find a new agency.
 
In that moment of hitting a wall, I thought to myself, “What am I good at? What can I do right now?” And that’s when I landed on the idea of producing an album. I already had ‘Letter’ and ‘Always’ in mind. I was determined to release them no matter what. And ‘Be your side’ came out after a lot of thought, so I feel especially proud of it.

Were there any fun or memorable moments that happened during recording?

Since I was doing everything on my own, I had to find the recording studio myself, handle the distribution, and even go through the review process. Of course, the staff I used to work with, my hyungs and noonas, really helped me out!
If they hadn’t, I would’ve been in serious big trouble!
 
While I was searching on my own, I found this decent studio in my neighborhood that was surprisingly affordable. But despite the low cost, the facilities was great. As I got to know the in-house engineer, I found out that he was actually a composer. And not just any composer, as he had produced some really famous commercial jingles in Korea! I was totally shocked when I found out he made ‘간 때문이야’ and the ‘McDonald’s Big Mac Song’.

Lee JinHyuk

The album starts with a remake of ‘Letter’. What was it like to revisit this song after a few years?

To be honest, it was really hard to revisit it. Looking back, the old version had a lot of flaws and left me with some regrets. So trying to let all that go and start fresh was pretty overwhelming. But once I reconnected with This N That hyung, who I used to work with, and we started creating together again, things gradually came together and the track finally took shape.

Speaking of ‘Letter’, you’ve received so many messages from fans over time. Is there a fan letter you still remember to this day?

It’s hard to choose just one, honestly. My fans always write letters that become a source of strength for me in every moment, and I often get really touched reading them. But if I had to choose something that comes to mind right now, it would be:
 
“Even from afar, we’re always by your side. When things get tough, you can lean on us anytime. Just as much love as you’ve given us, we’re willing to wait just as much in return.”

Lee JinHyuk

The title track ‘Be your side’ is especially moving as it expresses your deep affection towards your fans. Is there a specific lyric or part of the song that you hope fans will pay extra attention to?

Rather than pointing out specific parts to focus on, I just hope people simply enjoy the music. Honestly, while working on this project, all I kept thinking was, “Will the fans like it? How can I make them like it more? I want to make a song they’ll want to keep listening to.” Of course, I know I still have a long way to go, but that’s truly where my heart is.

The final track, ‘Always’, is a beautiful dedication to your family. While working on the song, did any special memories come to mind?

To be precise, it’s a tribute song for my dog, Arong, who passed away in August of 2023. Some people may have never raised a pet, but those who have will understand how such a small being can completely change your life. I spent half of my life with Arong, so I truly understand that feeling. This song is not only for him, but also dedicated to anyone who’s lost a beloved member of their family.

Lee JinHyuk

“D – XXXX” not only celebrates your 2000 day journey, but it also looks ahead. What kind of memories or moments do you hope to create with your fans in the future?

I want every day to be like this album, a record of cherished memories. I really want to always show my best side, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Still, instead of feeling down, I try to move forward with the mindset of “I’ve learned.”
 
That’s the kind of Jin Hyuk you all like, right? And I like that side of myself too. As for overseas fan meetings, I’ve been trying to organize them on my own. I’m not sure if they’ll happen, but I’m putting in the effort. And even in Korea, I want to do something, even if it’s small, so I’ve been trying to make those meetings happen too.

Lee JinHyuk

We’re almost halfway through 2025. Time flies! Before we wrap up, could please share some of your goals for the rest of the year?

As for my goals… starting 2025 has been truly sensational for me. I’ve faced some of the biggest challenges of my life. There’s a lot I can’t share, but there have been more hurdles than what meets the eye. Still, the thought that pushed me to say “I need to make an album” — I truly believe that’s thanks to my fans. I’m so grateful for them. As for how I’ll wrap up this year, I’m not quite sure yet. But one thing’s for sure, I won’t be resting. I’ll keep pushing, no matter what comes.

Finally, do you have anything you would like to say to your fans who have been supporting you over these 2000 days?

The number 2000 days is not a small one—it holds so much weight. I’m so grateful for how you’ve been with me all this time. Thank you for being my strength when I was hurt and struggling, and for laughing with me in moments of joy and happiness. I’ll strive to be your ultimate favorite. I feel a bit shy saying this, but I’ll make sure to proudly show you I’m your favorite. Thank you for being my strength. I love you, V-Dan!

It’s been quite the journey with Lee JinHyuk, but it’s far from over. It’s exciting to think about what else he will accomplish and create in the next 2000 days. But for now, let’s stream and enjoy “D – XXXX” to its fullest. Thank you Lee JinHyuk for a wonderful album!

In case you didn’t know, Lee JinHyuk has also released an MV for all three tracks from “D – XXXX”. Check them out below!

‘Letter’

‘Be your side’

‘Always’

Congratulations again to Lee JinHyuk for reaching such a momentous milestone! Has Lee JinHyuk’s album been on repeat for you too?