Melodies & Memories: A Deep Dive with Wonho on 'What Would You Do', Fan Signings, and What’s Next for 2025!
By. Alicia Zamora
A Conversation with Wonho
In a recent exclusive interview with Alicia’s Studio Wonho, the dynamic artist, opened up about his latest single, "What Would You Do." This track marks a significant step in his musical journey, showcasing his commitment to vulnerability and authenticity. Wonho shared how important it is for him to reciprocate the emotional sharing with his fanbase, affectionately known as Wenee. By expressing his innermost thoughts through his music, he aims to foster a deeper connection that resonates with the shared experiences of his listeners.
In addition to discussing his new single, Wonho reflected on the joy he finds in interacting with fans during his recent fansignings. These intimate events have provided him with the opportunity to connect face-to-face with Wenee, creating memorable moments that strengthen their bond. Wonho spoke about the warmth and energy he feels at these gatherings, emphasizing that they inspire him to pour even more of himself into his artistry. His appreciation for Wenee’s unwavering support fuels his desire to give back through his creative endeavors.
Looking toward the future, Wonho tantalized his fans with the news of an upcoming album set for release in 2025. This announcement sparked excitement among his supporters, who eagerly await what new sounds and themes he will explore. With his passion for authenticity and dedication to his fans, Wonho continues to carve out a unique space in the music industry, making him one of the most compelling artists of his generation.
Diving In
Alicia: "What would you do" seems to be about vulnerability and questioning the strength of a relationship. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to write this song?
Wonho: For “What Would You Do” I thought about what I would do if I didn’t have my fans. I focused on the sad and painful emotions that situation would bring and focused on expressing those feelings in the song.
Alicia: Is this song based on personal experiences, or is it more of a reflection on love and relationships in general?
Wonho: Sometimes I think of imaginary situations and use those feelings to create a concept for a song. As mentioned, with “What Would You Do” I created a scenario in my head in order to convey my emotions into the song.
Alicia: Your voice in this track feels very raw and emotional, especially during the falsetto parts. How do you tap into such deep emotions when performing? Is there a specific mindset or process you go through?
Wonho: I really focus on putting myself in the situation, whether it’s a real or made up scenario. I find that’s the best way to express myself on stage.
Alicia: Do you find it challenging to perform such emotionally intense songs in front of an audience? How do you stay connected to the emotion when you’re on stage?
Wonho: Seeing my fans actually helps me express my emotions even more. They’re the reason I’m on stage so I’m really able to put myself into the song because of that.
Alicia: What was your approach to writing "What Would You Do?"? Did it come to you quickly, or was it a song that took time to perfect?
Wonho: I definitely took my time to perfect the song during the recording process. I worked really hard to focus on my pronunciation since all of the lyrics are in English.
Alicia: How do you balance your personal experiences with your creative vision when writing songs?
Wonho: I'm usually inspired by TV, movies or the experiences that people around me tell me about rather than my own personal experiences. I get creative with the thoughts or emotions I would have in these imaginary scenarios.
Alicia: Out of all the songs you’ve created which would you say your the most proud of?
Wonho: I would say I'm the most proud of my song "WENEED". It's a song I always sing at every concert and it makes me feel like my fans and I are connected as one!
Alicia: "What Would You Do" has such an emotional impact on listeners. What do you hope people take away from the song after they listen to it?
Wonho: I know most of my fans will probably listen to my music anytime and anywhere but for this song, I imagine that they would be alone at home or sitting by the river at night. I imagine that this song would sound more special to them in a more moody situation like that.
Alicia: In your music, there’s a lot of raw emotion, and you’re not afraid to be vulnerable. Do you ever worry about how much you’re sharing with your audience, or is it important for you to be completely open in your work?
Wonho: I never worry when it comes to WENEE! They share so much with me and I want to share everything I can with them in return.
Alicia: You've explored so many different styles in your music so far. Are there any genres or collaborations you’re particularly excited to explore in future projects? What kind of sound do you want to experiment with next?
Wonho: I always like to learn and explore new things, and that goes into my music as well. I love experimenting with different genres and I hope to continue to do that. I think a country song would be fun to work on, but I want to try everything!
Alicia: Are there any themes or stories you’re eager to tell through your music in the coming months or years? What can fans look forward to in your next release?
Wonho: My songwriting is always evolving depending on what mood I’m in or what inspires me in general. It’s hard to say what stories I’ll tell this year but my fans can look forward to a new album in 2025!
Alicia: Looking ahead, is there a dream project or collaboration that you’re hoping to achieve in the future? Something that’s still on your bucket list?
Wonho: Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of guitarists on my social media pages. I think rather than guitarists who are already very legendary and famous, I’d want to work with guitarists who really enjoy their craft and I think it’d be a fun opportunity to work together.
Alicia: How do you want to continue evolving as an artist? Are there any new skills or areas of music you’re interested in exploring, like production, songwriting, or even acting?
Wonho: Like I said earlier I really want to try as many genres as possible, I love trying new things when it comes to my music. I’ve also been thinking about acting a lot recently, that’s definitely something I’d like to explore in the future!
Alicia: When you think about the legacy you want to leave as an artist, what’s most important to you? How do you want people to remember your music, and what kind of impact do you want to make in the music world?
Wonho: I think I just want people to think of me as someone who worked hard to create great music and make their fans happy. My fans have always been there for me and there are no words to express how thankful I am, so I try to show them with actions!
Alicia: Your fans are always so excited when you hold fansign events. How did it feel seeing your fans in December when you were on tour? Is there anything special you did for the fans during this time?
Wonho: It had been a long time since I had seen my fans, almost 5 years. It was also my first trip to the US as a soloist, the experiences were new and unforgettable for me. I had so much fun in every city interacting with WENEE, and they cheered so loud for me every night. I hope this is a memory they can hold forever!!
Alicia: You’ve been creating music and connecting with fans for years now. Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans in this interview as we wrap up?
Wonho: I always want to directly express my thoughts to my fans in each place I go, even if it’s just a short word or phrase. I’ve been practicing my English a lot and was able to do that when I saw my fans last month. I hope to continue meeting my fans all around the world and communicate with them as much as I can in 2025!
