Bae Jin-young is embarking on a new challenge as a solo singer. Formerly a member of the groups Wanna One and CIX, he released his first mini-album, "STILL YOUNG," eight years after his debut. Bae Jin-young debuted as part of Wanna One after finishing 10th in the final round of Mnet's idol audition program "Produce 101" Season 2. After Wanna One disbanded in 2019, he served as the lead vocalist of CIX and left the group last August.

"STILL YOUNG" embodies Bae Jin-young's original intention and a new beginning. The album is themed around his unwavering passion "STILL," solidified skills "STEEL," youthful spirit and challenging mindset "YOUNG," and a new challenge starting from zero "0." The album contains five tracks, including the title song "Round&Round," which belongs to the alternative hip-hop genre.

The title track "Round&Round" features the sophisticated sound characteristic of the alternative hip-hop genre. Bae Jin-young expressed his determination about his solo activities, saying, "Even while being active in a group, I wanted to release a solo album. At the time, I thought it was more positive to work as a group rather than individually." Rather than focusing on rankings or results, he said, "I want to be an artist who embodies a single genre and aura like Michael Jackson."

Regarding the pressure of solo activities, Bae Jin-young said, "Having members gave me support and reduced the burden since each had their own parts on stage, but now that I have to do everything by myself as a solo artist, I feel both pressure and responsibility." However, he added, "At the same time, I am happy to be able to show my music and potential that I couldn't reveal before."

This album "STILL YOUNG" signifies a challenge. Bae Jin-young stated, "Fans and colleagues around me expected me to perform sexy stages as a solo artist, but I came out with an exciting hip-hop song," showing his willingness to try something new. He emphasized that he wanted to include songs that are interesting and enjoyable through both music and music videos.

His new style transformation, such as dreadlocks in the concept photos, also stands out. Bae Jin-young said, "I wanted to show many new sides of myself. I tend to like challenges on stage. I believe that an artist should know how to express what they want on stage." Rather than fearing image changes, he revealed that since he decided to stand alone, he has a strong desire to try the stages and concepts he wants.

Bae Jin-young recalled that when he debuted with CIX after finishing activities with Wanna One, he was often referred to as "Bae Jin-young group." He said, "I had a strong desire to do very well. It's important that all members share the same goals." He mentioned that during Wanna One, he was not obsessed with rankings or results, but during his time with CIX, he had a strong desire to achieve good outcomes.

He also talked about the possibility of a Wanna One reunion. Bae Jin-young said, "Talks about a reunion come up every year, and I am grateful for the interest. It would be great if someday the members' schedules and circumstances align so we can be together again."

Regarding his current mindset, he said, "I used to be very introverted. Maybe because now I have to bear everything alone, but I feel that I have opened up a lot and become brighter than before." He expressed that he thinks it is important to have various experiences as "person Bae Jin-young," rather than being confined to "idol Bae Jin-young."

Bae Jin-young is scheduled to hold his first solo fan concert on November 8 and 9. He said, "While looking cool as an artist is important, since it is a fan concert, I am preparing stages that fans will enjoy." He held a solo fan meeting in 2019, and fans often reminisce about that time. This fan concert is planned as a stage to communicate and connect with fans.

He also mentioned his future solo activities. He said, "Not only in Korea but also overseas fans haven't seen me for a long time, so I plan to go abroad with this fan concert. At the same time, I am preparing my next album." Bae Jin-young is ready to show new musical possibilities through his solo activities.