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| Sungkyu, the leader of K-pop boy group INFINITE / Courtesy of DoubleH TNE |
Sungkyu rolls out 5th mini-album, '2023 S/S Collection'
By Dong Sun-hwa
In the eyes of Sungkyu, the leader of the K-pop boy group INFINITE, many people today find themselves trapped in loneliness despite being surrounded by crowds. That is why he released "Small Talk," an ode to those who strive to overcome isolation and find someone with whom they can truly open their hearts.
"People today do not seem to talk to each other a lot," the 34-year-old said during a press event at a cafe in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Wednesday. "Although I frequently have heart-to-heart chats with my friends, I have noticed that many others do not. This breezy and cheerful song is for those who want to escape solitude and interact with others."
Characterized by addictive rhythms and Sungkyu's crystal-clear voice, "Small Talk" is the lead single off his fifth mini-album, "2023 S/S Collection," which came out Wednesday afternoon. The EP also offers five other tracks, including the dramatic "It Will Be," the sentimental "Jump" and the rhythmical "Go Again."
"The 'S/S' in the title of my mini-album refers to 'Sungkyu's Summer,'" the blond-haired singer explained. "Most of my previous solo releases had a somber and serious tone, so I wanted to add more breeziness to my new EP. It features joyful and groovy tracks that are easy to listen to."
This time, his goal is to showcase his unexplored side, Sungkyu added.
"I took a crack at a lot of different things over the past 13 years," he recalled. Sungkyu burst onto the music scene as part of INFINITE in 2010 with the EP, "First Invasion" and made his solo debut in 2012 with the EP, "Another Me."
"So, whenever I gear up for an album, I spend a lot of time contemplating what new things I can still explore," he said. "This time, I decided to embrace a fresh challenge by rolling out upbeat summer anthems."
Sungkyu recently made headlines for assuming the role of CEO at INFINITE Company, a record label established by the six INFINITE members ― Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, Sungjong and Sungkyu. The group set up the company to prepare for its upcoming concerts, which will fall on August 19-20.
"I still feel a bit awkward to be called a CEO," Sungkyu said. "But we needed a company solely dedicated to INFINITE, because each of us is currently represented by different agencies."
He continued, "We couldn't perform as a sextet for a long time due to our mandatory military service. However, in 2022, L, the last member who began his service in 2021, completed his military duty, and we felt it was time to reunite."
Wrapping up the interview, Sungkyu shared his aspirations for the "2023 S/S Collection."
"I don't always set specific goals, but it will be great if my new mini-album can bring comfort to those who have been waiting for it," he said. "I hope it can become a gift for them."
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