After 22 years in the K-pop industry, U-Know of the legendary group TVXQ has released his most personal work yet with his first full-length solo album "I-KNOW." The album, which dropped on Wednesday, features double title tracks "Stretch" and "Body Language" and represents a bold new direction for the veteran performer as he explores the contrast between his public persona and private self.
The 10-track album revolves around the innovative concept of "Fake Documentary," examining the duality between U-Know the polished artist and Jung Yun-ho the introspective individual behind the fame. Through this concept, he contrasts the carefully crafted, image-driven facade that fans typically see with the quieter, more vulnerable reality that exists away from the spotlight.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Songpa District just hours before the album's release, U-Know described "I-KNOW" as his most deeply personal project to date. "It's literally an album about myself," he explained during the event. "If the version people see is U-Know the artist, there's also an unseen side filled with self-reflection and worries. I wanted to embrace both as part of who I am."
The singer revealed that after more than two decades in the entertainment industry, he finally felt ready to show his fans a more vulnerable side of himself. "Fans have always loved my bright and energetic image," U-Know shared. "But after all these years, I think I've reached a point where I can talk about my inner struggles and the things behind that image. I can take responsibility for showing that side of me now."
"Stretch," one of the album's two title tracks, showcases a pop sound driven by powerful electronic production paired with restrained vocals that gradually build emotional tension throughout the song. The track serves as a musical mirror reflecting the emotional pressures and tensions that come with an artist's life, while forming a complementary pair with "Body Language," which takes a more performance-focused approach.
"The song is about what artists go through behind the scenes and the courage it takes to stand in the spotlight," U-Know explained about "Stretch." "It also expands on the SMP sound that defines SM Entertainment's music identity. And I made sure to choreograph it in a way that fans can enjoy turning into memes."
U-Know's mention of memes isn't accidental, as he has recent experience with viral internet culture. Earlier this year, his 2021 single "Thank U" from the "NOIR" album unexpectedly became a social media sensation after a YouTuber's parody video spread across various platforms, transforming the dramatic song into a beloved pop-culture meme. The song's noir-inspired visuals and eccentric lyrics found new life as they resurfaced on listeners' playlists, bringing fresh attention to his previous solo work.
"It received way more love than I expected," U-Know said with a laugh, reflecting on the viral moment. "Even if it started as something silly, I learned to embrace that response. I put a lot of thought into that music video, but now I'm just thankful people found joy in it in their own way."
Throughout his career, U-Know has been widely recognized as K-pop's "passion icon," but he revealed that he no longer feels the pressure to constantly live up to that energetic image. "People remember me for my passion, but I'm not always burning with energy like that," he admitted. "I give my all to things I truly love, but I also know when to decline what doesn't fit me. When I do commit, I give it everything. That's what shaped me, not the label itself."
The artist concluded by explaining how this album represents a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. "U-Know has always been loved for his passionate and healthy image. But as Jung Yun-ho, I've rarely shown who I really am," he reflected. "With this album, I wanted to rediscover the pure, youthful part of myself that I might have lost along the way. It's my way of holding on to that sincerity."
