JINHO, the vocal gem of PENTAGON, has officially stepped into the solo spotlight with his debut mini-album, CHO:RD. After eight years of dazzling fans with his extraordinary vocal prowess as part of one of K-pop's most multifaceted groups, JINHO now takes center stage, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his artistry.
His solo debut wasn’t just confined to Korea; it began in Japan at the end of August, with CHO:RD being released in both languages. This dual release is a testament to JINHO’s wide-reaching appeal and his desire to connect with audiences beyond linguistic boundaries. From the first listen, it’s clear that CHO:RD isn’t just another album—it’s an exploration of JINHO’s many musical facets, each track revealing a new layer of his emotional depth and vocal range.
The lead single, Teddy Bear, showcases JINHO’s ability to create warmth and comfort through music. Inspired by the image of a teddy bear, a symbol of safety and solace, the song is a soothing jazz-infused lullaby. JINHO’s soft vocals wrap around the listener like a comforting embrace, delivering a sense of reassurance that feels both intimate and universal. The accompanying music video reflects this whimsical, fairy tale-like charm, further cementing Teddy Bear as one of the standout tracks on the album.
With CHO:RD JINHO has crafted an album that not only showcases his vocal abilities but also delves into his unique artistic identity. Every track reflects a different facet of who he is—singer, storyteller, and emotional guide. It’s a debut that feels both intimate and expansive, allowing long-time fans and new listeners alike to experience the full spectrum of his talents. JINHO has long been recognized as one of the most exceptional vocalists in PENTAGON and the wider K-pop industry, and CHO:RD serves as a fitting reminder of why. In this album, he doesn’t just sing—he communicates, offering a narrative that’s as rich and nuanced as his voice. This solo debut marks the beginning of a new chapter for JINHO, one where his voice, now unaccompanied, continues to shine brighter than ever.
Panorama.it spoke with him.
Nice to meet you, JINHO. To start, can you please introduce yourself to Panorama's readers?
Hello, Panorama readers! I’m JINHO who debuted as a solo artist with my 1st Mini Album [CHO:RD]. Please send a lot of love and support!
Congratulations on the release of your first solo mini-album, [CHO:RD]! How does it feel to debut as a solo artist after years with PENTAGON?
I never imagined it would be such a happy experience, and I’m having a great time every day!
Your title track "Teddy Bear" has a very sweet and unique concept. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and its message?
For the song itself, I aimed for a melody and sound that are easy to listen to. When it comes to writing the lyrics, I thought it would be fun to create a fantasy-like, fairytale story. So, I used teddy bears and elements from Cinderella to create a story about a boyfriend who wants his girlfriend to stay with him past midnight.
What kind of mood or atmosphere were you aiming to create with this album?
My goal was for every song on the album to have the feel of an interesting novel, and I wanted listeners to enjoy the various atmospheres of each song throughout the album. The first track is about breakup, the second track is fantasy-themed, the third is about friendship, the fourth has a strong intensity, and the fifth track aims to give a strong K-POP vibe!
You've been known for your powerful and delicate voice. How did you approach the vocal delivery on [CHO:RD]?
Since the genres are all different, I tried to express each song with an appropriate voice and vocal tone for its style.
How does working on your solo project compare to working with PENTAGON? Did you feel more freedom or pressure in expressing your own style?
Working on the music I wanted allowed for much more freedom in terms of style, but as you mentioned, I felt more pressured. Regardless of the outcome, I had to bear it all on my own, so I barely slept in the days leading up to the release.
Having debuted with PENTAGON in 2016, you've been in the industry for a while. How has your music evolved since your debut?
I hope not just as JINHO of PENTAGON, but as JO JINHO, to be someone who continually strives and evolves without stopping. I love music deeply, and since the world of music is vast and profound, I'm enjoying everything I encounter as I explore through it.
You've also ventured into new territories recently, such as joining the crossover group CREZL through Phantom Singer 4. How has this expanded your musical repertoire?
I started practicing classical singing in order to preserve the health of my voice throughout time. Additionally, because the CREZL members are from a variety of genres, learning how to harmonize and understanding crossover genres have been extremely helpful to me as a musician.
You recently played a role in the musical *A Thousand Blue*, portraying Collie, a jockey humanoid. How did acting in a musical challenge you as a performer?
This is how I always feel when working on a debut piece, but there's a lot of pressure because I'm the one portraying the role for the first time. Since this musical was based on the original work, I believe I did a great deal of reading and research in advance. Apart from that, I felt really healed working on it since it's such a wonderful musical, and Collie is such a kind and innocent figure.
In [CHO:RD], what kind of emotional depth and range are you hoping to convey to your fans and listeners?
I hope it feels like reading a collection of interesting short stories, and I also hope people become more curious about JINHO's music after hearing this album.
Many fans admire your emotional delivery when you sing. How do you connect with the emotions in your music, especially in a song like "Teddy Bear"?
Usually, I pay close attention to the lyrics, but with K-pop, there are moments when I put my feelings aside since it's more important to fit the style of the song. I adjust the dynamics based on the style and instrumentation of the song. After all, the audience will take pleasure in it more if I execute it flawlessly!
Is there a particular track on CHO:RD that you're most excited for fans to hear? If so, what makes it special to you?
That would be the third track, I believe. The third track is about friendship, but if you look deeper, it can also be interpreted as a story about love and youth. Given the title 'Dear Precious One, Our Shimmering Days,' I hope the message reaches the fans who are always by my side.
If you could describe [CHO:RD] in three words, what would they be?
Novel, Fantasy, Buffet
And if you had to describe yourself right here right now in one word which would it be?
Happy (to be able to share the album with you all!)
