[News] Park Jung Min reveals his thoughts on working as a solo artist

Despite his seven-year career in the music industry, SS501’s Park Jung Minhas been dealing with a lot of ‘firsts’ ever since he returned with his solo album, “Not Alone.”

Out of all five of his fellow group members, he’s the first to officially kick off a solo career. Although he originally intended to return last November, he delayed it for two months out of respect for the Yeonpyeong Island skirmish.

He began, “I attempted for the first time to write all of the songs in the album. I wanted to deliver my honest thoughts through my own voice. I’ve always liked drawing and writing, but it was an aspect of myself that I wasn’t able to express with SS501. I’m planning to write the lyrics for every new song that will be out under my name. The thought of someone reading my lyrics made me feel shy and pressured at first, but writing little by little brought out a sort of excitement.”

When asked about the differences between performing as a soloist and with a group, he replied, “There’s no time to rest as a soloist, since I have to do everything on my own. With SS501, I was able to sleep when the other members went into filming (laughter). As a soloist, all of the focus is on me.”

Park Jung Min then revealed that he underwent a 12 kg weight loss. “It’s difficult to lose weight the first time, but now, no matter how much I eat, I just don’t gain weight. My basic stamina has improved. Even though my schedule is busy, I try to fit in exercise. Kim Jong Kook-hyung, Super Junior, and SHINee all come to my gym. Since all of their bodies are shaping up, I can’t lose to them, now can I?”

The star also discussed SS501’s new group album, which is scheduled for release later this year. “Once SS501’s schedule is confirmed, I’m planning to postpone my personal activities. As opposed to going out of everyone’s way to make it happen, I’d rather that we just naturally came together.”

His goal for the new year is to tour at least five countries. Park Jung Min explained, “Park Jung Min is part of SS501, but through my solo album, I want to let the public know who I am. My 2011 goal is to become a man that people want to hug (laughter). Since I am of age now (25), I want to express a more masculine aspect of myself.”