KANGMIN of VERIVERY Embarks on Solo Journey with Introspective Single Album ‘Free Falling’

SEOUL, South Korea – KANGMIN, the youngest member of the acclaimed K-pop group VERIVERY, has officially stepped into a new era of his artistic career with the release of his debut solo single album, ‘Free Falling’, which premiered on March 26, 2026. This pivotal moment marks a significant milestone for the artist, who has steadily cultivated a distinctive voice and perspective since his group’s debut, transitioning from a promising rookie to a thoughtful lyricist and performer. The solo venture is poised to unveil a more personal and introspective side of KANGMIN, delving into themes of growth and the inherent uncertainties of transitioning from youth to adulthood.

From Group Dynamism to Individual Expression: KANGMIN’s Evolution

VERIVERY, formed by Jellyfish Entertainment, burst onto the K-pop scene on January 9, 2019, with their debut mini-album Veri-Us. From the outset, KANGMIN, born Yoo Kang-min, garnered attention not only for his captivating visuals but also for his burgeoning talent as a lyricist. Over the past seven years, he has contributed to multiple tracks within VERIVERY’s extensive discography, quietly honing his craft behind the scenes while evolving as a performer in front of a global fanbase. This consistent engagement in the creative process, a common developmental path for many K-pop idols, laid a robust foundation for his eventual solo endeavors. The rigorous schedule of group promotions, including numerous album releases, world tours, and variety show appearances, has equipped him with invaluable stage experience and a deep understanding of the industry’s demands.

The journey of a K-pop idol often involves years of intensive training, followed by a collective debut where individual identities are initially interwoven with the group’s overarching concept. For a maknae like KANGMIN, who debuted at a young age, this period is particularly formative, shaping not only their artistic skills but also their personal growth under public scrutiny. His transition to a solo artist signifies a deliberate step towards showcasing an individual artistic identity, a trend increasingly observed within the K-pop industry as idols mature and seek broader creative avenues. This move by Jellyfish Entertainment also reflects a strategic decision to foster the individual talents of its artists, allowing them to explore genres and themes that might diverge from their group’s established sound.

‘Free Falling’: A Deep Dive into the Concept and Sound

The title of KANGMIN’s debut single album, ‘Free Falling’, immediately piqued the interest of fans and critics alike. In an exclusive interview, KANGMIN clarified the profound personal meaning behind the evocative phrase, explaining that it represents "the state of staying in the air before making a perfect balance, rather than its literal meaning of falling without control." This nuanced interpretation frames the album’s narrative as a reflection of his current life chapter, standing "on the boundary between boyhood and adulthood." At 24 years old (at the time of the interview), KANGMIN articulates the "different emotions of uneasiness" he faces, an experience universally relatable and central to the album’s introspective core.

Musically, ‘Free Falling’ is described as a contemporary R&B and pop track. It masterfully blends a dynamic rhythm with guitar melodies, creating a distinct sonic landscape. KANGMIN highlighted the track’s contrasting moods: "controlled verses with a lo-fi mood" transition into a "mysterious, dreamy chorus." This stylistic choice allows him to showcase a multifaceted vocal performance, demonstrating a range that might have been less apparent during his group activities. The R&B influence, in particular, provides a fertile ground for vocal experimentation, enabling him to "try more of an R&B vocal style while trying to loosen myself even more," as he explained. This genre often provides artists with the flexibility to convey deeper emotional nuances through intricate vocal runs and expressive delivery, making it a popular choice for idols venturing into solo territory to highlight their individual vocal prowess.

A specific lyric that resonated deeply with KANGMIN is "Don’t leave me alone" from the title track. This line, while seemingly simple, carries significant emotional weight, potentially echoing the themes of vulnerability and the search for connection amidst personal transitions. It hints at the quiet anxieties that can accompany a journey of self-discovery, especially when navigating new artistic and personal frontiers.

The Creative Process and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The recording process for ‘Free Falling’ was a notably enjoyable experience for KANGMIN. He recounted a memorable collaboration with a producer who had previously directed the song "How to Fly," a track he participated in during his time on Mnet’s competitive reality show BOYS II PLANET. This reunion fostered a "fun chemistry" in the studio, suggesting a comfortable and creatively stimulating environment that allowed KANGMIN to fully immerse himself in the project. The ability to work closely with a producer who understands his vocal capabilities and artistic sensibilities from a previous project likely contributed to the cohesion and authenticity of the single.

Visuals are an indispensable component of K-pop releases, serving to amplify the narrative and mood of the music. KANGMIN’s ‘Free Falling’ music video is no exception, featuring striking imagery that complements its introspective theme. Among the various scenes, one stood out to him particularly: "when I was sitting in the bathtub with wounds at the end of the music video." He felt most immersed while filming this scene, suggesting its profound symbolic resonance. The imagery of wounds in a bathtub could evoke vulnerability, purification, or the raw emotional toll of confronting one’s inner struggles, further enriching the album’s narrative of growth and uncertainty. This visual storytelling element is crucial for connecting with fans on an emotional level, providing a cinematic representation of the lyrical content.

Support Systems and Personal Revelations

Preparing for a solo debut presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, distinct from the collaborative environment of group promotions. KANGMIN found the most exciting aspect to be "right before hearing or seeing the final results one by one," a testament to the anticipation and satisfaction of seeing a personal vision come to fruition. The recording process also remained vivid in his memory, underscoring the deep personal investment in every stage of creation.

The support from his fellow VERIVERY members proved invaluable throughout this journey. KANGMIN openly shared that he "asked a lot of questions whenever I had those in my head and got a lot of help from the members, as they’re my older brothers who supplemented my weak points when we were promoting as a group." This highlights the strong camaraderie and mentorship within the group, a common and cherished dynamic in K-pop. He specifically mentioned having "many conversations with DONGHEON, our leader, who worked with me on this album, and YONGSEUNG," indicating active involvement and guidance from those with more experience. This collective support system is often crucial for solo ventures, providing both practical assistance and emotional encouragement.

Reflecting on his growth, KANGMIN noted a profound shift in his self-perception during the solo album’s preparation. "I felt a bit different about myself as I had many new thoughts compared to when we were working on group promotions," he stated. Moving from contributing to group albums to curating an entire project with his "own sound" made him realize "how much I have grown as an artist, Yoo Kangmin." This articulation of his full name signifies a greater embrace of his individual identity, moving beyond his group persona to establish himself as a distinct artist.

Looking back, KANGMIN offered poignant advice to his younger self: "I want to tell him that it’d be good to just be himself." He acknowledged a past fear of fully revealing himself during his debut years, expressing a desire for his younger self to have "shared more of my honest self." This reflection on authenticity is a recurring theme for idols who debut at a young age, often navigating intense pressure to maintain a certain image. He also wished to comfort his younger self, who might have been "worried about not being loved," emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and reassurance.

Future Aspirations and Broader Implications

With ‘Free Falling’ marking his initial foray into solo artistry, KANGMIN is already envisioning future musical explorations. He expressed a personal affinity for "ambient sound," indicating a desire to incorporate more of this genre into his subsequent releases. This suggests an artist committed to evolving his sound and exploring diverse sonic textures beyond his debut single, demonstrating a long-term artistic vision.

His goals as a solo artist are clear and heartfelt: "I hope to become a singer who can present my thoughts and emotions honestly with music, as it is my goal to share various stories naturally through music." Beyond honest storytelling, he also aims to "excel as a performer and grow into a singer who can show my own color in both singing and performance." This dual ambition—to be both a genuine storyteller and a captivating performer—underscores his dedication to holistic artistic development.

KANGMIN’s solo debut arrives at a time when the K-pop landscape increasingly embraces individual artistic ventures from established group members. Such debuts are often seen as opportunities for idols to explore genres, themes, and creative directions that may not align with their group’s concept, thus expanding their artistic range and career longevity. For Jellyfish Entertainment, supporting KANGMIN’s solo work signifies a commitment to nurturing individual talents and diversifying its artists’ portfolios, potentially leading to broader market appeal and creative innovation. The success of ‘Free Falling’ will undoubtedly influence KANGMIN’s future trajectory, potentially paving the way for more extensive solo projects and collaborations.

In a final message to his dedicated fanbase, KANGMIN expressed profound gratitude: "Thanks to all your love, I can talk and share stories about uneasiness. I hope we can create more memories together." This heartfelt sentiment reinforces the crucial role of fan support in an idol’s career, acknowledging their contribution to his ability to express vulnerability and continue his artistic journey. His solo debut is not just a personal milestone but a shared experience with the fans who have championed his growth since his earliest days with VERIVERY.

KANGMIN’s ‘Free Falling’ is available for streaming on major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. Fans can also connect with KANGMIN and VERIVERY across various social media channels, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Weverse, to stay updated on his solo activities and group promotions.

Special thanks to KANGMIN, Helix Publicity, and Jellyfish Entertainment for this exclusive interview. Image and Video Credits: Jellyfish Entertainment.