VERIVERY’s KANGMIN Embarks on a Candid Solo Journey with "Free Falling"

As the youngest member of the widely recognized K-pop group VERIVERY, KANGMIN has consistently evolved from a bright, promising rookie into a multifaceted artist, now ready to unveil a voice and perspective uniquely his own. Since VERIVERY’s official debut on January 9, 2019, with their inaugural mini-album Veri-Us, KANGMIN has garnered significant attention, not merely for his compelling visuals but increasingly for his thoughtful lyricism, a skill he has honed by contributing to numerous tracks throughout VERIVERY’s extensive discography. Over years of rigorous performances, demanding promotional cycles, and continuous artistic development, KANGMIN has meticulously built a robust foundation of experience, quietly shaping his artistry behind the scenes while perpetually refining his craft in front of a global fanbase. His journey, marked by steady growth and an unwavering commitment to his craft, culminates in a significant milestone set to redefine his artistic trajectory.

A New Chapter: The Launch of "Free Falling"

KANGMIN is poised to embark on a compelling new chapter with his highly anticipated first solo release, the single album Free Falling, scheduled to drop on March 26, 2026. The intriguing title alone has ignited considerable curiosity among fans and industry observers, hinting at a profound, introspective narrative poised to unfold. This project promises to delve into a deeply personal side of the artist, drawing extensively on his transitional journey from youth to adulthood—a period universally characterized by both uncertainty and profound growth. Backed by his extensive years on stage with VERIVERY, KANGMIN’s solo debut represents a pivotal moment, as he ventures into uncharted sonic and emotional territories, stepping forward with an artistic voice that is entirely and authentically his own. This release is not merely a collection of songs but a curated reflection of his current life chapter, offering listeners a window into his innermost thoughts and artistic explorations.

In an exclusive interview, KANGMIN offered profound insights into the conceptual genesis of Free Falling. He articulated the title as representing a delicate state of equilibrium rather than a chaotic loss of control, a nuanced perspective that underscores the album’s thematic depth. He further elaborated on how the album encapsulates the raw, unfiltered emotions defining his present stage in life, a period he describes as navigating the nuanced boundary between boyhood and adulthood. The conversation delved into his deliberate experimentation with R&B-inspired vocal styles, recounted memorable moments from the recording process, and highlighted the invaluable support he received from his fellow VERIVERY members. From a retrospective reflection on his personal and artistic growth to a forward-looking revelation of his aspirations to become an artist who communicates honest stories through music, the interview provided an intimate and illuminating look into the mindset and ambitious artistic vision driving his solo debut.

KANGMIN’s Evolution: From VERIVERY’s Maknae to Solo Artist

KANGMIN’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the narrative of VERIVERY, a group celebrated for its "creative-dol" concept, emphasizing self-production and active involvement in their content creation. Debuting under Jellyfish Entertainment, VERIVERY positioned themselves as idols who not only perform but also contribute significantly to their music’s conceptualization and execution. This environment naturally fostered KANGMIN’s growth, allowing him to develop his lyrical prowess and artistic perspective within a supportive, collaborative framework. As the youngest member, or "maknae," KANGMIN initially drew significant attention for his youthful charm and striking visuals, a common starting point for many idols. However, over the years, he progressively carved out a distinct identity through his consistent lyrical contributions and his evolving stage presence.

VERIVERY’s discography, which includes multiple mini-albums and singles since Veri-Us, has provided KANGMIN with a fertile ground for experimentation and growth. Each comeback offered him opportunities to refine his performance skills, deepen his understanding of music production, and further explore his lyrical voice. His contributions were often subtly woven into the group’s fabric, showcasing his burgeoning talent without overshadowing the collective identity. This period of consistent group activity served as an indispensable training ground, equipping him with the experience, resilience, and artistic maturity necessary to undertake a solo venture. The transition from a collective identity to an individual spotlight is a significant leap for any idol, demanding a heightened sense of self-awareness and a clear artistic direction. KANGMIN’s solo debut, therefore, represents not an abrupt shift but a natural progression rooted in years of dedicated development within VERIVERY.

Unpacking "Free Falling": Concept, Sound, and Story

The title Free Falling immediately captivates, yet KANGMIN’s interpretation offers a deeper philosophical layer than its literal translation might suggest. He clarifies, "The title Free Falling represents the state of staying in the air before making a perfect balance, rather than its literal meaning of falling without control." This metaphor speaks volumes about his current phase of life—a 24-year-old artist poised on the precipice between youth and full adulthood, navigating a period of introspection and potential transformation. It encapsulates the raw emotions of uneasiness and anticipation that accompany significant life transitions, making the album a deeply personal narrative.

Musically, Free Falling is characterized as a contemporary R&B and pop track, meticulously crafted to blend dynamic rhythms with prominent guitar elements. KANGMIN describes a deliberate contrast within the song’s structure: "controlled verses with a lo-fi mood" transition into a "mysterious, dreamy chorus." This sonic architecture mirrors the thematic oscillation between grounded introspection and soaring emotional exploration. His experimentation with an R&B vocal style, aiming to "loosen myself even more," signifies a conscious effort to explore new dimensions of his vocal capabilities, moving beyond the stylistic confines often associated with group performances. This fresh approach allows him to showcase a more relaxed, emotive delivery, highlighting a side of his artistry that may have been less apparent during his time as the group’s youngest member.

Lyrically, a particular line in Free Falling resonated most deeply with KANGMIN: "Don’t leave me alone." This poignant plea underscores themes of vulnerability, the human need for connection, and perhaps the anxieties accompanying newfound independence. It offers a glimpse into the emotional core of the album, revealing a sensitivity and openness that connect directly with the overarching concept of navigating uncertainty. The music video’s visuals are equally integral to conveying this narrative. KANGMIN highlighted a specific scene—sitting in a bathtub with simulated wounds towards the video’s conclusion—as particularly immersive and meaningful. This imagery powerfully symbolizes vulnerability, potential struggle, or perhaps a form of rebirth or cleansing, aligning perfectly with the album’s introspective themes and the artist’s journey of self-discovery.

The Creative Process and Collaborative Support

The creation of Free Falling was a deeply personal yet also collaborative endeavor. KANGMIN recounted the recording process with fondness, noting, "I remember really enjoying the recording process." A significant highlight was working with a producer who previously directed the song "How to Fly," a track from his participation in Mnet’s BOYS PLANET (the original article stated BOYS II PLANET, which is widely understood to refer to the popular Mnet survival show BOYS PLANET). This reunion fostered "such a fun chemistry" that made the studio experience particularly memorable, indicating a comfortable and productive working relationship built on prior artistic connection.

While venturing into solo territory, KANGMIN was not without the unwavering support of his VERIVERY bandmates. He candidly shared, "I 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 statement underscores the strong bond within VERIVERY and the invaluable mentorship he received. Specifically, he mentioned extensive conversations with DONGHEON, the group’s leader, who also contributed to the album’s development, and YONGSEUNG. This collaborative spirit, even in a solo project, highlights the cohesive and mutually supportive environment cultivated within Jellyfish Entertainment and VERIVERY. Their collective experience and individual strengths served as a crucial resource for KANGMIN as he navigated the unique challenges of a solo debut.

Artistic Growth and Future Aspirations

Reflecting on the preparation for Free Falling, KANGMIN articulated a profound sense of personal and artistic growth. "Looking back at that time while working on my solo album, I felt a bit different about myself as I had many new thoughts compared to when we were working on group promotions," he explained. This realization stems from the fundamental difference between contributing to a group album and crafting an entire project with his "own sound." He recognized how much he has "grown as an artist, Yoo Kangmin," emphasizing the significance of this individual creative endeavor in solidifying his identity.

Looking forward, KANGMIN harbors clear aspirations for his future musical direction. He expresses a personal affinity for ambient sound, indicating a desire to "try a song with more ambient sound in the next album." This suggests a continuous exploration of diverse genres and textures, moving beyond the contemporary R&B and pop framework of Free Falling. His overarching goal is to become "a singer who can present my thoughts and emotions honestly with music," aiming to "share various stories naturally through music." This commitment to authenticity is further paired with an ambition to "excel as a performer and grow into a singer who can show my own color in both singing and performance." These goals collectively paint a picture of an artist dedicated to holistic development, striving for both vocal mastery and compelling stage presence.

When asked what advice he would offer his younger self, KANGMIN’s response resonated with his current artistic philosophy: "I want to tell him that it’d be good to just be himself." He candidly admitted, "I think I was afraid to really show myself when I debuted, but now I think it could have been good to just share more of my honest self." This reflection underscores a journey towards self-acceptance and courage in vulnerability, which is palpably present in Free Falling. He also wished to comfort his younger self, who might have worried about not being loved, reinforcing the message of self-compassion and authenticity. This advice serves as a foundational principle for his future artistic endeavors, emphasizing genuine expression over perceived expectations.

Broader Implications and Fan Connection

KANGMIN’s solo debut with Free Falling carries significant implications both for his individual career and for VERIVERY as a collective entity. In the highly competitive K-pop industry, solo ventures by group members are a common strategy to diversify an artist’s portfolio, showcase individual talents, and expand the group’s overall brand reach. For KANGMIN, this debut establishes him as a distinct artistic entity capable of leading his own narrative, thereby opening new avenues for creative expression and professional growth. It allows him to delve into genres and themes that might not perfectly align with VERIVERY’s collective sound, offering a broader spectrum of his musical identity.

Crucially, this solo endeavor does not signify a departure from VERIVERY. Instead, it strengthens the group by allowing its members to cultivate individual strengths and artistic depth, which can then be brought back to enrich future group projects. It demonstrates the versatility and talent within VERIVERY, potentially attracting new fans who discover KANGMIN through his solo work and subsequently explore the group’s discography.

For fans, Free Falling offers an unprecedented opportunity to connect with KANGMIN on a more intimate and personal level. The album’s introspective themes and honest lyrical content provide a deeper understanding of the artist beyond his established image as VERIVERY’s maknae. KANGMIN himself expressed gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their role in enabling him to share his "uneasiness" and stories. He hopes to "create more memories together," emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between artist and audience. This debut marks a new chapter in that relationship, promising a journey filled with authentic music and shared experiences.

As KANGMIN steps into this new role, his goals extend beyond commercial success to a profound commitment to artistic integrity and connection. His journey with Free Falling is not just about releasing music; it’s about defining his authentic self as an artist and inviting listeners to share in that deeply personal discovery.

Listen to KANGMIN’s solo debut on Spotify or Apple Music.
Connect with KANGMIN on Instagram, IG (Personal), X, X (Members), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Weverse.

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