The VERIVERY maknae opens up about growth, uncertainty, and finding his own voice.

VERIVERY’s youngest member, KANGMIN, has officially embarked on a significant new chapter in his artistic journey, marking his solo debut with the highly anticipated single album, "Free Falling," released on March 26, 2026. This pivotal release signifies KANGMIN’s evolution from a bright, promising rookie within a dynamic K-pop group to an artist poised to explore a unique sound and perspective, deeply rooted in his personal experiences of transitioning from youth to adulthood. The title track, also named "Free Falling," serves as an introspective narrative, offering listeners a glimpse into the complex emotional landscape of KANGMIN’s current life stage.

Since VERIVERY’s debut on January 9, 2019, with their first mini-album Veri-Us, KANGMIN has consistently captivated audiences, not only through his striking visuals but also through his thoughtful lyricism, contributing to numerous tracks across the group’s extensive discography. Over more than seven years of rigorous performances and global promotions, he has meticulously cultivated a robust foundation of experience, silently refining his artistic identity behind the scenes while continually evolving in the public eye. This solo venture, therefore, is not merely a deviation but a natural progression, allowing KANGMIN to articulate his personal narratives through a distinct musical lens.

KANGMIN’s Artistic Evolution and VERIVERY’s Legacy

KANGMIN, born Yoo Kangmin, joined Jellyfish Entertainment as a trainee before debuting as the maknae (youngest member) of VERIVERY. The seven-member group rapidly established itself in the competitive K-pop landscape, known for their "creative-dol" concept, often participating in the production, choreography, and visual direction of their releases. This environment fostered KANGMIN’s growth, allowing him to hone his skills not just as a performer but also as a contributing songwriter, lending his insights to the group’s lyrical content. His involvement in tracks like "My Beauty" from FACE ME (2020) and "Trigger" from Series ‘O’ [Round 1 : HALL] (2021) demonstrated an early aptitude for expressing nuanced emotions through words.

The group’s trajectory saw them release a consistent stream of mini-albums, singles, and full-length albums, including FACE US (2020), SERIES ‘O’ [ROUND 2 : HOLE] (2021), and their first full album SERIES ‘O’ [ROUND 3 : WHOLE] (2022). Each comeback presented opportunities for KANGMIN to expand his performance repertoire and vocal range. His journey also included a notable appearance on Mnet’s survival show BOYS II PLANET, where he gained additional exposure and experience working with diverse producers, including the one who directed the song "How to Fly." This experience provided him with invaluable insights into various production styles and collaborative processes, foreshadowing his eventual solo endeavor.

"Free Falling": An Introspective Dive into Uncertainty and Growth

The choice of "Free Falling" as the title for his debut single album immediately sparked intrigue among fans and critics alike. In an exclusive interview, KANGMIN elucidated the profound meaning behind the 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 highlights the central theme of the album: navigating the delicate and often uncertain transition from boyhood to adulthood. For the 24-year-old artist, "Free Falling" encapsulates the distinct emotions and anxieties associated with this specific life stage, making the title deeply resonant with his personal narrative.

Musically, "Free Falling" is characterized as a contemporary R&B, pop track. It skillfully blends a dynamic rhythm with intricate guitar melodies, creating a rich sonic tapestry. KANGMIN described the song’s structure as featuring "controlled verses with a lo-fi mood and a mysterious, dreamy chorus." This contrast is not merely an aesthetic choice but serves to amplify the emotional journey depicted in the lyrics, allowing KANGMIN to showcase facets of his artistry that were less apparent during his time as the maknae within a group setting. His vocal delivery in the track deliberately leans into an R&B style, a departure from some of VERIVERY’s more pop-centric or energetic releases, allowing him to explore a looser, more expressive technique.

A particularly poignant lyrical line, "Don’t leave me alone," stands out to KANGMIN as the most personal and meaningful. This phrase underscores the vulnerability and potential apprehension that can accompany a period of significant personal change and self-discovery. It is a raw admission that resonates with anyone experiencing a transition, emphasizing the universal human need for connection and support amidst uncertainty.

The Creative Process: Collaboration and Self-Discovery

The recording process for "Free Falling" was a memorable experience for KANGMIN, marked by a sense of enjoyment and creative synergy. He specifically recalled working with the same producer who directed "How to Fly" during his BOYS II PLANET participation. This reunion fostered a "fun chemistry" that made the studio sessions particularly vibrant and productive. This pre-existing rapport likely contributed to the seamless execution of his vision for the track, allowing him to experiment with the R&B vocal style he desired and "loosen himself even more" in his delivery.

The visual component of "Free Falling" also plays a crucial role in conveying its narrative depth. K-pop releases are renowned for their intricate and conceptual music videos, and KANGMIN’s solo debut is no exception. Among the various scenes filmed, the artist highlighted a moment where he is "sitting in the bathtub with wounds at the end of the music video" as particularly impactful. He felt "most immersed" during the filming of this scene, suggesting its symbolic weight in representing vulnerability, introspection, and perhaps a cleansing or rebirth after navigating emotional turmoil. This visual metaphor reinforces the album’s theme of growth through challenging experiences.

Preparing for a solo debut presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities compared to promoting with a group. KANGMIN acknowledged the distinct nature of this independent project, finding the most exciting aspect to be "right before hearing or seeing the final results one by one." This anticipation of the culmination of his individual efforts, from conceptualization to execution, marked a significant departure from the collective experience of group comebacks. The entire recording process, he noted, remains vividly etched in his memory, underscoring the personal investment in this milestone.

The Invaluable Support System and Future Aspirations

Despite venturing into solo territory, KANGMIN did not undertake this journey in isolation. The unwavering support and encouragement from his fellow VERIVERY members proved invaluable. He revealed that he frequently sought their advice, especially from his "older brothers" who had previously helped supplement his weaker points during group promotions. Specifically, he engaged in extensive conversations with DONGHEON, VERIVERY’s leader, who also collaborated with him on the album, and YONGSEUNG. This collaborative spirit within the group, even as one member steps out for a solo project, highlights the strong bonds and mutual respect that characterize VERIVERY. Such internal support is a common yet crucial element in the K-pop industry, where members often lean on each other’s experiences for growth.

Reflecting on the preparation for his debut, 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 stated. The shift from recording songs collectively to preparing an album with his "own sound" made him realize "how much I have grown as an artist, Yoo Kangmin." This self-awareness signifies a critical step in defining his individual artistic identity, separate from his role within VERIVERY.

Looking ahead, KANGMIN expressed a keen interest in exploring new musical horizons. He revealed a personal affinity for ambient sounds, indicating a desire to incorporate more of this genre into his future releases. This suggests a potential evolution towards more atmospheric and textural soundscapes, further distinguishing his solo work.

Offering advice to his younger self, KANGMIN emphasized the importance of authenticity. "I want to tell him that it’d be good to just be himself," he mused. He admitted to having been "afraid to really show myself" during his debut, regretting that he didn’t share "more of my honest self" earlier. This reflection speaks to the pressures faced by young idols and the journey towards self-acceptance. He also wished to comfort his younger self, who he believed "would be worried about not being loved," reinforcing a message of self-compassion and assurance.

With "Free Falling" marking his first step as a solo artist, KANGMIN has articulated clear new goals and dreams for his future. His primary aspiration is "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 lyrical honesty, 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 comprehensive vision encompasses not just vocal artistry but also a distinct stage presence and a commitment to genuine storytelling.

In a heartfelt 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 acknowledgement underscores the symbiotic relationship between artist and fan, where fan support empowers artists to explore vulnerable themes and share personal journeys. The solo debut of a K-pop idol, especially a maknae who has grown up in the public eye, is always a significant event. It signals not just a new musical offering but a coming-of-age for the artist, allowing them to carve out a unique space while still being an integral part of their group’s legacy. KANGMIN’s "Free Falling" is precisely this kind of statement: a testament to growth, introspection, and the courage to find one’s own voice.

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