VERIVERY’s KANGMIN Unveils Introspective Solo Debut ‘Free Falling,’ Reflecting Growth and New Artistic Chapter

KANGMIN, the youngest member of the acclaimed K-pop group VERIVERY, has officially launched his highly anticipated solo career with the release of his single album, Free Falling, on March 26, 2026. This pivotal moment marks a significant evolution for the artist, transitioning from his established role within a group to presenting a deeply personal narrative through his own distinct voice and perspective. The debut, accompanied by a compelling music video, introduces fans to a more introspective and mature KANGMIN, exploring themes of growth, uncertainty, and self-discovery at the precipice of adulthood.

From Maknae to Mature Artist: KANGMIN’s Journey

Born Yoo Kangmin, the artist first stepped into the spotlight on January 9, 2019, as the youngest member of VERIVERY, debuting with their first mini-album, Veri-Us. From the outset, KANGMIN garnered attention for his striking visuals and rapidly developing talent. Over VERIVERY’s five-year tenure, the group established itself as "creative idols," known for their active participation in album production, songwriting, and choreography. Within this dynamic, KANGMIN steadily honed his craft, contributing thoughtful lyricism to numerous tracks across VERIVERY’s extensive discography and building a robust foundation of experience through countless performances and promotions globally. His journey has been one of continuous evolution, quietly shaping his artistry behind the scenes while growing in front of a dedicated fanbase, known as VERRER.

A notable chapter in KANGMIN’s pre-solo journey was his participation in Mnet’s competitive reality show, BOYS II PLANET. While not reaching the final lineup, this experience provided him with invaluable exposure to a broader audience and the opportunity to experiment with diverse musical styles and performance concepts under intense scrutiny. It was during this period that he collaborated with a producer who would later contribute to Free Falling, hinting at a creative synergy that would prove instrumental in his solo venture. Such survival shows are common in the K-pop industry, often serving as platforms for idols to showcase individual capabilities beyond their group image, offering a glimpse into potential solo careers.

"Free Falling": A Deep Dive into Concept and Sound

The title of his debut single album, Free Falling, immediately captivates with its evocative imagery, hinting at a narrative far removed from its literal interpretation of uncontrolled descent. KANGMIN elucidates its profound personal meaning: "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 nuanced understanding underscores the album’s central theme—the delicate equilibrium between the known and the unknown, particularly relevant to his current life stage. At 24 years old (Korean age), KANGMIN describes the project as a reflection of his journey "standing on the boundary between boyhood and adulthood," capturing the "uneasiness faced by ’24-year-old KANGMIN.’" This thematic depth promises a relatable and honest exploration of universal transitional experiences.

Musically, Free Falling is characterized as a contemporary R&B, pop track. It masterfully blends a dynamic rhythm with intricate guitar arrangements, creating a soundscape that is both modern and emotionally resonant. KANGMIN reveals a deliberate stylistic choice to contrast "controlled verses with a lo-fi mood" against a "mysterious, dreamy chorus." This sonic architecture allows him to showcase a multifaceted vocal performance, distinct from his group activities. He explicitly states, "I believe this track would be a good opportunity for me to showcase the sides of me that were not too apparent when I was promoting as the group’s youngest member." This suggests a departure from VERIVERY’s often energetic and versatile sound, allowing KANGMIN to delve into a more nuanced and emotionally charged delivery, leaning into an R&B vocal style.

Among the lyrics, one line resonates most deeply with KANGMIN: "Don’t leave me alone." This poignant plea, embedded within the album’s narrative of transition and uncertainty, encapsulates the vulnerability and longing that can accompany such a profound personal journey. It offers listeners a direct window into the artist’s emotional landscape, fostering a deeper connection.

The Creative Process: Studio Moments and Visual Storytelling

The recording process for Free Falling was a memorable experience for KANGMIN. He recalls enjoying the studio sessions immensely, particularly the reunion with the producer who had previously directed the song "How to Fly" during his time on BOYS II PLANET. This existing chemistry fostered a comfortable and productive environment, allowing KANGMIN to freely experiment. "We had such a fun chemistry that I still remember it to this day," he shares, highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping the final sound. During these sessions, KANGMIN deliberately explored an R&B vocal style, aiming to "loosen myself even more," indicating a conscious effort to break free from previous vocal habits and embrace a more fluid, soulful delivery.

Visuals are an integral component of K-pop releases, and the music video for "Free Falling" plays a crucial role in conveying the album’s introspective narrative. KANGMIN identifies a particular scene that stood out during filming: "when I was sitting in the bathtub with wounds at the end of the music video." This imagery, suggestive of vulnerability, struggle, and perhaps a baptism-like cleansing, perfectly encapsulates the emotional depth of the "free falling" concept. His immersion in this scene speaks to the authenticity and raw emotion he poured into the visual storytelling, creating a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s challenging transitions.

Support System and Artistic Growth

Venturing into a solo career after years of group promotions presents both exhilarating opportunities and unique challenges. KANGMIN found the most exciting aspect to be the anticipation of seeing or hearing the final results unfold. "I think the most memorable and exciting moment is right before hearing or seeing the final results one by one," he notes, underscoring the thrill of bringing a personal vision to fruition.

Crucially, KANGMIN received steadfast support from his fellow VERIVERY members. The bond forged over years of training and performing together proved invaluable. "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," he reveals. He specifically mentions having "many conversations with DONGHEON, our leader, who worked with me on this album, and YONGSEUNG." This mentorship from his experienced bandmates likely provided practical advice on navigating the complexities of solo production, stage presence, and creative direction, reinforcing the idea that K-pop groups often foster a supportive ecosystem for individual artistic pursuits. Jellyfish Entertainment, VERIVERY’s agency, also played a vital role in facilitating this solo debut, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing the individual artistic growth of their artists.

Reflecting on the entire preparation process, KANGMIN acknowledges profound personal growth. The experience of crafting an album centered solely on his own sound and thoughts provided a stark contrast to collaborative group projects. "I used to record songs with my members to fill out albums together, and now I got to prepare the album with my own sound, making me realize how much I have grown as an artist, Yoo Kangmin," he shares. This self-discovery highlights the transformative power of independent creative endeavors.

Future Aspirations and Industry Implications

Looking ahead, KANGMIN expresses a keen interest in exploring new sonic territories. He specifically mentions his affinity for "ambient sound," indicating a desire to incorporate more atmospheric and contemplative elements into future releases. This suggests a potential evolution towards a more experimental or introspective soundscape, further solidifying his unique artistic identity.

Offering advice to his younger self, KANGMIN’s wisdom is imbued with the lessons learned through his journey: "I want to tell him that it’d be good to just be himself. 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 powerful sentiment speaks to the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance, a message he wishes to convey to comfort a younger KANGMIN who might have worried about not being loved.

With this significant first step as a solo artist, KANGMIN has articulated clear goals for his future. "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," he states. 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." These ambitions underscore a comprehensive artistic vision that encompasses both vocal artistry and captivating stage presence.

KANGMIN’s solo debut is also reflective of a broader trend within the K-pop industry, where members of established groups frequently embark on individual projects. This strategy allows idols to diversify their artistic portfolios, explore genres and concepts that may differ from their group’s identity, and cultivate a distinct solo fanbase. For agencies like Jellyfish Entertainment, it represents a strategic investment in the long-term careers of their artists, demonstrating their ability to support both group and individual endeavors. Such solo ventures often contribute to the overall longevity and relevance of an idol’s career, providing avenues for continued artistic expression and connection with fans.

In a heartfelt message to his fans, VERRER, 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 acknowledges the crucial role of fan support in empowering artists to explore vulnerable themes and embark on new creative paths.

KANGMIN’s Free Falling is now available for streaming on major platforms.

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