For years, we’ve known him as Yuchan, the spirited maknae (youngest member) of the sensational K-Pop group A.C.E. But with the upcoming release of his first solo EP, [REBEL] on October 21, 2025, KANG YUCHAN is ready to redefine his identity. This album isn’t just a “musical challenge”—it’s a declaration of independence. From striking blonde visuals to an experimental blend of colourful genres, [REBEL] showcases an artist fully committed to self-direction. In this exclusive interview, KANG YUCHAN opens up about his journey beyond the confines of a K-Pop idol group, revealing the profound emotions, desires, and longing that shaped his sound and allowed him to claim the title of “rebel pop star” on his own terms.
Davide: Hi KANG YUCHAN, it’s very nice to meet you! Thank you for taking the time for this interview. How are you feeling today, and how does it feel to be on the cusp of releasing your first EP, [REBEL]?
KANG YUCHAN: Hi, I’m KANG YUCHAN. First of all, I’m so happy to release my first EP, [REBEL], and I’m excited to have this interview with Davide K-POP.
Davide: I love the overall concept of your first EP. This new era is described as the “Birth of a Rebel Star.” What does the term “Rebel” truly mean to you, and in what ways are you rebelling or breaking away from your image as a K-pop idol group member?
KANG YUCHAN: The word “rebel” means against a person or an object, but it also means going in the opposite direction. I made the decision to produce an album that can provide comfort and empathy for the emotions (wandering, passion, pain, emptiness, hurt, love, etc.) that arise from rebellion without focusing on the negative aspects. And I thought the word “rebel” was close to “youth”, which is why the keyword “rebel youth” came out. I want to use this keyword to break the mold of my music, my body, and internally. I don’t think there is any reason to be against K-POP.
Davide: You mentioned wanting to be “more honest about who I am.” What is the biggest difference in creative freedom and personal expression you’ve experienced as an independent artist compared to working in a group?
KANG YUCHAN: I thought that way because I think I had a not deep understanding of my character. I looked back at myself when I had to make music by myself. I had a long life as the youngest member of A.C.E, KANG YUCHAN. I was very used to it, so I thought that, when I do something by myself, I should deepen myself, especially when it comes to building a musical career for myself. That time has led me to where I am today. I believe that KANG YUCHAN’s progress is more important, due to that reason. I can tell you that the difference will arise in that area and that I have a reason to work harder.
Davide: You’ve returned with a bold blonde hairstyle and strong visuals. Was this look a conscious decision to embody the “rebellious pop star” image, and what was the main visual keyword you were trying to convey for this EP?
KANG YUCHAN: At first, I thought it was the best style for a song, “Close To You”. And during the meeting, the keyword “rebel youth” was chosen which fits perfectly with the keywords for the album and the entire album. After that, every part of the album was created to fit into everything. I think my style and the album [REBEL]really go well with it. It’s a TMI, but the fact that I’ve never tried this style before during my promotions was something that I could give you a new experience. Also, please watch the music video because the director from20 captured the image of “rebel youth” so well. 🙂
Davide: Let’s now explore the EP. You stated that this album contains your “sincerity” as an artist, focusing on “seriously exploring yourself.” What is the main story or message you hope listeners take away from the complete EP?
KANG YUCHAN: To quote a line from my album, I think this album is a question and a declaration to myself. Through this album, I wanted to capture the diverse faces of youth (wandering, passion, pain, emptiness, hurt, love, etc.) in music. I hope that by expressing my feelings honestly, those feelings will reach you. I hope that this album will be an energy or comfort that will make your day and your life more colourful, beyond just music albums.
Davide: Can you share a specific song on the EP (besides the title track) that you feel is the most honest or vulnerable representation of your ‘sincerity’?
KANG YUCHAN: If I have to choose without picking the title track, I think I would choose “Best For Me”. I think love is a heartbreaking and beautiful emotion that can be talked about a lot. In my opinion, that’s the reason why many people experience comfort, empathy, laughter, or tears while listening to love songs. I hope that when you listen to my songs, you can feel comfortable, empathised, and honest with your feelings.
Davide: The title track, “<Close To You>,” is a Drum & Bass genre track with a lyrical and emotional atmosphere. Why did you choose a genre that is not commonly associated with emotional ballads to express themes of longing and separation?
KANG YUCHAN: This song was produced by HELLO GLOOM and was HELLO GLOOM’s song. When I first heard this song, I really wanted to do it. The point in the question caught my attention. Of course, if the theme is longing and separation, I would think of ballad, but this song was a drum-and-base genre that was contrary to ballad, and unlike when I thought of the genre, the lyrical melody and lyrics gave me the feeling that I was watching a well-made drama. But HELLO GLOOM gave me a concession with the opinion that this song would be a better picture if my vocal colour or emotional expression was contained, and I proceeded with this song with joy as if I was jumping.
Davide: The lyric, “I wanna be close to you even if you’re far away, I’ll miss you until I see you again”, is very touching. Who or what were you thinking of when you participated in the song—was it a relationship, a feeling, or perhaps a message to your fans?
KANG YUCHAN: Of course, when I first heard this song, I listened to it from the standpoint of HELLO GLOOM. I thought about what this song means to him and talked about it together, and I came to sympathise with this lyrics and meaning. After that, I listened to it again when it became my title song, and I thought of many people. Such as, People who are not around anymore but will meet again someday. During the recording of this song, I thought about many of my fans who are supporting me now. Those beings felt even bigger to me, I was able to get more into the song.
Davide: The EP features a mix of genres like Drum & Bass, Amapiano, UK Garage, and Trap R&B. How did you approach the process of experimenting with these diverse genres while ensuring the album still sounded cohesive with your unique voice?
KANG YUCHAN: Some genres were not familiar, but others were familiar. I think this work was a process of learning through a lot of participation in this song. For example, if it weren’t for the help of the PDs who made music together, the understanding of each genre would have decreased a lot. If that happened, you would have had a lot of difficulties recording, and the quality would have decreased a lot. However, I think I was able to produce such high-quality music because of the PDs’ prior explanation and direction at the recording site. There was a little bit of fear in the genre that I was new to, but I don’t think there will be any fear in the next work from this experience.
Davide: Was there a particular genre on the EP that was the most challenging or the most fun to record?
KANG YUCHAN: Amapiano was the most difficult, but it was the most fun genre. (“The Call Of The Wild” is the genre.) I’ve never heard of the genre before, and without the help of the producers, I would have wandered aimlessly while recording it. This is also TMI, but the reason why I had to say that it was difficult is because it was the only song that had a modified recording.
Davide: The Asia Tour is kicking off the full-fledged activities for [REBEL]. How are you planning to translate the experimental and dynamic energy of this EP’s tracks to the live stage?
KANG YUCHAN: It’s my first solo Asia tour, so I’m spending time imagining what I’ll look like on stage and doing image training. But one thing is for sure: I’m going to prepare according to the atmosphere of my songs, create a stage so that you can fully immerse yourself in the performance, and I’m going to do my best to impress the artist KANG YUCHAN on the head and mind of those who watched the performance. Then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Davide: Many fans outside of Asia are eager to see you perform this new music. from20 mentioned a potential WAY BETTER world tour in 2026 in our previous interview—can we expect a solo world tour from KANG YUCHAN as part of your “rebel pop star” journey, or are you hoping to add more international dates to the [REBEL] tour soon?
KANG YUCHAN: First of all, the schedule that I know I have to put my effort more is my Asia tour. And as from20 said, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to have a WAY BETTER world tour and be able to do my solo performance there. Of course, I want to do my solo world tour. If I don’t want it, that’s a lie. But personally, I think it would be better to have a solo world tour after making good songs more that contain my honest stories and great performances.
Davide: When you’re not in the studio or preparing for a comeback, what is one thing you love to do in your spare time that is perhaps not very “rebellious”?
KANG YUCHAN: When I’m not working, some of my not very “rebellious” daily routines include cleaning, doing laundry, and washing dishes. Then, sometimes I walk outside without a destination and listen to music. When I’m working, I work really passionately, and when I’m resting, I usually do things I can without thinking about. That’s how I feel refreshed.
Davide: Do you have a final message for your fans who are just about to experience the birth of the “Rebel Star” with your new EP?
KANG YUCHAN : Hello, everyone. I’m KANG YUCHAN. First of all, I just want to say thank you to all of you. If it wasn’t for your support, love, and waiting, I wouldn’t be able to make such a great album. I exist because I have fans who always give me various emotions and inspiration. And one more thing, I’m going to continue to find myself who is sincere and honest, and I’m going to make my own story into music. KANG YUCHAN before me and KANG YUCHAN now is not different person at all, and my heart for you won’t change at all. I’ll be a singer who can always give you happiness. Thank you again, and I love you from the bottom of my heart.
Davide: That’s all for today. Congratulations on the release of your first EP [Rebel]. There is a lot of thought behind it, and it shows. You should really be proud of what you have achieved! Thanks for chatting with me today and sharing your journey. I really appreciate it!
KANG YUCHAN: Thank you for congratulating me on the release of my first EP, [REBEL]. And I think I was able to give you an honest answer because you prepared such good questions. It was a great and fun time. Thank you for making this precious time, and I will come back with cool album again next time, so please stay with me!
Thank you to everyone for reading this exclusive interview with KANG YUCHAN, I had a blast getting to know him better and dive into his first solo EP [REBEL], make sure to stream it and support KANG YUCHAN in his journey.
DAVIDE K-POP 