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

The landscape of K-pop continues to evolve, pushing artists to explore new dimensions of their craft and identity. In this dynamic environment, KANGMIN, the youngest member of the widely recognized boy group VERIVERY, embarks on a significant new chapter with his solo debut, the single album Free Falling, released on March 26, 2026. This milestone not only marks a pivotal moment in his individual career but also highlights the increasing trend of K-pop idols from established groups venturing into solo endeavors to showcase a more personal artistic vision.

Since VERIVERY’s debut on January 9, 2019, with their first mini-album Veri-Us, KANGMIN has been a notable figure within the group. Initially drawing attention for his striking visuals, he has steadily cultivated a reputation for thoughtful lyricism, contributing to multiple tracks throughout VERIVERY’s extensive discography. Over more than seven years of rigorous training, countless performances, and global promotions, KANGMIN has quietly amassed a substantial foundation of experience, meticulously shaping his artistry behind the scenes while continuously engaging with fans worldwide. His journey exemplifies the rigorous development path common for K-pop idols, transitioning from a promising rookie to a mature artist capable of articulating a unique voice and perspective.

The Evolution of an Idol: From Maknae to Solo Artist

KANGMIN’s progression from the maknae (youngest member) of VERIVERY to a solo artist reflects a common yet profound evolution within the K-pop industry. The role of the maknae often entails a specific image—sometimes one of youthful charm and innocence—which artists eventually seek to transcend as they mature. For KANGMIN, this transition has been organic, fueled by years of collective work with VERIVERY, a group known for their "creative idol" concept and involvement in their music production. VERIVERY’s discography, which includes hits like "Tag Tag Tag," "Lay Back," and "Tap Tap," has consistently demonstrated their versatility and growth, providing a fertile ground for individual members to hone their skills. KANGMIN’s participation in lyric writing during the group’s promotions served as an early indicator of his burgeoning artistic aspirations and his desire to express deeper narratives through music.

The decision to launch a solo project is often a strategic move for agencies like Jellyfish Entertainment, allowing an idol to explore genres and themes that might not fit the group’s overall concept, thereby broadening their appeal and demonstrating their individual artistic prowess. This aligns with a broader industry trend where solo careers often run parallel to group activities, offering idols longevity and diverse creative outlets.

Free Falling: A Deep Dive into Personal Narrative

The title of KANGMIN’s debut single album, Free Falling, immediately evokes a sense of intrigue and introspection. Far from suggesting a loss of control, KANGMIN describes the phrase as representing "the state of staying in the air before making a perfect balance." This metaphor intricately weaves into the album’s core narrative: a reflection on his current life chapter, poised on the precipice between boyhood and adulthood. At 24 years old (Korean age), KANGMIN articulates the "uneasiness" associated with this significant transition, an emotion he believes is intimately connected to the album’s title. This candid exploration of vulnerability and growth resonates deeply, offering listeners a raw and authentic glimpse into the artist’s personal journey.

Musically, Free Falling is characterized as a contemporary R&B, pop track, skillfully blending a dynamic rhythm with intricate guitar melodies. KANGMIN highlights the deliberate contrast within the song, moving from "controlled verses with a lo-fi mood" to a "mysterious, dreamy chorus." This carefully crafted soundscape is designed to reveal a side of KANGMIN that was less apparent during his group activities, where his role as the youngest often dictated a different performative persona. His venture into R&B-inspired vocals, marked by a conscious effort to "loosen himself even more," signals a departure and a confident embrace of new artistic territory. This choice of genre allows for a more nuanced vocal delivery, emphasizing emotional depth over powerful projection, a hallmark of contemporary R&B.

Lyrically, Free Falling contains lines that hold profound personal significance for KANGMIN. He specifically points to the phrase "Don’t leave me alone" as resonating most deeply with him. This line, while seemingly simple, carries the weight of universal human fears—the anxiety of isolation, the desire for connection, and the vulnerability inherent in navigating significant life changes. Its prominence underscores the album’s overarching theme of navigating uncertainty with a plea for understanding and companionship.

The Creative Process and Collaborations

The recording process for Free Falling was a particularly enjoyable experience for KANGMIN. A notable collaboration was with a producer who previously directed the song "How to Fly," a track from his participation in the Mnet survival show BOYS PLANET. KANGMIN’s involvement in BOYS PLANET, even if brief, exposed him to diverse production styles and competitive environments, undoubtedly sharpening his skills and expanding his network. The "fun chemistry" he shared with the producer during the recording of Free Falling suggests a comfortable and creatively stimulating environment, crucial for an artist exploring new sonic landscapes.

The visual component of Free Falling, as with most K-pop releases, plays a critical role in conveying the album’s message. KANGMIN identifies a specific scene in the music video that stood out during filming: "when I was sitting in the bathtub with wounds at the end of the music video." He felt "most immersed" during this particular sequence. This imagery is rich with symbolism, potentially representing vulnerability, emotional cleansing, rebirth, or the scars left by life’s trials. The visual narrative, combined with the introspective lyrics and R&B sound, creates a cohesive artistic statement that invites deeper interpretation from the audience.

Navigating Solo Waters: Challenges and Support

Venturing into a solo debut presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities compared to promoting within a group. KANGMIN found the "most memorable and exciting moment" to be "right before hearing or seeing the final results one by one," a testament to the anticipation and personal investment in his individual creation. The recording process itself also remained vivid in his memory, underscoring the hands-on nature of this project.

Crucially, KANGMIN received immense support from his fellow VERIVERY members. He 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." He specifically highlighted extensive conversations with DONGHEON, the group’s leader and a seasoned artist who also worked on the album, and YONGSEUNG. This collective encouragement and mentorship exemplify the strong bonds within K-pop groups, where members often lean on each other’s experiences and strengths, even during individual pursuits. This collaborative spirit ensures that solo endeavors strengthen, rather than detract from, the group’s overall cohesion and artistry.

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Reflecting on the entire process of preparing for Free Falling, KANGMIN noted a profound sense of personal growth. He observed a distinct shift in his mindset compared to group promotions: "I had many new thoughts compared to when we were working on group promotions. 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." This statement underscores the journey of self-discovery inherent in solo artistry, where the artist takes full ownership of their sound and narrative.

Looking ahead, KANGMIN expresses a clear artistic vision. He harbors a personal affinity for "ambient sound" and hopes to incorporate more of this genre into future releases, indicating a desire to explore atmospheric and evocative musical textures. His overarching goal is to become "a singer who can present my thoughts and emotions honestly with music," striving to "share various stories naturally through music." This aspiration to be an authentic storyteller, combined with his ambition to "excel as a performer and grow into a singer who can show my own color in both singing and performance," positions him as a multifaceted artist committed to both vocal and stage mastery.

When asked for advice to his younger self, KANGMIN’s response resonated with profound wisdom gained from experience: "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. I also believe that young KANGMIN would be worried about not being loved, so I want to comfort him and help him feel that way." This reflection speaks volumes about the pressures faced by young idols to conform to certain images and the eventual liberation found in embracing one’s true self. It’s a message of self-acceptance and courage, offering solace to those navigating similar paths.

Broader Implications and Fan Connection

KANGMIN’s solo debut with Free Falling carries significant implications for his individual career trajectory and potentially for VERIVERY as a whole. It firmly establishes him as an artist with distinct personal artistic inclinations, separate from his group identity, opening doors for diverse future projects and collaborations. For VERIVERY, the success of a member’s solo venture often brings renewed attention to the group, demonstrating the collective talent pool and versatility of its members. This strategy can invigorate the group’s fandom and attract new listeners who might discover VERIVERY through KANGMIN’s solo work.

Ultimately, KANGMIN’s journey is deeply intertwined with his fans, known as VERRER. His message to them—"Thanks to all your love, I can talk and share stories about uneasiness. I hope we can create more memories together"—underscores the symbiotic relationship between artist and audience. This reciprocal exchange of support and vulnerability is a cornerstone of K-pop culture, allowing artists to draw strength from their fans while offering authentic expressions of their inner worlds. Free Falling is not merely a collection of songs; it is a shared experience, a testament to KANGMIN’s growth, and an invitation for fans to join him on this evolving artistic path.

KANGMIN’s Free Falling is available for streaming on major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. Fans can also connect with him and VERIVERY across various social media channels, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Weverse, to follow his continued artistic journey.

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