October 23, 2026 |
If you’ve spent any time in the gloriously chaotic world of Balming Tiger, you’ll already know Wonjin. As the Seoul collective’s main vocalist and producer, Bj Wnjn has helped shape the sound of K-pop’s most unruly alternative act, collecting credits with BTS‘ RM, IU, Yaeji, Atarashii Gakko! and Japanese pop pioneer Haruomi Hosono along the way. This week, he stepped out on his own with Mangsangrok, his debut solo album.
The title loosely translates as a record of delusions, and that’s exactly what it is: 11 tracks charting the overthinking, the over-read messages and the small gestures that swell into something enormous at 3am. Written and composed entirely by Wonjin, with not a single feature in sight, it’s a genre-fluid LP where hushed, intimate songs bloom into full cinematic sprawl, anchored by dark, unresolved harmonies and a voice that stays reassuringly warm throughout.
Lead single Candy, released with a one-take, full-band live video co-directed by Balming Tiger bandmates Jan’ Qui and San Yawn, turns an everyday crush into a psychedelic sugar rush. Here, Wonjin talks D’Angelo, B-movie noir and the joys of Lotte Sand.
1. Describe Mangsangrok in three words.
Hard-boiled, pathetic, love.
2. What was the first record that made you want to make music?
D’Angelo – Brown Sugar.
3. How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard it?
It’s an album filled with sounds that I love. It’s a little difficult to describe in terms of genre. I don’t usually listen to music by categorising it into genres, either. I just hope people enjoy it as an album.
4. This is your first album on your own, outside Balming Tiger – what’s the biggest difference?
Balming Tiger is a team effort, so there are a lot of different opinions involved. Even when I give 100 per cent, sometimes only 10 per cent of what I put in makes it into the final result. The sense of responsibility is similar, though. I learned a lot while working on my first solo album. Looking back, I think there were times when I was complacent or didn’t give things the attention they deserved while working with the group. Going forward, I want to approach both my solo work and the group’s work with a greater sense of appreciation and gratitude.
5. When you’re not making music, where are we most likely to find you?
Sometimes I go swimming or take a walk. Other times, I zone out on the terrace, watch an anime I like and have a drink by myself. I also spend time with people I care about.
6. What’s one track you’ve had on repeat lately?
Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs.
7. If Mangsangrok were a book or a film, what would it be?
Rather than a specific work, I think it would be a B-movie noir comedy.
8. Candy sees love as sweets – what’s your favourite sweet?
Hmm, for a snack I have every now and then, I’d say Lotte Sand!
9. What’s the most delusional thought you’ve had this week?
I imagined what it would be like to release my next album.
10. The album’s out today – what do you hope people feel when they hear it from start to finish?
I know people around the world can’t all be the same as me, but I think we go through similar struggles and experiences. Although the album is filled with personal stories, I hope people can relate to the music and find some comfort in it.
Photography by Hong Taesik.
