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VERIVERY’s KANGMIN has taken a quiet but deeply intentional step into the spotlight — on his own terms. The vocalist, long celebrated as an anchor of the group’s emotional core, made his solo debut on March 26th with Free Falling, the lead single from his first solo album. The date was no coincidence: March 26th marks the anniversary of VERRER, VERIVERY’s official fandom name — a choice that says everything about the kind of artist KANGMIN is. Raw, reflective, and rooted in genuine connection, Free Falling is less a debut announcement and more a deeply personal letter to the people who have been listening all along. We sat down with KANGMIN to talk about the making of the album, the anxiousness that shaped it, and what it really feels like to fall freely into the unknown.
What does it mean to you personally to release your first solo single, Free Falling, and how long have you been working toward this moment?
KANGMIN: I had a thought about releasing a solo album for a while, but I wasn’t certain about what story I wanted to share. At the beginning of this year, I got to start working on the album because I wanted to convey my sincerity to fans based on the events I experienced since last year. I had quite a short time to prepare, but I had a certain story I wanted to share. In addition, with great help from the company staff and many others, I was able to complete it in a relatively short time.
Why was March 26th the right time for this solo step in your career?
KANGMIN: Since I started working on this album around the beginning of this year with a certain message I wanted to send across, I thought it was appropriate to make a solo debut around this time. Actually, March 26th also holds a special meaning to me; it is the day when VERRER, VERIVERY’s fandom name, was born. That’s also why I decided that date for my solo album release.
How did you come up with the title Free Falling — what feeling or experience were you trying to capture?
KANGMIN: The expression ‘free falling’ has its literal meaning, and it seemed similar to how I feel, as I’m not sure where I’m heading and if this direction is correct, but I’m continuing to move forward.
How involved were you in writing and producing Free Falling, and what did you want listeners to feel when they hear it?
KANGMIN: First of all, I participated as a lyricist for “Intro : small, fragile, and still here” and “Free Falling.” I also had continuous discussions with our company staff members about the album’s sonic direction, visuals, and main message to make sure my opinions are reflected in the creative process as much as possible. During the preparation, I wanted my fans to think, “This is how KANGMIN feels,” while listening to this album. I hope you can resonate with my current feelings!
Is this song autobiographical? What were you going through when it was created?
KANGMIN: I believe all elements from Free Falling represent parts of me. Especially ‘anxiousness,’ one of the album’s keywords, is the emotion I felt often through the hiatus, participation in BOYS II PLANET, and group and individual activities, so that took a big part in the album. Of course, there are many other emotions other than anxiousness, including fans’ love that supported me so far, so I hope you listen closely to them.
How is your sound as a solo artist different from what fans know you for in VERIVERY?
KANGMIN: For this album, there are more of my personal ambitions and tastes compared to the VERIVERY albums. In terms of the musical style, the album centers around songs that I’d like to listen to when I want to fall deep into my thoughts. And I also chose these songs because they seemed more appropriate to deliver my messages.
You’re known as an essential part of VERIVERY — what has being in a group taught you that helped you step out solo?
KANGMIN: While promoting as VERIVERY, I always thought about how to improve myself without resting and being satisfied with my current state. I think that helped me greatly to push myself for better results while working on this album.
Did your VERIVERY members play any role in encouraging or shaping this project?
KANGMIN: They all played huge roles in supporting me. Throughout the album preparation, they gave me serious feedback on anything I shared with them, and they helped me get back up with great advice whenever I felt down. Especially DONGHEON participated in the composition and lyric writing for this album, and YONGSEUNG shared many conversations and offered advice.
Is there pressure that comes with going solo after being part of a group, and how do you manage it?
KANGMIN: At first, I felt a bit of pressure if I could feel the stage all by myself. But as I worked on the album, I practiced a lot and gained more confidence in my music, which helped me ease some of that pressure. In addition, I think doing solo fan meetings and becoming more comfortable in standing on the stage alone helped me in that sense, too.
What do you want people to know about KANGMIN the solo artist that they may not have seen yet?
KANGMIN: As I was trying to reveal the side of me that I haven’t shared yet through this album, I hope you think, “This is how KANGMIN has been feeling,” “This is what KANGMIN felt at the time,” while listening to Free Falling. Through that process, I hope my fans and I can understand and relate to each other better.
What kind of artist do you see yourself becoming over the next few years?
KANGMIN: With this album and future activities, I look forward to becoming a more honest and sincere artist who continues to create my own musical style. I hope to become an artist who can connect and share honest conversations with fans through my music.
What would make this solo debut feel like a success to you?
KANGMIN: To be honest, I think it’s enough for fans to listen to my music, pay attention to the story I tried to convey, and look forward to the artist I’ll become moving forward. As I mentioned earlier, my goal from when I first started working on this album was to make people understand and resonate with my emotions.
What message do you have for VERIVERY fans (VERRER) who are supporting you on this solo journey?
KANGMIN: First, I want to say thank you to VERRERs who have been supporting and loving me continuously. Thanks to their love, I was able to make it this far, and I created this album to step forward and share more of my honest side with my fans who give so much love to me. Please give Free Falling much love and support!
Are you hoping to reach new listeners with Free Falling, and if so, who do you picture discovering you?
KANGMIN: Of course, it would be great to meet new fans through this album. If there are new fans who discover me through this album, I believe they are also fans of an artist who shares their honest sides.
There is something quietly powerful about an artist who measures success not in numbers, but in understanding — in the hope that a listener somewhere will press play and think, this is exactly how I’ve been feeling too. That is KANGMIN’s goal with Free Falling, and if this debut is any indication, he is only just beginning to show us who he is. For VERRER and new fans alike, the invitation is open: fall with him, and see where it leads.
Free Falling is out now. Stream it on all major platforms.
