With [REBEL], Kang Yuchan takes his first decisive step as a solo artist. Between introspection and bold experimentation, from a remix collaboration with from20 to the creative vision behind WAY BETTER, a company-driven vision that blends music, visuals, and identity, this interview offers an in-depth look at an artist and an agency shaping their own path.
A New Chapter of Youth and Honesty
In this EP, Kang Yuchan presents himself with honesty. Across five distinct tracks, he explores the beauty and complexity of youth, sharing the inner struggles and sleepless nights that shapedthe album, marking the start of a new chapter in his artistic journey.
Léane : [REBEL] feels like an album that defines who Kang Yuchan is. While building this EP, what inner conflicts did you face, and when did you push yourself the hardest?
Kang Yuchan : I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could be more honest and sincerely Incorporate my own story and thoughts into this album. Within the overarching concept of [REBEL], there are five tracks, each with different colors and meanings. Because of that, the melodies and overall moods of the songs vary. Still, when listeners hear the album as a whole, I want them to feel the core meaning of [REBEL] that I, as an artist, wanted to express – the beauty of youth and what lies beneath it. As I immersed myself in that process, I found myself spending more and more time at the company and not getting much sleep. But even that became a meaningful and happy time for me, because I was surrounded by colleagues who were in it together with me.
Léane : Looking back on [REBEL] today, does it feel like a chapter you’ve closed, or a foundation you’re still building from?
Kang Yuchan : It feels like the beginning. I see this album as my first leap forward as an artist named Kang Yuchan. I believe that I’m at a stage in life where I can capture all aspects of youth, and those elements naturally came together in this album to become [REBEL]. Personally, I want to continue creating albums that express every side of youth in my own way. That’s why I see this album as the very first step in writing a new chapter.
Léane : You mentioned in your commentary, “I’m more visible – focused on myself.” What does visibility mean to you now especially when it comes to the public?
Kang Yuchan : To me, revealing my presence to the public means being honest and showing Kang Yuchan exactly as I am. Before joining WAY BETTER, I think I spent most of my time maintaining positive thoughts, actions, and words. However, once I came to WAY BETTER and began preparing things that were truly my own, I took the time to reflect on myself more deeply. In that process, I recognized that I also have negative sides, and I realized that I need to respect and love those parts of myself as well. By accepting that, I believe I’m acknowledging my own existence and honestly revealing it to the public.
Body Talk Returns in a New Remix
Originally featured on [REBEL], Body Talk returns in a remix in collaboration with from20. While keeping its smooth, sensual core, the track leans into a more mature side showcasing the chemistry between from20 and Kang Yuchan and shaping the vocal identity of WAY BETTER.
Léane : The original track has a smooth, sensual mood. When creating the remix, which elements did you want to preserve, and what did you want to explore or deepen in the new version?
from20 : As you mentioned, the original track is already sexy and smooth. Personally, it’s also my favorite track among those on Yuchan’s first EP. When I joined the remix, I wanted to bring out a more pop-oriented and mature mood. If Yuchan expressed the theme of Body Talk in a younger way, I wanted to interpret it in a way that reflects my identity as from20, something more provocative and deeper in tone. At the same time, I wanted to showcase the vocal balance between Yuchan and myself, and show people, “This is the style of WAY BETTER’s vocals.”
Léane : from20 has a very distinctive identity. Does the remix create a natural bridge between your two styles, or does it push you into a sound you hadn’t explored before?
from20 : Yuchan and I definitely have different styles, but I think we share the common ground of being pop vocalists with strong vocal colors. Because of that, I felt there was a high chance that people who like my vocal style would also enjoy Yuchan’s music, and vice versa. With this remix, I wanted to show just how harmoniously our vocal tones come together. At the same time, I wanted to emphasize that this is the identity of WAY BETTER’s vocalists. More than a performance video, the Body Talk (Remix) MV blends two artists, tradition and modernity. Set in a hanok and inspired by Korean cultural heritage, it reflects from20’s directing vision and Kang Yuchan’s focus on visual and musical cohesion, resonating with both local and international audiences.
Léane : Before filming the music video, how did you approach visualizing the mood of this song?
Kang Yuchan : Personally, this was my first time having one of my songs remixed, and since it was done by from20, I really wanted the overall mood and styling to work well not only for each of us individually, but also when we appeared together. I hoped that when people saw us side by side, it would feel cohesive and natural. I also wanted it to come across as a collaboration between pop artists set against the backdrop of Korea’s proud cultural heritage.
from20 : That’s right. Since I also participated as the video director, I focused a lot on how Yuchan and I could be presented in a harmonious way. One of the first ideas was that it would be great to perform together. With the recent popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters and similar trends, I feel that K-culture is receiving more attention than ever. So I thought it would be visually striking to set the video in a hanok, and to combine stylish choreography and performance with elements like Korean food. I believe it creates imagery that both international fans and domestic fans can enjoy.
Léane : If there is a “visual signature” in this MV that viewers should pay close attention to, what would it be?
Kang Yuchan : I’d like to point out two things. First, Korea’s traditional culture, and second, the visuals of Kang Yuchan and from20, our styling, vocal tones, and choreography. Elements such as traditional tiled houses, folding screens, and Korean cuisine are all things that anyone can recognize as beautiful. I think viewers will be able to feel the synergy that comes from the identities and musicality of Kang Yuchan and from20 coming together.
Léane : How would each of you describe from20’s directing style?
Kang Yuchan : I see him as a director who makes sure the performers never feel confused. Thankfully, this is already my fourth project working with from20, and every time we film, I find myself thinking that the results wouldn’t have been nearly as strong without him.
from20 : Since I’m actively working as an artist myself, I try to create a set that is considerate of artists. Above all, I prioritize making sure the artist’s visuals come across well. I know how important music video shoots are for artists, so I focus on delivering clear and precise direction without causing confusion.
Inside the Vision of WAY BETTER
More than a label, WAY BETTER is emerging as an art brand built on shared values and creative freedom. In this final section, from20 and Kang Yuchan discuss the company’s vision and their ambitions for the upcoming WAY BETTER tour promising an immersive experience that goes beyond music.
Léane : WAY BETTER is gradually establishing itself as an independent “art brand.” As the CEO, what do you believe is the core value of your agency?
from20 : I see WAY BETTER as a group of people who genuinely want to create a better world. Although we express that through art forms like music and visuals, at the core, we want to build a more beautiful world, a better music business environment and a richer cultural landscape. I hope it becomes a cultural space where artists are happy and staff members are happy working together. And of course, I want the way we express those values to be some of the hottest content out there. In the end, people are drawn to things that are cool. I want to prove that you can be both “hot” and “good” at the same time.
Léane : From the perspective of an artist working within the company, how does WAYBETTER support artists in respecting their individuality while helping them grow?
Kang Yuchan : I think it comes down to giving artists autonomy while clearly aligning on shared goals through constant communication. Providing autonomy while setting clear goals means that there aren’t rigid limitations on how to reach those goals. Artists are free to approach them in their own way. I truly feel how fulfilling and happy it is to work in that kind of environment.
Léane : Beyond the performances themselves, what does the WAY BETTER tour represent for the company and its artists?
Kang Yuchan : From an artist’s point of view, I believe a company concert is something that can only happen once all the artists within the company are truly ready to stand in front of the audience and fans. Considering that it has been about a year since all the artists (aside from from20 and HELLO GLOOM, who were there from the beginning) joined the company, I think it’s something we can all take pride in, myself included.
from20 : From the company’s perspective, it’s an incredibly important mission. Since expanding the company and signing new artists in 2025, the WAY BETTER tour has been something we envisioned from the very beginning. I believe that by proving WAY BETTER through this tour, each artist will be able to move on to an even better next chapter. That’s why the company is preparing with even more dedication. I’m confident it will be an exceptional performance.
Léane : If you could design your ideal experience for fans during the tour, what would it look like in terms of atmosphere, energy, music, and visuals?
Kang Yuchan : I imagine each person moving differently, shaking their heads, jumping, getting splashed with water, shouting, and enjoying the show with complete freedom. That’s how fun I believe a WAY BETTER performance will be.
from20 : I want to go beyond a simple variety-style concert and present a new pattern for group performances. Our company embraces not only music, but also fashion and visual art. Rather than just attending a music concert, I hope it feels like visiting a place such as Universal Studios, an immersive cultural experience that you feel with your entire body. You can definitely look forward to it.
For all the fans, The WAY BETTER tour has been officially announced, with European dates expected to be revealed soon.
Thank you to Kang Yuchan and from20 for accepting this interview.