Global K-pop star WONHO unveils his third English single, “Good Liar,” showcasing new shades of his ever-evolving artistry. A refreshing production that sways between hurt and freedom, the track delivers an enticing peek at his upcoming first full-length album – set to be a culmination of the sonic versatility the compelling talent has revealed through his solo career.
Following a ten-date European Tour, which kicked off in Paris and closed out in Helsinki, the track hones in on the emotional depth that WONHO has been shaping since his solo debut in 2020. Rooted in a genre-bending musicality that has seen move from gentle, slower sonic worlds to nostalgia reflections, WONHO continues to be a powerhouse in K-pop and beyond.
Speaking to Earmilk, he dives into his "Good Liar," his memories of the recent European tour and what to expect from his forthcoming first full-length album, SYNDROME.
1. What’s the inspiration/message behind “Good Liar”?
“Good Liar” was inspired by that quiet moment of realization: when a truth you've always sensed deep down finally comes to the surface. It’s painful, but there's also a strange sense of peace that comes with it. The song captures that mix of calm acceptance and sadness, along with the strength you gain when you finally let go of someone who no longer has a place in your life. I wanted the message to be clear: even when we’re hurt, we can heal, grow, and come out stronger.
2. How would you say your sound has evolved over time and where do you see it going from here?
Until now, I’ve mostly focused on creating music that reflects my personal taste and style. But with this album, I wanted to expand my horizons and try out new sounds, even those that aren’t originally mine. I listened to a lot of different styles and challenged myself to explore unfamiliar territory. Going forward, I don’t want to be confined to one genre. I want the freedom to express myself across a wide range of musical styles and share a broader spectrum of emotions through my music.
3. This is your third English single. What's been the learning curve with these releases? Do you try for a different sound with English releases than you do Korean?
Singing in English can be a bit more challenging when it comes to expressing subtle emotions, simply because it’s not my native language. But at the same time, it allows me to connect more directly with international fans, which is really meaningful. I don’t intentionally aim for a different sound in English versus Korean songs, the core intention is always the same: to tell a story and share emotions through music, regardless of the language.
4. You’ve just wrapped up your European tour, what were some memorable moments from this tour?
Every city and every fan I met left a special impression, but one moment I won’t forget was when my luggage, specifically the one with my stage outfits and hair products, didn’t arrive in time for a show. I had to rush to a flea market just hours before the performance to find something to wear. It was super stressful at the time, but now it’s actually a funny and memorable story. It reminded me that sometimes the unexpected moments become the most unforgettable.
5. Speaking of tour, what’s your favourite part of the experience other than of course getting to meet your fans?
Getting to explore different cities is one of the best parts of touring. It’s a rare chance to experience so many places in such a short time, and I feel lucky every time. This time around, I made it a point to go for runs in each city, it helped me connect with the local vibe and appreciate each place in a more personal way. Of course, all of this is only possible because of the fans who come to see me, so I’m always grateful.
6. If you could experiment with any genre or concept in the future, what would it be?
I try not to limit myself to specific genres when creating music, I follow the emotion or idea that inspires me in the moment. But for my next album, I’d love to experiment based on input from fans. Their support means everything to me, and I think it would be exciting to take their suggestions and turn them into something new and unexpected.
7. What's next for you? What can fans look forward to in the near future?
My first full-length album, SYNDROME, is coming out on October 31. It’s a really meaningful project for me—I’ve put a lot of time, energy, and emotion into it. I’ll be promoting the album both in Korea and the U.S., and I’m also heading out on a North American tour in November. I’m so excited to share this new chapter of music and performance with fans all over the world.
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