On May 6, ‘YTN Star’ released an exclusive ‘Banmal Interview’ with Kang Daniel after he concluded promoting ‘YELLOW’, a mini album about his mental health. Now that his color trilogy series has ended, Daniel is back to the drawing board and said he’ll take the time to think over his next music projects.

He expressed gratitude towards fans’ support:

I sincerely meant all I said in my winning speech. I’m so thankful for the love I’ve received and I’ll repay you with better music and stages. I think about it, I want to, and I will do so.

Daniel talked about his latest album’s work process. The journalist asked what type of delivery he used for “Antidote”. He replied that he wanted to convey his thoughts and explained:

This time I used a rock style of singing. However, right now I have an issue with my vocal cords. It seems that I haven’t looked back on my body while running without a break.

When asked how long he’s been working without a break, he explained:

I started last October with the pre-release song [‘PARANOIA’]. I intentionally made the recording rough. The choreography [of ‘Antidote’] also kept being changed up until the day before filming the music video. The KONNECT staff in charge of performance wanted a ‘solo dance killing part’, something like that. Even though it’s a structured song, we wanted to better express a sense of freedom.

He was asked about what challenges he faces while performing without an audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

I am someone who gains confidence from fans when I perform on stage. I gain confidence from the audience. Honestly, my confidence has dropped these days. Now, that self-esteem when I’m on stage is the same feeling as when I’m in rehearsal. Of course I’ll see online reactions but without people watching me directly, what’s the meaning? I’m not just a vocalist, I’m a performance-based singer. As a singer I want to show the stage and visual aspects, as well as the sound aspects, in harmony. But [nowadays] when I show it, it’s a different feeling.

In response to a question about how different it is being a solo artist rather than in a group, he replied:

There is so much more to think about. So much more. Thinking back deeply, back then I didn’t know much because it was my first debut. There were so many things I didn’t know, and it felt like the team members had a tough time because of it. I was really naïve. ‘What’s a dry rehearsal? What’s a camera rehearsal? That red light that just came on, should I look at it? Is that right? Ah, thank you.’ Things like that. It must have been frustrating but I was treated kindly.

But now, when something unexpected happens on stage, I have to make a judgement at each moment. So there’s much more to think about. Also, I have to bear all the burdens and attacks alone. There are so many things like that.

The journalist commented that he must also have a lot of weight on his shoulders because he’s a CEO and that fans cheering must have helped during performances. Daniel agreed that even if only for a short time, that instance was so important to him. He finds it unfortunate that fans are unable to support in person now.

The first half of the interview can be viewed here:

Kang Daniel began his ‘YELLOW’ promotions with his pre-release single "PARANOIA" in February and quickly made a comeback in April, dedicating nearly 70 days in all. The album was well-received with Korean music critic site ‘IZM’ writing, “It reminds me of a short film. He has grown one step further by adding his sensitive insight to pop trends and as a storytelling character who weaves albums.”

In other news, Kang Daniel and Loco will be releasing a collaboration single titled ‘Outerspace’ via the ‘UNIVERSE’ app on May 13.