Seven years after debuting as a member of FNC Entertainment's sensational boy group SF9, rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor HWI YOUNG has finally made his anticipated solo debut with the soulful R&B digital single "Drive5."

"Drive5" is a soulful R&B track where the singer expresses the fleeting moment of a breakup after a long relationship by using "Drive" as a metaphor. With a well-known composition, an emotional guitar theme, and a catchy beat, coupled with the artist's incredible rapping and vocal prowess, HWI YOUNG's new song will be the perfect addition to any fan's playlist. "I hope this song conveys to you the youth I thought and felt," he said. 

Apart from being part of SF9, who's known for tracks like "Tear Drop," "O Sole Mio," and "Now or Never," among others, HWI YOUNG is also in the film industry, captivating more fans with his acting skills. His previous drama projects include 'The Mermaid Prince: The Beginning,' 'Replay: The Moment When It Starts Again,' and the most recent one, 'Miracle.'

To commemorate HWI YOUNG's solo debut, allkpop had the chance to sit down with the singer for an exclusive interview, where he discusses more "Drive5." Read the interview below!

allkpop: Hi, HWI YOUNG! First, we would like to thank you for taking the time with us, and congratulations on your solo debut! Before we head to the questions, tell us how you feel about finally debuting as a solo artist and the things you are looking forward to the most!

HWI YOUNG: Thank you for the interview! First of all, I’m happy that fans like my solo debut, and also I am proud to have a track with my name on it out in the world.

allkpop: How did you decide to choose "Drive5" as the song to be your first one as a solo artist? How do you think this track represents you or your thoughts very well? And for those who may be curious, why is there number "5" in the title?

HWI YOUNG: I think I chose this song because, in my own mind, it’s similar to the images I’ve been showing. The reason I put number 5 in the title is that I thought breaking up happens as fast as starting a new relationship. So, a numerical representation of a fleeting moment would be a good way to convey my intentions.

allkpop: How did the preparations for this solo debut go compared to the comebacks you had with SF9? Did some of the things you normally do with SF9 seem new as you worked on a solo release?

HWI YOUNG: First of all, I had a little pressure to do things alone. But, as I overcame it and finished working on this track, it was a great feeling that I can’t explain in words. To put it simply, it was good.

allkpop: With "Drive5," you hope you can deliver to the listeners the youth you thought and felt. Why did you decide to highlight youth and relationships for this release? You also took part in writing the song. What were your inspirations while working on it?

HWI YOUNG: For now, I think youth means struggling with a lot of things to me. Breakup, the theme of the song, is one of them. I hope listeners enjoy it because my experience could be a new approach to them. Actually, I cannot remember the exact inspiration for this project because I was so eager to finish the album rather than to find inspiration.

allkpop: As this release revolves around relationships, what kind of relationship do you have with your fellow SF9 members? For you, what is SF9?

HWI YOUNG: For me, SF9 is my team and my starting point, as relationship-wise, it is hard to explain in one word. One thing for sure is that they help me a lot.

allkpop: What things do you usually do to maintain and even strengthen your good relationship with others?

HWI YOUNG: I try to eat something delicious together when developing and maintaining good relationships with others.

allkpop: If there would be one member in your group you would like to collaborate with as a solo artist, who would it be, and why?

HWI YOUNG: I want to collaborate with all members. Since each member has a different charm, I think we can draw various pictures.

allkpop: Any message to allkpop readers and your fans?

HWI YOUNG: Love you all. Let’s fill this world with love!

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