A household name in K-Pop, THE RAIN also known as Jung Jihoon, has made his definitive mark on the K-Pop industry. Whether it's his staple K-Pop classics like "Rainism" or his appearances in movies and tv as an actor and himself, most K-Pop fans can recognize THE RAIN right away. After 15 years away from the tour circuit, THE RAIN is set to return to the United States with two stops in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Through a reimagined artistic vision, THE RAIN is poised to surprise fans from around the world with a never-before-seen live on-stage experience.

After 14 years since our last interview with THE RAIN, allkpop returns as well with an exclusive interview! We sat down with THE RAIN to ask him about his latest endeavors, tour, upcoming drama, favorite songs and more. Keep reading to learn more about THE RAIN and his upcoming projects and tour:

THE RAIN shout-out to allkpop readers:

allkpop: Hi THE RAIN- it’s not often we get the chance to speak to such an impactful industry name! How are you doing today?

THE RAIN: Hello! I am The RAIN and I am honored to be interviewed by allkpop. I’m actually feeling really good and am currently in a practice room preparing for the "STILL RAINING" tour and I am excited and happy.

allkpop: We’re excited to chat more about your upcoming comeback tour, STILL RAINING! Can you tell us more about the STILL RAINING tour and why you’ve decided to return to the tour circuit after a 7-year hiatus from touring globally?

THE RAIN: My first stage in the U.S. was in 2006 at Caesar's Palace, and the last final solo tour in the U.S. took place 15 years ago in Las Vegas in 2009. And It has been seven years since my last tour. Due to the pandemic, a lot of performance business was shut down, and this significantly impacted the release of my album and my tour plans, causing further delays, and it felt like an eternity. Despite the long break, I am thrilled to be back on stage and hope to evoke a sense of nostalgia among my peers and show the Gen-Z’s the part of the history of K-Pop. It's been a while since I've been preparing for a solo concert, everything feels somewhat new. My upcoming tour aims to be a bridge between my past performances and my new album, and I can't wait to perform new songs and put on an enjoyable show for my fans throughout the following year.

allkpop: Why did you choose to name the tour “STILL RAINING”?

THE RAIN: Yes, there is a song called "It's Raining". As my name is Rain, it can be considered a reference to me. I am still performing, singing, and connecting with my fans. We are all a work in progress, which is why I chose to include this reference in a meaningful way. It's still raining, and I am grateful for my supportive fans who continue to stand by me.

allkpop: After such a long hiatus from touring, what can fans expect from a new and improved RAIN?

THE RAIN: I hope you will have the opportunity to relive cherished memories through nostalgic dances and songs while also experiencing new and exciting performances. Additionally, I will invite a special guest through the screen and also will be performing cover songs of other artists for the first time.

allkpop: What have you missed most about touring?

THE RAIN: I missed seeing the fans the most! Cloud, I missed you so much! And I know that the fans in the U.S., in particular, were really looking forward to it! I had been planning for this tour for so long. But I had to wait for so long due to the pandemic. However, I am grateful that we can finally perform now!

I'm happy that I can dance and sing, which I love the most, with the Clouds, who are the love of my life. I hope this concert to be an opportunity to make up for the long absence and to connect more closely with my fans.

allkpop: Are there any performances or songs that you are looking forward to showcasing on this upcoming tour? Any surprises you can clue fans in on?

THE RAIN: I'm absolutely thrilled to let you know that we're going to be adding some amazing new songs from other talented artists to our setlist. And, of course, I've seen the comments from my beloved fans, so we'll be including some all-time favorites from those comments. I am not sure if I am allowed to say this, but to give you a sneak peek, I have never had the chance to invite any guests on my concert tours before. This time, however, I have decided to invite a mystery guest through the screen. Oh, and here's a little secret - I'll be giving you sneak peeks of these songs on my social media. So, make sure to follow me and stay tuned for all the exciting updates.

allkpop: Your STILL RAINING tour is anticipated to include two stops in the US, one at the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City and the other at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. This will mark your first return since 2006. What are you looking forward to the most about your return to Las Vegas and first show in Atlantic City?

THE RAIN: As this is our first performance, we are eager to present an outstanding show, but there are some nervous moments as well. This marks our return to touring in the United States after 15 years, and we look forward to many more performances in the future. We are working hard to deliver an exciting and satisfying performance that we hope you will enjoy with us.

allkpop: Shifting gears, you’ve also been working hard on an upcoming romance revenge K-Drama called “Red Swan'' that is set to debut soon on Disney+ alongside co-star Kim Haneul. Share a bit about the drama and what fans can expect from your participation. What is “Red Swan” about?

THE RAIN: "Red Swan" follows the story of "Do-yoon" and "Wan-soo," who develop a strong relationship while confronting the desires of the 'Hwa-in group.'

The chemistry with actor Kim Haneul was remarkable. The show will air on Disney+ and will be released worldwide in 2024. Unfortunately, I can't share more details at this time. So stay tuned for more exciting updates on "Red Swan".

allkpop: What can fans expect from you in your role in “Red Swan”?

THE RAIN: My character, Do-yoon, is a former police officer with exceptional martial arts skills. He has joined the group’s security team and is responsible for protecting “Wan-su” (Kim Ha-neul) with his own purpose. He is a fascinating character who displays remarkable action skills! Please look forward to it!

allkpop: As an industry veteran who has experience in all performing arts fields, what drove you to wanting to take on a K-Drama alongside a world tour? Do you have a preference for acting or music these days?

The RAIN: Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in both TV series and movies, alongside my music career. I find acting to be an intriguing way to express different aspects of my personality. My artist name, 'THE RAIN,' was used as a pronoun in the song "It's Raining." I want to show you that I am still at the top of my game, as the name of my concert suggests, "Still Raining". There are still so many things I want to do and show you regarding acting and music.

I will be coming back to meet you through diverse channels and ways.

allkpop: Is there any new music that The RAIN is planning to announce in support of his upcoming return to the global tour circuit? What genres and styles can fans expect to hear?

THE RAIN: My new music is on the horizon, I might release a dynamic Latin style dance track or groovy tunes that you won't be able to resist singing along with. 

allkpop: Let’s end on a fun note, our readers love K-Pop and all things K-Pop. Share with us 3 K-Pop songs that you have been listening to lately!

THE RAIN: I have recently been listening to K-pop songs such as SEVENTEEN's "SUPER," NEWJEANS' "Hype Boy," and LE SSERAFIM's music.

allkpop: Thank you for your time and we wish you the best on your upcoming projects and tour! Please leave allkpop readers

THE RAIN: Hello allkpop readers! I hope you're doing well and staying healthy. I'd like to express my gratitude to the allkpop team for this interview. I promise to keep working hard to bring amazing performances for my fans and the allkpop team. I'm thrilled to invite you to join me at the upcoming 'STILL RAINING' tour at the Hardrock Etess Arena in Atlantic City on November 22nd, and at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 25th. Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for more updates. See you all there! Thank you.

Tickets are available at www.infiniteprospectsent.com