In his home country of South Korea, singer-songwriter and producer Jooyoung is a renowned figure in the K-R&B and K-pop scenes. Born in the countryside of Cheongju, Jooyoung’s life and career has been marked by a rejection of the conventional path. Since his official debut in 2010, he has ebbed between periods of impactful solo releases, chart-topping collaborations, and appearances on major Korean TV, to years of hiatus and deep introspection.

Jooyoung has never been one to sacrifice his artistic agency for the expectations of his celebrity status. After parting ways with Starship Entertainment, the artist again went into a reflection and writing period to refine his unique vision. And after 13 years since his official debut, Jooyoung ends his six-year hiatus with the release of his first full-length album, 'Sphere.'

With 'Sphere,' Jooyoung promises to redefine the K-R&B landscape. Bold and existential, the album delves into the complexities of life, blending themes of personal struggle and societal critique, and written entirely in English. Jooyoung’s voice traverses a diverse musical landscape, from the soulful echoes of R&B to the raw energy of hip-hop, underpinned by elements of rock and electronic music. Each song in 'Sphere' seamlessly connects, creating a cohesive narrative that explores the contrasts of human experience.

With 'Sphere,' he takes his power back and steps into a new phase of his career, unveiling a new identity that is more free and dynamic than ever before. “All I ask of society is for small changes. Sometimes I talk about oppressive customs and absurdities. But it's only when I go beyond all that and talk about life and death that I feel free," Jooyoung on 'Sphere.'

Meanwhile, Jooyoung is set to perform at Layer41 in Seoul on March 23, with US, UK and Asia tours to follow this Spring.