When Jung Yong Hwa spoke to Ilgan Sports about his first solo album, "One Fine Day," he was asked if the album's love songs reflected his own experience. He laughed and let the interviewer know that he occasionally watches dramas for inspiration.
"Usually I put my own stories into my songs," said the CNBlue singer and actor. "But if you think about it, I would have date three people every month just to make around the 20 songs I release per year, including the tracks on CNBlue's albums. Otherwise, I would be out of stories. Instead I use experiences from TV dramas and movies whenever I'm out of ideas."
He did not say which dramas he watched or which were his favorites, but he has in the past said he is a fan of actors Jang Dong Gun, Won Bin and Takuya Kimura. He worked with Jang Dong Gun when he did a cameo appearance in "Gentleman's Dignity." Fans may also know Jung Yong Hwa from his roles in "You're Beautiful," "Heartstrings," "Future's Choice" and "The Three Musketeers."
But as much as drama love stories inspire him, he does not use them as a guideline for dating in real life.
"I'm friendly, but I'm not the type to stay quiet if I like a person, like a character in drama," he said in a recent Cosmopolitan interview.
The new album gave him a chance to sing more emotional songs. He planned it for two years and wanted to try something different.
"I'm not saying I wanted to get away from CNBlue; I just wanted to try something new," said Jung Yong Hwa. "In fact, two years ago I was wondering whether I should try heavier rock music, but at some point, I started to like calm and softer music that is easier on the ears. Then I learned that I liked emotional songs."
One of the ways he tried to make this album different from his CNBlue work was to collaborate with musicians such as Yoon Do Hyun and rapper Verbal Jint.
He wrote all 10 tracks and sees the songs as his "children."
"I'm 100 percent satisfied with them," he said. "I don't think there's anything to modify. I think it is perfect."
On his next solo album he would like to sing a duet with a female artist, possibly Ailee or IU. Could IU's dramas be among his favorites?
