EXCLUSIVE [INTERVIEW] Jung Ilhoon talks recent singles including "Glory" and how painting helped his music

03 Aug 2026, 17:48 by Sofia-Sayson · allkpop

Having been in the music industry for over a decade, Jung Ilhoon has continually shown his identity and authenticity through music, which is why even after all these years, he is loved as much as ever. In July, he held his first solo fan concert in the Philippines, proving that there are still many "firsts" waiting for him even though he has been in the industry for 14 years now.

In 2026, Ilhoon has so far released four singles: "Merry go round," "closet," "Devil Can Wait," and his latest track, "Glory." In an interview with allkpop, the artist explained the messages behind the tracks, noting that "Devil Can Wait" is full of metaphors, while "Glory" is a straightforward song.

Aside from working on his music, Ilhoon found another form of art—painting. In October 2024, he held his 'Tiny Ark' art exhibition in Seoul, displaying his collection of paintings. He confessed that, for him, painting is harder than making music, while revealing that he still loves both.

Following his successful '1-Day Art Class' in Manila, allkpop had the opportunity to catch up with Ilhoon. Check out the full exclusive interview below!

allkpop: What has 2026 been like for you? You’ve released four singles so far, and we're only halfway through the year. What does it feel like to slowly return to making music?

Ilhoon: Like I said on stage, it was my dream. Performing on stage is what I really love—I’m just that kind of person. It took nine years to come back here. Last year, I couldn't even imagine it. I wanted to visit foreign countries so badly—I really, really wanted to go to the Philippines and Indonesia to meet my fans. So this feels like a dream come true. I’m so touched.

And as you said, I've released many singles this year. I wanted to show my new songs and a new side of myself to my fans. Of course they remember me from when I was in the boyband BTOB, but I wanted to show them something new. I think they liked it, and I liked it too, so I was really happy about it.

allkpop: Tell us more about your most recent single, “Glory.” How does it compare to your previous tracks, both sonically and thematically?

Ilhoon: "Glory" is hip-hop. "Devil Can Wait" was punk, and "Merry go round" and "Closet" were a mix of hip-hop and R&B. For "Glory," I wanted to express an electronic feeling and an energetic vibe. I wanted to express a message of hope.

For "Devil Can Wait," the message had a lot of metaphors. But for "Glory," the message is very straight, clean, and simple. Expressing things simply—that’s the difference from my last songs.

allkpop: How about in terms of working on the track? You’ve been deeply involved in the craft you put out. Was there a significant difference you noticed between working on “Glory” and your previous singles, or perhaps something new you discovered about your creative process?

Ilhoon: I worked with the same composer, pac odd, on "Devil Can Wait" and "Glory." For "Glory," I made the draft for the song and gave it to him, and he revised and arranged the composition. That’s how we worked on it.

For "Devil Can Wait," "Merry Go Round," and "Closet," I focused more on the message of the songs. But for "Glory," I focused on the overall mood and the music itself. That is the difference. Because of that, I think "Glory" is a song that really shows more of my color.

allkpop: You have over a hundred credited songs in your career—an achievement only a handful of idols reach in the industry. Among those songs, is there a specific track that stands out to you or that you are most proud of creating? Or perhaps a specific lyric you are proud of writing?

Ilhoon: Wow, this is a big question! I love all my songs, so it's hard to choose. Even though I can't remember every lyric, I love all my songs—they are my children, you know?

I still sometimes listen to the songs we produced as a group, like "Friend," "The Feeling," and "Movie." Do you know "Butterfly" from the album ‘Hour Moment’? Yeah, I love that album.

As for my recent songs, "Michelangelo" is the most meaningful song for me, and I also love "Lullaby." Especially those two—they are special to me. But it's hard to choose only one, right? I can't choose just one of the kids!

allkpop: The same year you made your long-awaited music comeback, you also opened your ‘Tiny Ark’ art exhibition. What was it that drew you to expressing your artistry through a different medium, this time through painting?

Ilhoon: When I was in the UK, I was alone a lot with not much to do. Out of boredom, I started visiting gallery exhibitions, but then I got really attracted to paintings and drawings. Before that, I didn't have many opportunities to go to exhibitions. During my time in the UK, I thought, "This is fun to do, and I'm interested in doing it myself."

So going to exhibits inspired me to try painting. I love London especially! Painting is actually harder than making music—they have different vibes, but I love both. That's why I started to paint.

allkpop: How does exploring different forms of creative expression help you in your artistic journey? Could you share with us what you love most about both making music and painting?

Ilhoon: My imagination got much clearer. Before I started painting, when I made music, it was really just about the music or the sound itself. But after I started painting, the colors and the shapes became much clearer as well. That was a big help in completing my album.

allkpop: Since then, have you explored your interest in any other art forms or hobbies, aside from music, acting, and painting?

Ilhoon: Oh, I think I'm busy enough for now! If I get a chance, I can try, but right now I'm busy enough with my current challenges.

If there's one thing I would like to try, maybe cooking? Because I barely cook when I'm at home, so maybe I should try someday. Maybe someday I can cook on stage, or show it while vlogging on YouTube! I can do YouTube for sure, but before that, I can cook on stage! (laughs)

allkpop: It’s been more than a decade since you officially debuted in the entertainment industry. Looking back, what are your biggest realizations and lessons that have guided you along the way?

Ilhoon: Positive vibes and thoughts are what matter most. Staying positive is the most important thing when you do anything, you know? Positive vibes create passion and purpose. I always keep my mind positive, which is why I pray and meditate.

I’ve prayed to God since I was a child: "Please lead me where You want, please guide me to what You want." I’ve been like that since I was young. And through meditating and praying, I think I’ve changed and become more open-minded.

allkpop: We’ve heard you talk about your values in previous interviews. Could you share what those core values are, and have they evolved over time, or are you still holding onto the exact same principles today?

Ilhoon: As time goes by, I try to just let go of the things that wear me down. By doing that and becoming more open-minded, I think I've become a warmer person.

allkpop: Since your Manila fan concert is titled “1-Day Art Class,” if there is one lesson or message that you, as the artist on stage or as the “teacher,” would like to instill in your fans, what would it be?

Ilhoon: It reminds me of my homeroom teacher during my last year of school, when we had to say goodbye. Whether it’s next year or this year, let’s meet again. Relationships with people are precious, and the faith of meeting each other again is even more important than actions. So I want to say: whether it’s next semester or next year, let’s meet each other again.

allkpop: You’ve mentioned before that your ultimate goal is to connect more deeply with your fans. Now that you are actively creating those opportunities—including this fan concert—what else are you aiming to achieve in the coming months and years?

Ilhoon: There are still a lot of fans who are waiting for me. So for me, rather than setting a huge goal, my real dream is just to meet all of my fans. After meeting them all, taking the next step together will be my next goal.

Saying "going forward on a journey with the fans" might sound a bit abstract, but it’s my genuine dream. I don't know exactly what it will be, but I want to go forward together with them.

allkpop: Lastly, please leave a message for your fans and allkpop readers!

Ilhoon: Hello, allkpop and all the fans reading this interview! I love you so much. I really want to see you really, really soon. So take care, please stay healthy, stay wealthy, and always be happy. Thank you so much!

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