KANGDANIEL is one among Ok-pop’s brightest stars, however at simply 26 years previous, he’s already realized there’s extra to life than vivid lights and fancy eating places.
“I like to pursue happiness because in the end, time is not eternal … we have to maximize our happiness and it’s almost imprinted in my brain,” defined the “Paranoia” and “Nirvana” singer. “There are times when I had to do something that I didn’t want to and I didn’t have no money, and there was no outcome that I expected. I was shocked because money didn’t give me happiness.”
KANGDANIEL, chosen by Forbes Korea as one among its high 40 celebrities for 2022, is wrapping up his first North American tour, with the ultimate cease in Los Angeles on Saturday.
KANGDANIEL’S path to superstardom started in 2017 after successful the second season of the fact TV expertise sequence “Produce 101,” which led to the formation of the Ok-pop boy band Wanna One. He went solo two years later. He launched his debut album, “The Story,” final 12 months.
KANGDANIEL, who publicly struggled with despair and panic dysfunction in 2019, says the pursuit of happiness just isn’t a fantastic want however a lifestyle.
“A lot of people say, ‘Oh, without money you are not happy.’ For me, those two things are separate,” mentioned KANGDANIEL, who grew up listening to an eclectic mixture of Green Day, Nirvana, Michael Jackson and Usher. “That’s why I pursue happiness above everything.”
In an interview, the avid “Star Wars” fan talked about reaching the American viewers, pursuing movie roles, and the pressures of fame.
Remarks have been edited for brevity and readability.
AP: This is your first tour within the U.S. Ok-pop is so enormous everywhere in the world. Does crossing over to American followers matter?
KANGDANIEL: Ok-pop followers are everywhere in the world however America could be very particular due to the Billboard chart. It has a protracted historical past, and everybody on the planet has heard of it earlier than. It’s actually well-known and to be included within the chart, it could be my honor. And I imagine the American viewers has good ears for good music. So, if I’ve extra followers within the U.S., they’d give me extra motivation to work more durable.
AP: You’re thought of as one among South Korea’s most influential celebrities. What does that imply to you?
KANGDANIEL: One factor I felt for positive, even when I need it or not, I believe I’ve extra duty.
South Korea is my house nation and there are numerous stars from the nation … it’s a duty as a result of they acknowledge me as one of many celebrities. So, all the things I do, and all of the music I make, I really feel like I’ve to do extra and be extra artistic.
AP: Would you ever reunite with Wanna One, even when it was only for one particular undertaking or track?
KANGDANIEL: It’s not one thing I can simply (plan) in a single day. But in fact, I’m very open to it. So, if there’s a great likelihood, I’d most likely do it. And a little bit (whereas) in the past, there was an awards ceremony. We carried out collectively as a bunch, and I actually loved it. It was a lot enjoyable, and I used to be capable of study rather a lot.
AP: You not too long ago made your performing debut within the Disney+ sequence “Rookie Cops.” How was your expertise as an actor?
KANGDANIEL: It was actually enjoyable … it was a little bit bit completely different from what I anticipated, however then the educational course of was very fascinating and I loved it.
I really like engaged on a TV sequence, however subsequent time, if there is a chance, I’d prefer to make a movie as a result of I’ve at all times liked movies. So yup, subsequent time, if there’s an opportunity (to movie a film), I’d love to do it.
AP: What was completely different about filming the TV present than you anticipated?
KANGDANIEL: The schedule! (laughs)
AP: Ok-pop is a world phenomenon and many of the artists are very younger. How have you ever personally handled the celebrity?
KANGDANIEL: We can say it’s true that Ok-pop stars are comparatively younger in comparison with different artists in several scenes and completely different international locations … however truthfully talking, age doesn’t actually outline the artist. It doesn’t actually make a distinction as a result of in Korea, we are saying there is no such thing as a age (restrict) when studying issues in training.
I don’t actually take pleasure in doing a whole lot of social media accounts, though I’ve one, and I don’t take a look at my cellphone for hours … I wish to talk and get impressed by others, however not an excessive amount of info — simply correct quantity as a result of I wish to perceive by myself, quite than evaluating myself with others.
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