Park Kyung is a man of many titles. He’s a radio DJ, talented songwriter, TV star, K-pop group idol and solo artist in his own right. It’s a delicate balance, but one that he pulls off effortlessly. With a new single released May 23, “Gwichanist,” Park Kyung the solo artist is ready to win over fans around the world with his dreamy, laid-back hip-hop sound.

Park Kyung has been a K-pop idol for more than eight years now, beginning in 2011 when he debuted as part of the seven-member group Block B. Since then, the band have only grown in popularity thanks to their edgy concepts and unique blend of hip-hop and rock, which can be heard on tracks like “Shall We Dance,” “Very Good” and “Yesterday,” which was written and composed in part by Park Kyung.

The artist took his first steps as a solo artist in 2015 with the release of the groovy, saccharine duet “Ordinary Love” featuring singer Park Boram. His first mini-album, Notebook, was released in 2017 and featured five songs that Park Kyung had written, arranged and composed himself, as well as featured popular artists like Sumin and Eunha of GFRIEND.

This year, Park Kyung will continue releasing his own music, something he’s kicking off with new single “Gwichanist.” The song’s title translates to “lazy person,” and its lyrics center on exhaustion, the paradox of wanting to stay in and go out, social media and self-care. A mellow, jazzy single, Park Kyung wrote, produced, and arranged the track himself — and gets to show off both his rapping and singing ability on the tune.

The music video for “Gwichanist” is very much on theme: It playfully juxtaposes the song’s lyrics with the bustling life of an idol. It sees Park Kyung recording a ridiculous number of advertisements and ending the night hosting a radio program like did earlier this year. (He also released a behind the scenes look at the music video-filming process on his personal YouTube channel, which includes lots of kickboard riding, chicken eating and popcorn flinging.)

We caught up with Park Kyung to discuss “Gwichanist,” his DJing experience and where he finds songwriting inspiration. Most excitingly? He also hinted at “more collaborations to come” in the future.

Is there a difference between “Block B” Park Kyung and “soloist” Park Kyung? Are there different sides of your personality that you are able to show through your solo material?

In my personal opinion, I think both Block B and soloist Park Kyung [release] great music. If I had to pick a difference, the music of Block B is comparably strong and for me, as a solo artist, I focus more on my own music style.

Tell us a bit about your new single. What inspired you to write this song and what were your thoughts while recording it?

My new single is about my laziness! I tried to write this song to show my laziness through my music. I thought it would be fun and interesting to describe laziness through lyrics and music. I guess laziness is a universal feeling that everyone in this world feels sometimes.

You’re known for writing, composing, and arranging your own songs. What’s the strangest time when inspiration for a song came to you?

Anytime I am awake I write songs! Regardless of [whether it’s] daytime or nighttime… Also even when I am taking a shower, I get inspired sometimes! I don’t think there is a specific time for my inspiration.

What’s one song that you’ve composed that you’re extremely proud of?

I recommend one of Block B’s songs, “Like This,” because it’s the first ballad song that I ever composed. It’s really good and even I still listen to it now!

You not only release material as an artist but were also a radio DJ for the beginning of 2019. How was that experience?

I enjoyed myself a lot as a radio DJ because I could communicate with lots of people and recommend great music to them. I would love to [work as a DJ] for a long time!

You’ve spoken before about the difficulties of being a celebrity. What do you do to keep yourself grounded?

I try not to behave badly [in a way] that can harm others. If so, I can be proud of myself and be confident.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your American Honeybees [a.k.a. fans]?

I have been to the U.S. recently. It reminded me of my previous U.S. tour! I would like to thank Honeybees for supporting and loving me all the time; I look forward to a day that I can perform in front of you all. Please keep supporting me. I love you all.

What is one personal goal you want to accomplish this year?

I would like to focus on writing/composing songs to release mini albums this year. I will try my best!

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