Former Monsta X member Wonho wins American hearts with 'Losing You', announces solo debut mini album
Former Monsta X member Wonho has officially gone solo with the debut of a new studio album. Consisting of a concise set of eight tracks in total, the aptly titled ‘WONHO 1ST MINI ALBUM Part. 1 Love Synonym #1 : Right for Me' is set to drop on Friday, September 4 at 1 pm KST /12 am EST.
Earlier this month, the heartthrob K-pop singer released his first official English solo song. Titled 'Losing You' and co-written by Wonho, the new track is a love song and more notably an ode to fans who thought they might have lost him. With stunning vocals over a soulful piano ballad, Wonho sings, "Don’t you know that I would die for you. If I knew that you would make it through? 'Cause losing me is better than losing you." Watch the 'Losing You' music video below.
In March, Wonho said he decided to leave K-pop band Monsta X to save the group after past allegations of cannabis use emerged, despite having never touched drugs. He was also recently cleared of all drug charges after a thorough police investigation. In an interview with local news site Dispatch, Wonho opened up about his departure from the group.
"I didn't want to see Monsta X break apart because of me. I thought the group could be saved if I left the group as soon as possible," he said. "I promised so much to fans and said I'd always be by their side. It's regrettable that I had to leave this way," he shared and also apologized to his fans, saying, "I can't forget my fans still and all I have is regret like I should've done better? I just want to say 'sorry'."
The record label for Monsta X said they would support him in building his solo career, saying, "We will continue to fully support Wonho for developing his own career in the future."
In a recent interview with Forbes, the singer-songwriter-producer spoke about his new solo venture. "While these weren't easy moments to face and endure, it was a time that made me think a lot and that allowed me to develop and grow — that was very important and precious for me. I thought of the fans waiting and supporting me… I feel a little more mature, and like I have more to say to the world," he said.
When it comes to his solo works so far, Wonho's music has quickly caught the attention of the US market and the hashtag WONHO_LosingYou_MV for his highly anticipated single catapulted to the No. 1 Twitter trend, globally. The track also received positive criticism from publications such as Rolling Stone, MTV News, Access, iHeart and PAPER Magazine.