ONE FINE DAY Entertainment
ROCKY fans all over the world! The day you have been waiting for is finally here! ROCKY has officially made his solo debut today, November 22, with the mini-album “ROCKYST”, marking a grand step forward as a complete artist in the truest sense of the word. In light of this monumental new beginning, Kpopmap had the chance to interview the young genius, and we’re celebrating with a special GIVEAWAY EVENT for our Kpopmap readers! So, we hope you enjoy this interview and keep reading until the end for more details on how you can win UNRELEASED POLAROIDS from ROCKY himself!
Before we get to the interview, check out ROCKY’s special message for Kpopmap readers and fans all over the world!
For those who might not know, ROCKY has made his solo debut under his very own company – ONE FINE DAY Entertainment. Yes, he’s indeed a CEO now, but this bold move also speaks of his determination to honor his own artistry and share it with the world at its fullest and purest. The mini-album “ROCKYST” is ROCKY standing on the world’s stage, showcasing his strengths as not just a multitalented idol or a power performer, but as a creator of his art, and needless to say, he delivered.
Now, let’s dive into our exclusive interview with ROCKY!
ONE FINE DAY Entertainment
A very warm welcome to Kpopmap, ROCKY! It is an honor to be interviewing you. Before anything else, congratulations on your solo debut! To start off our interview, please tell us your feelings when you saw and held your solo album for the first time.
I thought to myself, “Finally, I did it”. There were many ups and downs during the preparation stage, but in the end, being able to come out like this is both fascinating and makes me very happy at the thought of showing it to fans.
Your 1st mini-album, “ROCKYST” is a combination of “ROCKY” and “ARTIST”. So, you are presenting yourself as a complete artist, not just singer-songwriter ROCKY or producer ROCKY. We have always known that ROCKY is talented in various fields, but what new side of you as an artist are you showing fans through this album?
I’m excited for everyone to experience various sides of me through the diverse genres featured in this album. Besides writing and composing the tracks, I took charge of producing and choreographing. It’s not just about singing and dancing; I believe I can showcase myself as an artist who creates content.
ROCKY is known among global fans as an all-rounder. Did you feel any pressure to live up to this title?
Of course, there are those moments. However, I’m grateful for the love and support for my performances. Whenever I feel pressured, I find that working hard and practicing diligently helps alleviate that burden.
ONE FINE DAY Entertainment
Would it be right to say that “ROCKYST” represents the real ROCKY? Were there any aspects of your personality (the human ROCKY) that you wanted to show through this album?
The album title “ROCKYST” is a fusion of “ROCKY” and “ARTIST,” aiming to represent myself as an artist. My biggest aspiration as a human being now is to become an amazing artist. I often contemplate how I can repay fans with better dance performances or present better songs. I constantly ponder what aspects of myself fans would love the most. It feels like I spend my days absorbed in these thoughts, constantly striving to improve and work harder.
“ROCKYST” contains 6 tracks that are all very versatile. There are many genres that fans may not have expected. Have you always wanted to work with these genres?
I tend to have less resistance towards taking on new challenges. I believe it’s essential to interpret and present new things in my unique way. That way, I believe I can bring out ROCKY’s individuality in music and dance, by interpreting and digesting new things in my distinct style.
The title track ‘Lucky Rocky’ is very catchy and exciting – the perfect song for a New Year’s party! How did you come up with such a legendary song title?
Listen closely, and you’ll hear the repetition of ‘Lucky Rocky.’ I thought that by addictively repeating my name, more people might listen and become more familiar with it.
Speaking of the holidays, do you have anything special planned for fans coming soon?
I’m preparing a Christmas album for the winter season. Please look forward to it with high expectations!
ONE FINE DAY Entertainment
The last 2 songs on the mini-album (‘Yes Or No’ and ‘Find Me’), are quite different from the others, showing a sentimental side of ROCKY. How was the songwriting atmosphere for these two songs different from the rest? I’m curious about the mood you were in when you wrote each song.
‘Yes Or No’ was planned as a mid-tempo acoustic track. When the theme ‘Yes Or No’ emerged, I felt it should be a folk song that’s easy to sing along to. ‘Find Me’ was created during group activities. During a year-long hiatus at that time, not being able to meet fans made me wish I could be found by them, as originally I’d be able to see them if I searched. This sentiment inspired the song, hoping fans could find me, and we could meet. I included it as the final track in the solo album, hoping fans would listen to it.
Fans always have high expectations for your choreography because of your unique style. How did you come up with the choreography this time? I’m curious about your inspiration.
I think rather than seeking inspiration, I pondered on how I could present the things I naturally possessed in a unique and different way. While in the past, I might have danced within predefined frameworks, as a solo artist, I aimed to showcase a greater freedom of expression. I wanted to exhibit a sense of freedom in my movements rather than emphasizing specific techniques, aiming for a natural, rhythmic, and groovy dance style.
Before we wrap up, congratulations on also starting your own company, ONE FINE DAY Entertainment! Fans are excited for your new journey as an artist and CEO. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to take this big step? What were some things that motivated you, and when did you know you were ready?
I didn’t have a specific turning point, but I had a growing desire to continue my music career. Among numerous choices, I found myself drawn to a particular path, leading me to want to independently create my own music. That’s how I’ve ended up here, driven by the desire to produce my music on my own.
ONE FINE DAY Entertainment
Finally, do you have anything you would like to say to fans all over the world who are loving and supporting you?
Thank you so much to all my fans for waiting. I’m really grateful. I’ll be coming to you with various music and performances in the future, so please look forward to it! I’ve also created an official website because I want to share more stories with all of you. Come visit rockyofficial.com to communicate with me more closely! Always thankful. 🙂
Did you check out all of ROCKY’s honest stories?
Now, check out the contents of the event!
#ROCKY's official solo debut is here!
To celebrate, Kpopmap interviewed the young genius! Check it out now, only on Kpopmap!
* And there will be a special event✨, so the details are provided at the bottom of the interview post.
Read Now ▶️https://t.co/wKwAWi6MZT pic.twitter.com/G2OFXJSbQR— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) November 22, 2023
