Singer Jang Han-eum returns to the music scene with his Dream series, which carries messages of comfort and hope.
Jang Han-eum held a media showcase on the 30th at Seongam Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, to mark the release of his second EP, DAYDREAM.
“I’m excited and happy,” Jang said. “I worked hard to show how I’ve grown and to reveal many sides of myself. I wanted to pack the record with positive energy and things I needed to say. I’ll give it my all.” He added that, unlike his previous release, he prepared his performances with greater care. “These songs can sound different depending on how you interpret them. I hope listeners reflect on their own emotions and stories while they listen.”
Jang Han-eum’s first physical album, DAYDREAM, is a nine-track EP that captures the emotions you confront between dream and reality. It distills his deeper sensitivity and musical growth. Jang planned the whole project and contributed to the writing and composition of every track, balancing authenticity with craft.
“This album asks why we keep dreaming despite everything,” Jang explained. “There’s a lot of hardship in the world and many forces that try to stop us. How do we get through them? How can my music offer a hopeful message to people facing those struggles? I hope listeners place their own stories into these songs and find inspiration and comfort.”
He went on to say, “Too often people mock others’ dreams, saying things like, ‘You won’t make it’ or ‘That’s too big for you.’ Dreams should be open to anyone, but too many respond with negativity. I wanted to tell people not to let those critics stop them and to keep pursuing the dreams they truly want.”
The EP’s double title tracks, “WANNA” and “Only 1,” approach the theme of pursuing dreams in different ways, showcasing Jang’s musical range. Each track brings its own mood and message, helping to complete the album’s narrative.
The title song arrived after a rocky creative process. “I went through a lot of difficult moments,” he said. “There was about a week when I couldn’t go home. I drove home at times when other people were leaving for work. I pulled all-nighters working until sunrise, then felt a song wasn’t right and scrapped it. ‘WANNA’ came together in two hours, and I was so happy that it finally happened.”
Jang appeared on Mnet’s Boys 2 Planet last year, finishing in 18th place and being eliminated during the third survival announcement. Although his name surfaced as a possible member of a derived group alongside Choi Rip-woo and Kang Woo-jin, he has returned as a solo artist. The public showed strong interest in his next steps, but his team had limited questions on that topic during the showcase, so few details were shared.
Jang’s comeback coincides with a crowded week of high-profile solo returns. Day6’s Wonpil and Red Velvet’s Irene are also releasing new music. Earlier, Kang Min—who appeared with Jang on Boys 2 Planet—made his solo debut on the 26th.
Asked what sets him apart as a solo artist, Jang said, “Unlike working in a group, I can deliver a very personal message. I didn’t want to fall back on predictable love songs—I wanted to say what I truly feel. The reason I make music is to give others hope and comfort.”
With this EP, Jang continues the Dream universe. “I released ‘Lucid Dream’ the year before last,” he said. “From the planning stage, I envisioned a three-part Dream series and proposed it to the company. This album contains hints about the next installment. Finding those clues is part of the fun.”
Jang Han-eum’s second EP, DAYDREAM, will be released officially at 6 PM today.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia reporter
