Jay Park’s relentless journey in R&B and K-pop evolution
Korean rapper and R&B singer Jay Park has launched his long-awaited, 20-track R&B album, The One You Wanted. This album has been a work in progress for years and marks a significant milestone in Park’s diverse career. Speaking candidly in an interview recently, Park shares the challenges he faced to bring this vision to life.
From K-pop idol to solo artist
At 37, the Seattle native has experienced an illustrious career within the Korean entertainment industry. Starting as a K-pop idol, Park transitioned into a solo hip hop artist and made history as the first Asian act signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Beyond these achievements, he founded several entertainment companies, including his current venture, More Vision, where he serves as CEO.
The One You Wanted features numerous collaborations, including notable names like Ty Dolla $ign, IU, and Hwasa. Having last released an R&B album in 2016, Park expresses the deep connection fans have with his work in dance, R&B, and pop music. He humorously acknowledges the limited time he has left to continue in this space, driven by the need to release this deeply personal project.
“People identify me as different things, whether it be a rapper, CEO, or entrepreneur, but I feel they most resonate with my dance, R&B, and pop music,” says Park.
The challenges of multitasking
Throughout the years, Park kept promising fans the release of this album, always working on it in the studio while juggling multiple responsibilities. Founding More Vision, launching Won Soju, and other projects often interrupted his progress.
Plotting the time to complete
Park finally managed to block off dedicated time this year to focus entirely on finishing The One You Wanted. “I was determined to finish it. After seven rough years, the last six months were finally smooth sailing,” he reflects.
Jay Park’s role as CEO of More Vision
Besides his music, Park maintains a busy schedule as CEO of More Vision. The company’s current roster includes himself, singer Chung Ha, dancer Honey J and her crew HolyBang, and MVP (More Vision Project). Yet, Park is already looking towards the future, working on producing new K-pop idol groups.
Producing the next K-pop stars
“We’re continuously developing both a guy group and a girl group, aiming for their debut in early 2026,” Park reveals. He emphasizes the importance of vocal tone in selecting new artists, stating, “You could be the best singer in the world, but if your tone isn’t pleasing, people won’t listen to your music.”
Understanding the industry’s demands, Park’s production process for these groups heavily relies on his instincts. “Everything’s by instinct and I trust my instinct because that’s what got me this far,” he explains. Park believes he stands out uniquely, having successfully transitioned from an idol to a solo artist, then becoming a hip hop group leader and the first Asian American to be signed by Roc Nation.
Confident in the future
Park feels positive about the current group of trainees, “I am very confident in the kids we have. They sing great, and they sound even better than me,” he admits, seeing this as an opportunity to eventually pass the torch.
Mentorship and experience
As an advisor to up-and-coming artists, Park takes a unique approach. Rather than teaching or giving direct answers, he shares his vast experiences, hoping they offer valuable insights. “Knowledge and experience are significant assets. I don’t use them as leverage but share to help others,” he says.
“I want to see people happy. I don’t have to monetize everything.”
Jay Park’s The One You Wanted is now available, embodying years of dedication and growth. Follow our site for more updates on his endeavors and the future stars of K-pop.
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