Q&A: WONHO Steps Into His Next Chapter With “Better Than Me”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SHEVON GREENE ☆
WITH HIS FIRST RELEASE IN SEVEN MONTHS — WONHO returns with a confident mix of 2000s flair, self-worth, and undeniable pop appeal. The multifaceted K-pop soloist, known for his emotional depth, style, and presence, is back and better than ever with his new single, “Better Than Me.”
The track marks the beginning of a new era and serves as the energetic yet emotional pre-release to his debut full-length album. With a nostalgic and fresh sound influenced by early 2000s boy bands like Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, the song tells a powerful story about knowing your worth after heartbreak. The music video leans into that same retro charm, featuring basketball courts, casual streetwear, and playful choreography to match the song’s energy and confident tone.
This release also arrives at a pivotal moment in WONHO’s career, following recent Jingle Ball performances across the US, the announcement of his “STAY AWAKE” South America tour, and a steadily growing global fanbase. His versatility in music, fashion and fitness continues to shape his artistry and inspire his creative evolution.
We spoke with WONHO about creating “Better Than Me,” inspirations behind the track, and what fans can expect from his upcoming album. Read below to learn more about his return and what this new chapter represents.
LUNA: “Better Than Me” marks your first release in a while. What made this the song you wanted to come back with?
WONHO: I chose “Better Than Me” as my comeback track because it felt so refreshing—something light, emotional, and easy to listen to, especially during the summer. The style and mood really fit my vocals, so it allowed me to express myself in a very natural and honest way.
LUNA: I love the fun and nostalgic ‘90s vibe of the music video with the basketball court, old-school car, and denim. What was the vision behind the video?
WONHO: Visually, I wanted to reflect the nostalgic feeling of the song, and that era—the ‘90s into early 2000s—just had this really authentic charm. The colors and styling helped create a world that felt both familiar and timeless, which really enhanced the mood I was trying to capture through the music.
LUNA: The message behind the song, knowing your worth even when love ends, feels super powerful. Was there a specific moment or feeling that inspired it?
WONHO: It really came from a place of self-respect and growth. I try to live a healthy and balanced life, and this song is a reminder that even when something ends—like a relationship—you can still choose to prioritize your well-being and self-worth.
LUNA: You’ve pulled inspiration from early 2000s boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys and have done it so well, I caught those influences right away. What is it about that sound that you connect with the most?
WONHO: I grew up listening to a lot of that music, so there’s a real sense of nostalgia and admiration tied to it for me—the melodies, the harmonies, the storytelling. I think that era had a way of making pop feel both emotional and energetic, and I wanted to bring some of that feeling into my own sound.
LUNA: Since this is a pre-release from your first full-length album, is there anything you can share about the bigger story or direction the album is heading in?
WONHO: For this album, I didn’t want to limit myself to one genre. Instead, I approached the idea of “pop star” as the genre itself. I chose songs that I genuinely love—whether they’re upbeat, emotional, or experimental—so the album reflects different sides of who I am, while still feeling cohesive as one story.
LUNA: You’re about to kick off your “STAY AWAKE” tour in South America, congrats! How are you feeling heading into that, and what are you most excited for?
WONHO: I’m so excited—and honestly, a little emotional—about finally starting a proper tour again after such a long break. South America has some of the most passionate fans, and I can’t wait to feel that energy in person and create unforgettable moments together.
LUNA: You’ve had some major global moments lately, including performing at Jingle Ball and fan meetups in the US. How has all of that impacted your mindset coming into this new era?
WONHO: It gave me time to reflect on who I am as an artist and what direction I really want to take. Those experiences helped me recognize my strengths and refine the image and sound I want to share with the world. It made me more confident in trusting my instincts moving forward.
LUNA: You’ve always been seen as more than just a singer; there’s the producing, your fitness side, your love for fashion. How do you stay grounded while juggling all of those creative outlets?
WONHO: Honestly, it all just developed naturally as part of being a singer. I think keeping my focus on music helps everything else stay balanced and genuine.
LUNA: The styling in the “Better Than Me” music video really stood out. Was there a specific fashion influence or look you were going for with this one?
WONHO: Even though the music has nostalgic elements, I didn’t want the fashion to feel overly retro. I aimed for something clean and timeless—simple looks that wouldn’t distract from the song, but would still feel fresh and stylish.
LUNA: When people hear “Better Than Me” for the first time, what’s the feeling or message you hope stays with them?
WONHO: I hope they can hear and feel my unique color and vocal identity in the song. More than anything, I want it to feel personal yet relatable—like there’s space for listeners to connect with it in their own way, while still getting a sense of who I am as an artist.
