[Individual Interview] UK (Apeaceformer member) talks about his ”determination” and ”determination” after releasing his first single in four years, ”Made Up Your Mind”

Apeace former member Yongwook, also known as UK, has released his first single in four years, "Made Up Your Mind," which has reached No. 2 on the Oricon daily charts!
UK, who honestly shared that joyful moment on social media, spoke about the meaning behind the word "determination" in the interview.
He has been producing his own music, taking music seriously and steadily performing free live shows. Now, at the turning point of his 30th year, he looks at his "now" and "future".
We'll take a closer look at the real you. Q. First of all, congratulations on reaching 2nd place on the Oricon daily chart! How did you feel? I was really happy. Of course, I'm also grateful for the chart ranking.
But more than that, I think each and every free live performance I've had with my fans has been a big help. After all, releasing a song on a major label is not an easy thing to do.
I'm really happy that I can now sing more original songs at live shows. I even took a screenshot and uploaded it to SNS (laughs).
I just wanted to express my joy honestly. Q. For this single, you worked with JUNE, a music producer from Stardust Promotion who you used to work with when you were in a group.
You worked together on the production. How was it? JUNE is someone who pays attention to even the smallest details, and he also helped me with the recording direction.
I learned a lot from him. I'm grateful that the relationship with him, who used to write songs for our group, has continued to this day, and I hope that one day I will be able to teach others.
My desire to become a professional athlete has grown stronger. Right now I want to continue working hard as a player, but I think it would be nice to walk that path when I'm in my 40s or 50s. Q.
The title "Made Up Your Mind" means "made up." What is the meaning behind that word?
I decided this after consulting with JUNE-san, and it was a passionate decision that reflected my "past" and "future" and my "determination."
I wanted to choose a title that would convey my feelings. The melody is based on "Standing Next to Me" by JUNG KOOK of "BTS".
I told JUNE that I wanted a song with a dance break like "You" that people could dance to, and that's how this song was created.
Q. In reference to the title of the song, what resolution have you made recently? I've decided to only drink draft beer on special days (laughs). I love beer, and I'm especially into Asahi Super Dry.
But... I wanted my birthday live on May 14th to be a great one, so I was training hard in preparation for it, and when I thought about taking that next step, I thought "alcohol"...
After that, I didn't drink alcohol at all for about three months. I had a drink for the first time in a while at the wrap-up party after the live performance, and it was so delicious that it was gone in an instant. Like magic (laughs). To be honest,
No one told me not to drink, and I didn't write about it on social media, but it was a promise I made to myself. It wasn't to show to anyone, but to take actions that would lead to a better future.
Q. Please tell us about the B-side song "You and Me's Season".
"Mind" was a song that leaned more towards K-POP and Western music, so I wanted to make another song that was completely J-POP-oriented.
When I was making it in Korean, I was working on the theme of "Love Wins." I was loved by my fans and my family, and I thought love is amazing, and nothing can win against love, so I came up with that theme.
But, because there was a great song behind that, I thought, "So what should I do?" and I thought of the "seasons" I would spend with my fans.
I think that seasons are actually very special. That's why I chose "The Season of You and Me." The arrangement and lyrics were worked on by someone I love, and it's filled with a lot of "love."
Q. What is your favorite season? Autumn. The color of the sky, the wind, everything feels good. But recently, I've started to like "summer," which I used to dislike, because of the memories I have with my fans.
I'm getting interested. I think it's a happy thing that the seasons I don't like are disappearing. Q. UK-san handles most of the work himself, including lyrics, composition, choreography, and composition.
Do you have any preferences for the environment or situation when you create? I find that songs come to me more easily when I'm really excited or really depressed than when I'm quiet.
For example, I wrote the song "Sky" after I left Japan and realized how important everyone is to me. The two songs I wrote this time were also written when I was in Korea.
Maybe it's when you're apart and have distance that you feel something big. Q. Is there a genre you'd like to create in the future?
Up until now, I've only released ballads or serious dance songs.
I'd like to write a song that will get you excited without thinking. It might not be ready in time for the July concert, but I might be able to deliver it at the next opportunity.
You turned 30 this year. Has anything changed for you at this turning point in your life? Unlike when I was an idol, I don't need to be "number one," so I'm thinking, "I want to hear that ballad, so I'm going to a concert."
I want to become an artist that makes people think, "I want to go see your show." I think music is more important now than it was in my 20s, and I want to convey the feelings I want to convey more clearly.
I want to make it a reality. That feeling is getting stronger and stronger. Q. Have you ever thought about your vision for after your 40s?
Actually, I have thought about being a teacher. My favorite artist, RAIN, is still in his 40s.
When I see her dancing, I want to aim to be like her. But I also love choreography, so if I ever get to the point where I can share it with others... then I want to take on the responsibility and do my best.
I think so. But I also want to do a Zepp tour, and for now I want to work harder as an artist. Q.
You also did a radio program. It was a program where people could end their day with your soothing voice.
How was it to try out the show called "Sugohashosumnida"? It's a show that's supposed to give healing to everyone, but conversely, I'm the one being healed by my fans (laughs).
). The listeners' worries are real, like, "I'm 20 now, but I don't know what the right answer is." He shares his own experiences, saying, "I'm 30, but I still don't know the answer."
It feels like I'm talking to her. Q. Did you use any radio show as inspiration? Sung Si Kyung. He has a very gentle voice, and every time I listen to his radio show,
I love that atmosphere, and in my own show I also use the words "sugohashossumnida (thank you for your hard work)" as a soothing phrase.
Q. The phrase "Sugohashōsumnida" seems like a "magic phrase" that releases you at the end of the day, but is there such a phrase for you, UK?
Do you remember it? Recently, it's the word "daijobu". In the past, I participated in writing the lyrics for a song called "daijobu", which I wrote because I wanted to tell everyone,
I often think to myself, "I was saying that to myself..." When I'm working out at the gym or when I'm having a tough time, I tell myself, "It's okay, I can do it" (laughs). To be honest, I don't like the gym.
I'm not a fan of it (laughs), but I've started to enjoy it recently. I believe that these experiences will lead to a better future. When I think about that future, I can't help but smile.
(laughs) Q. Finally, please give a message to your fans. I have a solo concert on July 8th. At the concert, I will be performing various acts with my dancers.
We plan to deliver the concert with a full lineup of songs. We are preparing as hard as we can. No matter how passionate I am about a live performance, it is the people who come to the venue who make it all possible.
I once again feel that it is the love of all my fans. But even if there is just one person who comes to the free live concert, I can promise you that I will sing with all my might and
"Dance and sweat." Please continue to support us. Thank you. UK LIVE -Made Up Your Mind- [Part 1/Part 2]
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 [Part 1] Doors open at 14:30, performance begins at 15:00 [Part 2] Doors open at 18:30, performance begins at 19:00 Venue: SHIBUYA, Tokyo
PLEASURE PLEASURE Ticket *1 drink sold separately Pia general sales: https://w.pia.jp/t/uklive2025/