JUNHEE’s Special First Step: The First Day & Night Opens a New Era

On September 12 at noon KST, JUNHEE officially turned the page on a brand-new chapter with the release of his first solo mini album, The First Day & Night. For longtime fans who have followed his journey from group activities to this highly anticipated debut, the album feels less like a beginning and more like a long-awaited unveiling — music that JUNHEE has carried in his heart for years, finally shared under his own name.

This debut mini album is more than just a milestone. The First Day & Night is JUNHEE’s chance to define himself on his own terms, establishing a distinct presence as a soloist while also showing a side of him that listeners haven’t yet seen. Every song was carefully chosen and crafted to feel like an intimate conversation, as if he’s guiding fans through the moments that fill a single day — from the first rays of morning light to the quiet ache of midnight. At the center of the project is the title track “Umbrella (10:00)”, a medium-tempo pop number that captures a very specific kind of heartbreak. The song tells the story of a lover who only reaches out when it’s convenient, leaving JUNHEE waiting with hope that never truly arrives. Through the imagery of rain, an umbrella, and the self left standing in between, the track conveys longing and fragility in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Paired with JUNHEE’s clear, resonant vocals, the emotion lingers long after the final note.

But the album goes far beyond its lead single. Arranged to mirror the passage of time, each track in The First Day & Night is tied to a moment of the day — beginning with “Umbrella (10:00),” moving through highlights like “Too Bad (15:00)”, and reaching into the late hours with “Night (02:00)” before closing with the Korean version of “Umbrella (10:00).” The time stamps are not just clever titles; they’re an invitation for listeners to weave the songs into their own daily rhythm, choosing tracks to match their moods and moments. In the lead-up to release, JUNHEE emphasized this time-centered storytelling through a series of concept photos, unveiled exactly at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. KST to mirror “Umbrella (10:00)” and “Too Bad (15:00).” The teasers sparked waves of curiosity among fans, building anticipation day by day.

The excitement carried into September 11, when JUNHEE took the stage on Mnet’s M Countdown to perform “Umbrella (10:00)” for the very first time. The performance showcased both his stage presence and the emotional core of the track, drawing enthusiastic responses from fans in Korea and abroad. Hours later, on September 12 at 10 a.m. KST, the “Umbrella (10:00)” music video premiered — a vibrant visual filled with light, shadow, and JUNHEE’s effortless charisma, setting the tone for his solo career.

For fans, the release was made even more special by JUNHEE’s listening party, held just days prior. Around 300 lucky attendees got the first chance to hear every track live, sharing an intimate celebration that reflected his gratitude and the emotional weight of this first step.

The project also arrives on the heels of JUNHEE’s pre-release single “Supernova (00:00),” which dropped a month earlier. The track stormed iTunes charts across seven countries, topping rankings in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Hong Kong, among others. Its success not only raised anticipation for the mini album but also reaffirmed JUNHEE’s growing international presence.

With The First Day & Night, JUNHEE has proven that his artistry goes beyond expectations. The album threads together pop energy, lyrical vulnerability, and heartfelt sincerity into a collection that feels personal and timeless. For fans, it’s not just an album — it’s an invitation to spend a day in JUNHEE’s world.

Looking forward, JUNHEE plans to continue his solo journey through music program appearances, new content, and ongoing promotions that will allow him to connect even more closely with his global fanbase. His first step may be The First Day & Night, but it already feels like the beginning of something much greater.

💿 The First Day & Night is out now on all major streaming platforms.

📸 All photos courtesy of H&P Entertainment, PAN Entertainment