Unfiltered, Unbound, and Unapologetic: HANSE Opens Up About His Journey, Japan, and "Shine Forever"
- K Fuse
- 13 hours ago
- 10 min read
Welcome back, #SoundLovers! Today on K Fuse, we are diving deep into the world of a multi-talented force who has been redefining his sound and style across borders. HANSE has never been an artist defined by limitation. From his debut days as the main rapper of VICTON to his current evolution as a solo musician, he has continued to reshape his identity through raw emotion, genre experimentation, and unwavering honesty. With his latest release, “Shine Forever,” HANSE steps into a reflective yet forward-moving era—one shaped by personal struggle, creative independence, and a desire to connect.
HANSE made his official debut as a member of the boy group VICTON on November 9, 2016. During his time with the group, he became well-known for his sharp rapping skills and creative involvement in their music, helping to shape the group's identity over several successful years. Following the conclusion of his activities with VICTON, HANSE embarked on a new path as a solo artist, choosing to lean into his personal artistic vision and explore deeper, more experimental sounds. This transition has allowed him to showcase his versatility as both a performer and a songwriter, making him a whirlwind force in the industry.
“I don’t have any special philosophy or mindset. I make music because I’m someone who makes songs—it’s just a natural part of who I am.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter and honor the incredible dedication of his fans, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with HANSE for an exclusive look behind the artist. We talked about his recent experiences abroad, the creative process that birthed his latest track, and the vision he holds for his future in the industry. Let’s see what HANSE has to say as he steps into this new era.
K Fuse: We first want to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to share your story with us here at K Fuse. While we have been fans since your debut in 2016, could you please take a moment to introduce yourself to readers who may be meeting you for the first time?
HANSE: Hello, I’m HANSE, a musician from Korea. Nice to meet you.
K Fuse: Your artistry is known for its raw vulnerability. When you look back at your journey from your debut in 2016 to your work now, what is the most significant change you’ve noticed in the way you express yourself through music?
HANSE: The biggest musical change has been that during my time promoting as part of the idol boy group VICTON, I mainly showcased rap-focused music as the group's rapper. Since the group activities ended, I've been focusing more on band-oriented music.
K Fuse: Transitioning from a group dynamic in VICTON to a solo path allowed you to explore different sounds. How has the creative independence of being a solo artist changed the way you approach the songwriting process?
HANSE: Since I was young, I’ve loved both hip-hop and rock music. Over time, I found myself listening to more rock, enjoying it more, and creating more of it. Those who know me well probably already know this, but when I released my first solo album in 2021, it had two title tracks. The main title track was hip-hop, while the secondary title track was a pop-punk song. I found that writing melodies and lyrics over the sounds of the genres I love came naturally to me, and I think that’s what led me to where I am today.
K Fuse: What is one lesson from your early career that you still carry with you every single day in the studio?
HANSE: I simply approach each day with the mindset of making music however it naturally comes out. I don’t have any special philosophy or mindset. I make music because I’m someone who makes songs—it’s just a natural part of who I am.
K Fuse: Your stage presence has always captivated viewers and listeners and is often described as a “whirlwind force.” What does it feel like to be in the middle of that intensity?
HANSE: Thank you very much for seeing it that way. I still have a lot to learn, and I’m always working to become an even better artist. Please continue to watch my journey. Thank you.
K Fuse: You’ve become known for a rare level of honesty in your lyrics; what sparked you to create in this manner?
HANSE: I always turn what I feel and what I want to say into lyrics. Sometimes there’s a bit of fiction mixed in, but most of the time I create music based on things I’ve seen, heard, and felt. Honestly, though, I don’t think that’s anything special. I believe most artists who write their own music work with a similar mindset.
K Fuse: What does the word “artist” or “idol” mean to you personally at this stage in your life?
HANSE: Artists and idols are definitely different, but I think the line between them is very thin. Even if someone doesn’t know how to write songs, if they can express what they think, feel, and want to communicate, then I believe anyone can be an artist.
K Fuse: You’ve spent significant time performing in Japan recently. Was there a specific element of the Japanese music scene or environment that surprised you the most?
HANSE: Since I’ve been active in Japan quite often now, there isn’t much that surprises me in terms of daily life anymore. However, I think Japanese artists have incredibly unique and distinctive approaches to lyrics and melodies. Every time I discover a new Japanese artist, I experience a refreshing sense of inspiration as a Korean artist.
K Fuse: Were there any interactions with local creators or the Japanese music environment that you feel will influence your future creative direction?
HANSE: I don’t know if it will happen, but I’ve been thinking about forming a band, either in Korea or Japan. I want to keep learning step by step so that day can eventually come. As for what influences I may receive in the future, I’m not sure yet. For now, I simply want to do my best with the work and responsibilities in front of me.
K Fuse: How would you describe the unique energy you felt from your fans during your time in Japan?
HANSE: My Japanese fans aren’t necessarily the most energetic during performances, but they watch the stage with sincere eyes. At first, I wasn’t used to that style of communication, so I often tried to encourage more reactions and wondered if the atmosphere was awkward. Eventually, I realized that this is simply part of their culture and way of expressing themselves. Still, I hope that one day I can create performances that make them even more passionate and excited than they are now.
K Fuse: Congratulations on the release of “Shine Forever.” Can you walk us through the creative process for this song?
HANSE: I wrote this song during a difficult period in my life. Even so, I wanted to sing about hope. At that time, I was searching for even the smallest glimmer of hope. I wanted to express my desire to continue shining as an artist for a very long time. As you’ll notice when you listen to the song, about 90% of the lyrics are in English. Since I don’t get many opportunities to meet fans from English-speaking countries in person, I wanted to communicate with them through music in their language. I hope this song reaches people who are feeling exhausted or surrounded by darkness.
K Fuse: How did you approach the production to ensure the sound matched the intensity of the message you wanted to convey?
HANSE: Since I’m currently working independently without a company, there wasn’t any particularly elaborate production process. I released this song with the mindset of not putting too much pressure on it and focusing on preparing what comes next. Still, I hope many people listen to it. I’ll continue working hard to make that happen.
K Fuse: What was the most difficult sonic or emotional obstacle you had to overcome to bring this project to life?
HANSE: Musically, the process went relatively smoothly from creation to release. The biggest challenge wasn’t related to the music itself—it was simply the difficult state I was in mentally at the time.
K Fuse: How does "Shine Forever" expand or redefine your musical identity compared to your previous solo work?
HANSE: Because I’ve been focusing on band-oriented music, many fans have told me they miss hearing my rap. I can’t satisfy every preference, but with this song I tried to find a middle ground. Naturally, that led me toward the nu-metal genre, which allowed me to showcase both rap and singing. I’ve said this many times before: just because I focus on band music doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned rap or hip-hop. I simply want to share as much of the music I love as possible.
K Fuse: When working on this release, how much was spontaneous discovery in the studio versus a meticulously planned vision?
HANSE: This song’s demo version and final release version aren’t dramatically different. The released version is simply a more polished and higher-quality version of the original demo. If I had to point out a difference, the demo had a much stronger nu-metal influence, while the final version incorporates more elements of pop and hip-hop alongside the nu-metal foundation.
K Fuse: Looking back, what is the most important lesson you learned while working in Japan that you are applying to your career now?
HANSE: This year marks my tenth year since debuting, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support and care about me. Regardless of nationality, I want to thank all my fans in Korea, Japan, and around the world.
K Fuse: Do you plan on touring to other countries?
HANSE: At the moment, I don’t really have plans to travel to other countries. It’s also been a very long time since I visited the United States. More than anything, I hope to meet my American fans through performances. I’ll keep working hard so that day can come again as soon as possible.
K Fuse: What song would you recommend to listeners finding you for the first time, and why?
HANSE: Personally, I’d love to recommend all of my songs. I still feel like I haven’t released that much music, and it would make me happy if even one more person could discover my musical growth and journey. But if I absolutely had to choose one song, I’d recommend Shine Forever simply because it’s my most recent release.
K Fuse: Is there a personal interest or quiet hobby that you always make time for?
HANSE: I honestly don’t have any particular hobbies. If anything, I spend time watching YouTube. I’m now thirty years old in Korean age, and I think it’s finally time to stop just talking about exercising and actually start doing it. Then maybe I’ll be able to say that working out is my hobby.
K Fuse: Is there anything that you miss about being in a group compared to your activities as a solo artist?
HANSE: I think I was happy then, and I’m happy now. The difference is that the happiness feels different. They’re simply different kinds of happiness. There are many things I miss, but it would be difficult to explain them all. And since missing those days won’t bring them back, I’d rather keep them as happy memories.
K Fuse: Did you explore any new foods or places recently while in Japan?
HANSE: Recently, I discovered a new favorite Japanese food: tsukemen. It’s a type of ramen where you dip the noodles into the broth before eating them. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend trying it.
K Fuse: What’s currently on your playlist?
HANSE: I usually listen to music on shuffle. Right now, MGK’s “fix ur face” is playing, and I’m actually writing these interview answers while listening to that song.
K Fuse: Beyond the immediate success of your latest release, what are the goals you are currently setting for yourself as a solo artist?
HANSE: I want to be someone who can continue making music happily for a long time. There are many things required to sustain a long career in music, and I want to maintain and keep building those things. Most importantly, I hope to stay healthy both physically and mentally. That’s really all I want.
K Fuse: Is there another side of HANSE—perhaps a genre or a performance style—that your fans haven't seen yet, that you are eager to try?
HANSE: Since most of my music is band-oriented, I’d love to perform with a full live band.
K Fuse: If you could create your "dream project" without any constraints or boundaries, what would it look like?
HANSE: If I could create my dream project without any limitations, I think it would be making an album with the very best people in every field, collaborating freely and without restrictions.
K Fuse: What is the one thing you want your music to stand for when people look back at your discography years from now?
HANSE: I simply hope that people will remember my name for a long time. In our profession, there’s nothing scarier than being forgotten.
I hope people simply listen, feel whatever comes naturally, and enjoy the music. Music is meant to be enjoyed.
K Fuse: To those who have been with you since 2016 and those who are just finding your music today: what is the most important thing you want your fans to understand about how you think and why you create?
HANSE: I’m constantly creating new music, and I’ll keep working hard to present it in the best possible way. I’ll also continue performing in Japan, and I’ll do my best to meet people not only there but in many other places as well. Thank you for your continued love and support.
K Fuse: As you look at the rest of 2026, what are you most looking forward to sharing with your community?
HANSE: A healthy mind leads to a healthy body. I hope everyone can live happily and without too much hardship.
K Fuse: Sadly, it is time for us to close out our interview. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your story with K Fuse, our readers, and your fans. Before we leave, is there a message that you would like to leave for everyone?
HANSE: This has been HANSE. I love you all.
As HANSE continues to leave his mark on the industry by merging his signature intensity with a bold, forward-thinking vision, it is clear that his journey is only gaining momentum. The release of "Shine Forever" serves as a reflection of his growth, his tenacity, and the unwavering connection he shares with those who follow his work. We are incredibly grateful to HANSE for opening up and sharing his perspective. Keep your eyes on the horizon, because if this current era is any indication, the best—and most honest—is yet to come!
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