LEX, a talented Korean-Canadian artist, made his debut in 2017 as a member of the K-pop boy group BIGFLO. Over the years, he has showcased his musical versatility by contributing to various albums, including his 2021 solo single "SIP," as well as soundtracks for K-dramas like You Make Me Dance (Original Web Drama Soundtrack, Pt. 1). Beyond his music career, LEX has gained recognition as a radio DJ and MC host, roles he held for several years. Since 2019, he has expanded his creative pursuits, delving into musical theater and acting, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
Lex returned his self-written new single "Starry Night" on January 2. It is a heartfelt track that captures themes of longing, nostalgia, and connection. In this interview, Lex shares how his journey as an artist has shaped the deeply personal lyrics of his latest release. With "Starry Night," he aims to honor the fans who have supported him from his idol debut to his current solo ventures, weaving their shared memories into a poignant melody that transcends language and time.
Beyond the music, Lex delves into the creative process behind the track, recounting challenges and joyful moments, including a comical mishap during the filming of the live clip. With 2025 poised to be a year full of musical releases and exciting projects, Lex's dedication to his craft and his fans shines brighter than ever, promising a future filled with meaningful connections.
Hello! Can you introduce your new single "Starry Night?"
First of all, hello KpopWise readers!
“Starry Night” is my second solo single, following my first track “SIP” back in 2021. It’s been a bit of a wait between releases because I’ve been busy with acting, particularly in dramas and musical theater. But I’m really excited to share this new piece with everyone.
The song is deeply personal. It’s about longing and missing something—whether it's a person, a past memory, or even a feeling. As I worked on the lyrics, I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey I've had with my fans. Those who’ve supported me since the very beginning of my idol career, and even the new fans who’ve joined me along the way. I wanted to capture that sense of nostalgia and connection.
If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say reminiscence. It’s all about looking back with love and appreciation for the moments that shaped me.
What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating "Starry Night"? Were there any memorable moments during the production?
I’ll be honest—I lost count of how many times I went into the studio to record and re-record this track (haha). It’s not just because I’m a perfectionist who zeroes in on every tiny detail, but also because I genuinely missed being in the recording studio. While working on "Starry Night," I experienced this oddly sentimental feeling, almost like reuniting with a long-lost friend or family member. It reminded me how much I’d missed creating music. Honestly, that’s the most exciting part of it all—getting back to what I love.
Now, if you’re curious about the challenges, here’s a fun one: while filming the live clip version of "Starry Night" (which you can catch on YouTube), I got locked out on a rooftop. And did I mention it was a VERY cold winter day? Let’s just say I was lucky there was no blizzard.
What is something that you hope your fans feel when they listen to "Starry Night"?
Although the song is in Korean, there are a couple of moments in the track that I’m especially proud of and hope you’ll connect with too. First off, the intro piano arrangement—it’s honestly one of my favorite parts. It sets such a distinct tone and, in my totally unbiased opinion, sounds incredible.
Secondly, there’s an English lyric featured in the live clip version of the song. There’s a sentiment in this song that I think a lot of us can relate to. It’s that feeling when you miss someone so much that you find yourself gravitating toward the places you shared together. You know, the kind of nostalgia that sneaks up on you at the most unexpected times. The song begins with, “I waited so long for the day I see you again,” which pretty much sets the emotional tone. My hope is that this track not only resonates with your experiences but also brings back some of those bittersweet memories—the kind that make you smile and sigh at the same time.
"Starry Night" Live Clip
Is there any style you want to try in the future?
I’ve always had a soft spot for R&B, pop, and K-ballad – those are the styles that really resonate with me. But I’m the kind of artist who loves to explore and push my boundaries. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and try new things, so K-rock is definitely on my radar for the future.
In fact, I’ve gotten feedback from some music producers who think my voice could actually work really well with that style. So, who knows? Maybe one day I’ll surprise everyone and rock out a bit (haha)!
Are there any specific themes or messages you’re excited to explore in your upcoming projects?
My first solo track, "SIP," represents a pivotal chapter in my journey—the moment I moved back to Korea to chase my dream of becoming an idol. It’s deeply personal, capturing the emotions and challenges of that transition. My second track, "Starry Night," is a heartfelt tribute to everyone who has supported me along the way. Their encouragement has been the guiding light in my path, much like stars on a clear night.
Looking ahead, my future music will delve into themes of personal growth, building resilience, and overcoming life’s obstacles. No matter how different we may seem—in appearance, behavior, or personality—at the core, we’re all human, sharing similar thoughts and struggles. My hope is that these upcoming projects will resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, bridging those shared experiences.
Who knows? One day I might even surprise you with an all-English track.
You’ve experienced both solo and group dynamics in the industry. What are the biggest differences for you, and how do they influence your music and performances?
The most obvious difference between being in a group and performing as a solo artist lies in the dynamics and focus. In a group, it’s all about teamwork, balance, and synchronization—finding harmony while still managing to catch the audience’s attention within your shared time on stage. As a solo artist, however, the entire 3 minutes or so of the performance is mine to command, giving me the chance to fully captivate the audience from start to finish.
I’m someone who thrives on details and enjoys organizing and planning things meticulously (and yes, having them go my way—haha!). Creating solo music allows me to channel all my personal emotions and experiences into my work. It’s incredibly liberating to have that creative freedom to express myself openly and share my world with others. That’s the beauty of going solo—it’s like painting on a blank canvas, where every stroke is uniquely yours.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
Before I found my passion for music, I was deeply immersed in sports. Growing up in Canada, I played tennis, volleyball, participated in track and field, swam, and even skated. To this day, tennis and swimming remain close to my heart. (Fun fact: one of my childhood dreams was to play professional tennis against the all-time greats, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, at Wimbledon. Imagine that—me on Centre Court, probably fumbling a serve, haha!)
Outside of music and sports, I genuinely enjoy catching up with friends over a beer or two and diving into those deep, philosophical conversations about life. (And yes, I can already picture you rolling your eyes at that last part.)
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start music?
I firmly believe that regardless of the industry you’re in, three things are essential for success: talent, luck, and most importantly, a great personality. These qualities are like the holy trinity of personal and professional growth—whether you're aiming to become a doctor, a lawyer, or even a global pop sensation.
Let’s face it: every career path comes with its own set of challenges and hurdles. For instance, we all know how rigorous and demanding the journey to becoming a doctor is—the years of studying, training, and relentless dedication. So why should it be any different with music? In fact, I’d argue that in music, you sometimes need to put in even more effort, because there’s no set blueprint or guaranteed path to success.
Now, I know this might sound cliché, but music truly is a universal language. It’s one of the few mediums where you can convey emotions and connect with people from every corner of the globe, often without even saying a word. That said, the music industry is vast and unpredictable. It’s rare to achieve your goals overnight. But here’s the thing: if you’re passionate about something, you’ve got to go all in. Take risks, embrace the grind, and keep pushing forward.
One thing I’d like to highlight is that the music industry is a bit of a roller coaster, especially when it comes to fame and money. If those are your primary goals, it can be a gamble, because success isn’t just about making “good music” anymore. It’s about getting people to actually hear your work in a world saturated with content. Trends change, algorithms shift, and the definition of success evolves constantly.
So, my advice is simple: stay persistent and focused. If you’re digging for a diamond, don’t stop just because the going gets tough. That gem might be closer than you think. Keep your passion alive, stay true to your vision, and don’t let the challenges discourage you. As we often say in Korean, Fighting!
What can we expect from you next?
2025 is going to be a year all about music for me. I’m excited to share that I’ve got some project albums lined up for release soon, and I’m also working on more music aimed for a Spring/Summer drop.
As for details, I can’t give too much away just yet, but I will say this: the new material will be a bit of a departure from what I’ve done so far. It’s going to bring something fresh, so I’m really looking forward to how everyone reacts when it drops!
What is a message you would give to your fans who support you?
Oh gosh, where do I even begin? One thing I’ve always wished for is to "grow old" together with all of you. (Does that even make sense in this context?) What I mean is that I’ve always wanted to be a meaningful part of my fans’ lives—not just someone you support from afar, but someone who can connect with you and be a small part of your journey too.
February 14th marks my 8th debut anniversary, and looking back, it’s been an incredible ride. Over these years, I’ve had so much fun being part of your life. From every album I’ve released to my ventures in musical theater, acting, and hosting various radio and interview shows, I’ve been blessed with an outpouring of love and support from you. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
You’ve shown me so much care, not just as an artist, but as a person. That’s why I’m committed to continuing this journey with you, bringing more music and, hopefully, a dash of positivity into your life. Thank you for being by my side. Love you all!
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