Kim Jae Joong reflects on 20-year career, how 'Flower Garden' is his 'ultimate expression'

Gratitude is just one word to describe how Kim Jae Joong feels lately. The Korean singer and actor got his start two decades ago with idol group TVXQ! and has since cemented himself as a pioneer in the overseas industry.

"To be honest, it is a grateful opportunity to be able to stay active for 20 years after debuting," the 38-year-old tells USA TODAY. "This industry is known for a short activity span in average, too, so I am very thankful for being able to push through."

Jae Joong's career has ebbed and flowed with the Korean entertainment landscape. He made his acting debut and left TVXQ! in 2009. He then would form JYJ. He began releasing solo music in 2013. He's won awards and topped music charts.

But one thing has remained constant through it all: the love and support of his fans.

"I could not have stayed active until today if they didn't support me on the way. I was never alone," Jae Joong shares.

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In celebration of his 20th year since debut, Jae Joong released "FLOWER GARDEN" on June 26.

He wanted to convey his "experience, expressions, and love that I received for the last 20 years through songs in this album," Jae Joong says. "I felt like it was my mission to express my gratitude and reminiscence of the past with my own words and music."

"FLOWER GARDEN" paints a vivid image of Jae Joong's years. The flowers represent love and the greater garden symbolizes "my fans' love for me," he explains.

Cultivating 'FLOWER GARDEN'

Jae Joong wrote a majority of the tracks on "FLOWER GARDEN". The album is his first Korean-language release in nearly two years and the first under his own agency, iNKODE Entertainment.

"I was relieved and glad to have different space of expression for each song," he says. "Some might guess that this album is only filled with stories related to love, but it actually carries my consideration on various ways to express my journey for identity and who I have become so far."

With 13 songs (14 including a CD-only track), Jae Joong felt it was the perfect chance to showcase a myriad tones and themes; something he has cultivated with age.

"I don't think my album is a collection of one genre, but rather it is a combination of multiple genres. Through group and solo activities, I've been studying and practicing what I like and what I do well," he explains. "I think this album became the ultimate expression of Kim Jae Joong as a versatile artist."

Jae Joong says in the past, his solo work honed in on the rock genre, and single "Glorious Day" relishes in this expertise.

But another stand out is B-side track, "Don't." Jae Joong believes the song best symbolizes his mindset. "Its lyrics represents how comfortable I feel now to talk about the pain and hardship I had to deal with in the past, and with a smile."

Reflecting on his career

Jae Joong founded iNKODE in 2023 and serves as its chief strategy officer. As an agency head, Jae Joong's scope has expanded beyond his solo work.

"It is now almost impossible to solely focus on my artistic elements," he shares. "It is a difficult job, but knowing all the process and space behind everything I do allows me to feel more thankful for my work and stay humble."

Jae Joong has experienced industry shifts firsthand and his promotions in South Korea and across Asia have informed how he operates. This has particularly influenced his plans to launch an idol group under iNKODE.

"I am able to educate other artists about different atmospheres and sentiments in various countries directly and indirectly," he says. "I can think and lead the artists in the point of the artist's view, on top of the materialistic business mindset when considering what artists actually need and want."

Jae Joong's journey, however, was not free of challenge. In 2009, he – alongside two other TVXQ!'s original members – filed a lawsuit against their company for contract structure and length, as well profit distribution. This ultimately led to the trio's departure from the group and the formation of JYJ, which saw great success. It brought to light so-called "slave contracts" in the K-pop industry and led to reforms.

"I did not want any other colleagues or juniors to go through (that) as well, so looking back, I'm relieved about the process," Jae Joong reflects. "When you're living in a better world, you have to take that advantage and create something awesome from that. Not everyone has to choose a bumpy road to improve oneself."

One of Jae Joong's biggest takeaways from the last two decades is to not obsess over the past. "As for now, I think it is that I have to take care of my mentality."

Jae Joong's upcoming drama and hopes for the future

Jae Joong is set to return to the screen with the upcoming K-drama "Bad Memory Eraser." The show was filmed about two years ago, so he's happy to see its release. "I think it's a timeless story that all viewers would be able to enjoy gladly," Jae Joong says.

He hopes the drama can serve as an introduction to those unfamiliar with his work. "There was a time when young people, especially in their teens and twenties, don't know much about who I am," he reveals. "This new drama will serve as a chance to showcase myself as an actor Kim Jae Joong to the younger audience, which I am very thankful for."

The Korean music industry has certainly changed since Jae Joong debuted. But the landscape's expansion has allowed for new outlets and opportunities.

"I think that is why there are many various genres and styles of music coming out," Jae Joong says. "The start line itself has broadened; an idol group doesn't necessarily have to start in the domestic market but can freely choose to promote anywhere around the world."

As for his future, Jae Joong wants to remain active.

"I want to set up an example by promoting for a long time myself because I don't want the younger generation to feel scared about their future," he says.