The Essence of SORAN’s New Era

The musician talks about a string of his latest singles and the transition to a one-man band.

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “SORAN is ___” or “SORAN’s music is ___”? 
“SORAN is a musician who makes enjoyable music and puts on joyful live performances.”

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career? 
From a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a musician while listening to artists like Michael Jackson and Seo Taiji and Boys. I started learning instruments in middle school, and by high school, I had decided to major in composition [and] begin pursuing music more seriously. Later, after discovering artists like John Mayer and Jason Mraz, I wanted to form a band that created pop-based music with a similar spirit.

Please describe your new collaboration with MIYEON, “ceremony”! 
I’ve loved the original song by Awesome City Club for a long time, so I was excited to have the opportunity to remake it. It’s a pop track that you can enjoy anytime, regardless of the occasion. [MIYEON’s] vocal tone matched the song beautifully, and she is an incredibly talented singer.

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

Please describe your other 2026 releases so far!
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“Drawing an apple” carries the message of taking things one step at a time, no matter how complicated or overwhelming life may seem. It was a message I wanted to share with both my fans and myself at the beginning of the year. 

“Tonight I’m Afraid of the Dark (2026 ver.)” was released as part of an April Fools Day event with 10CM, where we exchanged songs and covered each other’s music. 10CM chose to perform SORAN’s “First Date.”

“Delivery” is a city-pop song with sweet lyrics inspired by the simple joy of ordering food delivery and spending time with someone you care about. It's the perfect song to listen to while waiting for your delivery order.

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

What has the transition been like for you to go from a group to a one-man band? 
I think I’m still in the process of experiencing and adapting to that change. There have been many challenges, and it has made me realize how much harder I need to work moving forward. More than anything, I’m doing my best to make sure our fans don’t feel the absence of those changes.

Are there specific traits of SORAN’s music that you want to make sure stay in your music as “SORAN the Soloist”? In other words, how do you want “SORAN the Soloist”’s music to compare to the music of “SORAN the Group”? 
I want to continue making music that makes people happy simply by listening to it and performances that make people happy simply by watching them. More than any particular genre or musical style, that is the essence of SORAN that I want to preserve.

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

Do you recall when SORAN first got the “Emperor of Festivals” nickname, and do you want to keep that nickname as a solo act?! 
I think people started saying that when audiences first joined us in doing the “북유럽댄스 (Nordic Dance)” choreography together at festivals. It’s an incredibly generous compliment, and of course, I’d love to continue living up to it.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far? 
I feel proud [of] every performance, but if I had to choose, the moments that make me the proudest are during concerts when the entire audience sings along together.

What are your goals for the rest of 2026? 
Since I’ve released a lot of singles recently, I’d like to put out an EP or album. Going forward, I plan to continue making music and performing just as I always have, while working even harder.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
I’m grateful and happy to have had the chance to share many stories through this interview. I hope to continue sharing many more stories through my music in the future. Thank you for your interest in SORAN and for all the love you've shown.

Check out SORAN’s new collaboration with MIYEON here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.