Infinite’s Jang Dong Woo is finally back after 6 years and 8 months — and he confessed he even took out a loan just to make this comeback happen.
On November 18 at 6 PM KST, Jang Dong Woo will drop his 2nd mini album “AWAKE.”
It’s his first solo release in almost 7 years, and the album name reflects his wish to “wake up” the dull emotions people feel in their daily routines.
Speaking in Seoul ahead of the release, Jang Dong Woo shared just how difficult the long break was. He said he parted ways with Woollim Entertainment on good terms, changed agencies twice under the same CEO, and went through military service and the pandemic — all of which pushed his solo plans further and further back.
He revealed that this entire album was made with his own money, explaining,
“The most important thing is that this album is completely my own money, my own purchase. I joined every meeting — MV, jacket photos, outfits, music, concept. I finally understood why companies need investment and how stressful this job is.”
Jang Dong Woo also said he now understands the pressure Infinite Company’s CEO, Kim Sung Kyu, deals with.
“It’s really not an easy job,” he said.
The title track “SWAY (Zzz)” captures emotions trembling like an alarm and the tug-of-war in love. Its unusual alarm sound sparked strong reactions, with some people wanting to turn it off immediately while others found it fresh.
But Dong Woo was clear:
“I didn’t care if it was good or bad — I just wanted people to remember it.”
Choreography was created by Rena from Street Woman Fighter.
In the music video, Jang Dong Woo dances dramatically on water while wearing a leather jacket with nothing underneath, showing his abs.
He laughed and said he didn’t even know he would be shirtless that day:
“I didn’t have time to fit the outfits. I didn’t even know there was no inner shirt.”
Jang Dong Woo admitted one of his biggest goals is simple: pay off the loan he took out for this album.
He also wants to solidify his image as a “multi-player,” saying he worked hard on rap, singing rap, vocals, and even musicals to expand his skills.
“I want fellow artists to think, ‘It would be fun to work with him.’ That’s my ultimate goal.”
He also shared his dream of working with global artists like Travis Scott and Offset, and ultimately releasing a 3rd solo album featuring a title track he composed himself.
With passion, honesty, and even financial risk, Jang Dong Woo is jumping back into the spotlight — hoping fans will remember this comeback for a long time.
Source (1)
