H2O's Junwon returns solo after 10 years with Jeju-inspired 'Paradise for sale'

Junwon (real name Kim Jun-won), the vocalist of the band H2O, has resumed solo activities after 10 years. On the 29th at noon, Junwon released his new single 'Paradise for sale' (樂園商歌) through various music platforms and began full-scale musical activities.

Junwon personally wrote and composed this new song. Keyboardist Yu Ji-hun and bassist Hwang Hyeon-u participated as co-producers, adding to the song's perfection by working together on everything from arrangement and performance to studio recording.

'Paradise for sale' Born from 6 Years of Living in Jeju Island

'Paradise for sale' contains the realistic concerns Junwon experienced while residing in Jeju Island for about 6 years starting from 2018. While viewing Jeju as a 'paradise,' he focused on the reality of having to give something up to make a living there. The sight of tourists encountered in Jeju and his own daily life became the starting point for the song.

The lyrics bluntly reveal the gap between ideals and reality. The lines "Paradise is not free / No exceptions for you or me / If you have money, you pay / If you don't have money, you must sell something" contain the worries of a musician struggling between livelihood and art. He continues with realistic questions through the lyrics: "What should I, I, sell / All I have are a few songs / Who will buy my songs, can I also go To paradise." Junwon delivered this with a calm, relaxed voice.

The 'Paradise Arcade' that served as the motif for the song is the Nakwon Arcade in Jongno, Seoul, which is a symbolic space for Korean musicians. The emotions felt in Jeju were connected to the image of the Seoul Nakwon Arcade, completing the song's message.

New Fusion Reggae Song, Music Video to be Released Later

Junwon described this song as 'fusion reggae' based on reggae rhythms. He also expressed his determination to expand his musical genres more freely following this release.

Regarding the music video, he said, "If the budget had been abundant, I wanted to film in Jeju and film various people as well, but this time I decided to just be satisfied with Nakwon Arcade." The music video is scheduled to be released soon.

'Junwon Project' and First Live Performance in October

Starting with this release, Junwon will continue his activities under the name 'Junwon Project.' He plans to release new music at intervals of approximately 2 months and will hold his first live performance at West Bridge in Hongdae, Seoul, on October 9.

After activities in the United States, Junwon returned to Korea and formed the band H2O. He led the domestic rock craze with 'Fog City' released in 1987 and also appeared in the drama 'Man with His Head Bowed' and the musical 'Hard Rock Cafe.' He served as the music director for the drama 'The Return of Iljimae.' After his solo album 'Jussex' in 2016, he is now standing on the solo stage once again.