Interview: A Sneak Peek into the Life & Work of South Korean Singer Isaac Hong
Avid fans of K-dramas will be quite interested in the artist we are meeting today. Isaac Hong has made a mark for himself in the industry by giving us hearty OSTs for K-dramas like Happiness, Uncanny Counter, and Lovestruck in the City among others.
Photo Cr: ARCHIVE ACHIM
As a soloist, he has given a slew of memorable EPs and singles, the latest of which is “everland” in collaboration with Chin Sooyoung. The EP features the track “her,” which Isaac also mentions to be the one of the songs he is the most proud of.
Speaking to HALSUG about his work, his inspiration, and how he balances his lifestyle, Isaac Hong grants our readers a preview into his life behind the scenes.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello everyone, I am singer-songwriter Isaac Hong. I am someone who is passionate towards creativity. I hope to become an artist who engages in things that could improve our minds, emotions, and even dreams.
What was your experience like as an actor when working on Da Capo? Did you learn anything new?
While making movies, I've learned so much, much more than I anticipated. I had two jobs back then: An actor and a music director. I experienced both the front and back of the film production process.
As an actor, I learned how challenging the profession of acting can be and how even a single mistake can have a significant impact. It was my first time acting in public, and I had no knowledge about how to act. The director told me to just be myself, so that's what I did.
The problem was being myself among a bunch of film crew, lighting, and cameras. It was fun, and I also realized how comfortable it was at the same time. When I'm performing, I constantly check if the audience is enjoying the music. But while shooting, I didn't have to think about any of that because everyone was so focused on the scene.
As a music director, I had the opportunity to see how so many people work hard and put their hearts into a single project. As an actor, you just have to be in the filming process, which lasts only a few months. But as a music director, I had to work for another year just to finish making the music. Another few months were needed to assist the director in the editing process.
Photo Cr: ARCHIVE ACHIM
Do you find any similarities or differences when you are singing for an OST versus when you are singing for your own work?
I think there are more differences than similarities. The only similarities lie in the shared goal of achieving a good enough recording quality so that listeners can enjoy the song. The biggest difference is how I relate to the song I'm performing.
OSTs (Original Soundtracks) must become an integral part of a drama or movie, meaning I have to sing the song in a way that conveys the emotions that align with the story of the drama or movie. It's not always possible to foresee the story's direction, so I usually have to rely on the director's guidance in the recording studio.
However, singing my own song is a very different experience because I focus solely on what I feel is the best interpretation of myself. The focus of the story is very self-dependent because I believe the quality of the song relies on how much of yourself is portrayed in the song.
I guess serving the story itself is similar. The difference lies in the interpretation.
If given a chance, which music genre would you like to experiment with? Which artists do you draw inspiration from?
I like various genres of music. I want to create music like Post Malone, but at the same time, I also want to make music like Bon Iver. It seems experimental, but at the same time, it feels like their music reveals their own stories and lives.
What is your usual song making process like? Does the melody come first or the lyrics?
For me, the creating process goes both ways. It depends on whatever inspiration comes first. When life gets tough, it feels like the lyrics come first, and when I practice hard, it seems like the melody comes first.
Do you recall any particular or any challenging experience that shaped or changed your approach towards music?
Learning music at church from a young age has had a significant influence on me. Among these experiences, the music I encountered during youth group sessions on Sundays had a profound impact. This was during my time in Papua New Guinea. Reflecting on those days, I realize that a substantial portion of my cultural influence was rooted in American culture.
The school I attended followed a US curriculum since it was an international school. Engaging in activities such as playing in a brass band, participating in a marching band, and listening to older students playing various instruments left a lasting impression on me. I believe that these experiences serve as the foundation for the music I create today.
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When creating music, do you ever experience a block? If so, how do you overcome it?
Every day, it's a struggle. Most musicians suggest that when faced with such obstacles, you should just keep sitting down and working through it. So, that's what I do. I try to stay seated, listening to new music, reading books, and practicing while constantly searching for what's lacking in my current skills and ideas.
When you feel stuck, it usually means you need to put in new practice and brainstorming to break through that barrier. With time, it often comes naturally. Deadlines play an important role too, haha. Right now, I hope music flows more naturally rather than relying on deadlines, but urban life makes that a bit challenging, so I'm still figuring it out.
Walk us through a day in Isaac Hong’s life. When not making music, what activities do you usually indulge in?
These days, I've been writing stories with my friends. I've learned a lot from writing. Storytelling is about keeping readers engaged, and when it comes to writing, I enjoy exploring the characters' personalities and motivations as I go along. It's not only enjoyable but also fundamentally helpful in music and life, I believe.
Moreover, I've recently started running. It's a way for me to clear my thoughts. I began running because I was feeling stifled and needed a way to organize my thoughts.
Surprisingly, I find it very rewarding. Nowadays, I'm aiming to run five kilometers at a fast pace. Nothing professional, just an amateur who wants a faster record than myself three months ago; so, I'm gradually training for it. While running, there's nothing to focus on except the act of running. I love the simplicity.
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You have had five releases so far this year, including OSTs and your collaboration singles. What can you tell us about what’s next for you?
I'm always in contemplation. My personal goal is simply to express my own stories and emotions through music as authentically as possible. With that in mind, I have many aspirations and desires for various musical expressions and styles. However, when I reflect on it, it ultimately comes down to how much of my story is being revealed.
Looking ahead, apart from hustling, I honestly don't know much else. I'm always waiting for opportunities as an actor or music director, but more than anything else, I hope to create great music. Through this new music, I hope to make the ordinary person's story something enjoyable for all of you to listen to. That's my personal aspiration.
Do you have any messages for your fans?
It was nice to meet you. At some point, I want to be remembered through music, through my voice, in your memories and nostalgia. Thank you for reading the lengthy interview.
What is your favorite song by Isaac Hong? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on our Instagram or Twitter.
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Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: Isaac Hong
Birthday: May 12th
Nationality: South Korean
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
MBTI: ENTP
Favorite Foods: Lasagna
Favorite Drinks: Ice Coffee
Favorite Movies: Moulin Rouge
Day or Night?: Night
Song you’re most proud of: “her”
Edited by Alliya Garcia
