Woosung the dynamicvocalist and electric guitarist of The Rose, shares insights on his solo journey, genre-breaking sound, and collaborations reshaping global music.

At the intersection of artistry and innovation stands Woosung, the Korean-American musician whose unique sound and compelling presence are reshaping his sonic landscape. Best known as the vocalist and electric guitarist of the South Korean indie-rock band The Rose, he has captured hearts with his soulful performances and genre-blending style. Yet, it is his solo journey that reveals the full spectrum of his talent.

 

In the ever-evolving world of indie-rock, there are few artists as distinct and boundary-pushing as Woosung. Dropping his sophomore album, 4444, the singer-songwriter skyrocketed to the top ranks of Billboard, debuting at No. 6 on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. This groundbreaking achievement marks him as the highest-ranking Korean male artist ever on the chart and showcases the global appeal of his innovative style.

 

The numbers speak for themselves: alongside his Top Dance/Electronic chart placement, Woosung secured spots across Billboard’s prestigious Heatseekers Albums, Current Album Sales, and Top Album Sales charts. And as his second solo album gains international acclaim, Woosung has hit the road for his B4 WE DIE tour, performing across major cities like London, Paris, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles, giving fans worldwide a taste of his signature blend of indie-rock and electronic finesse.

 

For long-time listeners, 4444 represents the latest evolution of Woosung’s artistry—a journey that began with his 2019 debut EP Wolf, and the viral single ‘Face’. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, contributing his unique voice to the Itaewon Class OST, releasing his debut album Genre, and featuring on Agust D’s 2023 track ‘Snooze’ with the late Ryuichi Sakamoto.

 

On stage and in the studio, Woosung remains a force of nature. Now, as he rounds out 2024 with a role in Netflix’s upcoming animated series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld, his fans have every reason to stay on the edge of their seats. With 4444, Woosung isn’t just breaking boundaries—he’s rewriting them.

Congratulations on becoming the highest-ranking Korean male artist on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic chart! How does it feel to reach this milestone?

It feels amazing! This album was a journey to find a new sound and I want to thank everyone who supported this album and listeners that I can inspire or help with my music.

Your sound has evolved over the years, from Wolf to 4444. How would you describe your musical journey?

It’s been an adventure. Music has taken me all over the world and I’ve taken influence from just about everything I’ve experienced. I feel like I’ve grown into who I am now so much over the years, so a new project allows me to tell my story through a new lens.

You’ve been a part of The Rose for years. What has been the most rewarding part of being in a band versus going solo?

This last year was so big for The Rose, performing at the Kia Forum in LA, at Lollapalooza and Coachella, all in the span of about 6 months was so crazy! But being able to do it with the guys I started out with was the most rewarding experience. I’d definitely love to have my name on those lineups someday and perform on those stages again but being able to see all the hard work we’ve put in as a band come to fruition, playing the same stages as some of our favorite artists, it was unforgettable.

  • Jacket & Trousers PONDER.ER
  • Scarf Top Rizpoli
  • Shoes United Nude
  • Hat Von Dutch
  • Jewellery GOOD ART HLYWD
  • Jumper PONDER.ER
  • Skirt Trousers Fax Copy Express
  • Shoes United Nude
  • Jewellery GOOD ART HLYWD

What do you hope fans take away from 4444 and your upcoming tour performances?

I want my fans to see that I’m a multifaceted artist. As I traverse my way through this industry, meeting artists, writers and producers who help with the evolution of my sound, I hope that the fans are able to hear that process and experience this journey right alongside me. Having Dojoon as a DJ, Parclassic, on tour with me as well helps bring another element to this tour that fans would never have seen on a The Rose tour.

Your international B4 WE DIE tour has just kicked off. What are you most excited about for this tour?

I’m excited to play in cities and countries we’ve never been to before and reach fans who never really had the chance to see me or The Rose in the past. While I wanted this album and tour to have a different vibe sonically, I also wanted it to be a change of scenery and to be able to reach new fans and audiences who might love the more electronic sound but have never gotten a taste of Woosung, or love The Rose but want to start diving into EDM. There’s something for everyone on this tour and I’m excited to share it with the world!

If you weren’t a musician, what career do you think you would have pursued?

Probably a philosopher or philosophy professor. I tend to think about life and humanity a lot and am not afraid to be very introspective at times. Imagine taking a philosophy class from Woosung under a tree on your college campus.

How do you think your music impacts the global perception of Korean indie-rock and K-pop?

In both the band and my solo projects, we aim to think outside the box while staying true to our roots, which keeps us connected to our listeners. It’s inspiring that artists—even outside bands—love The Rose, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating with some of them. Through our music and presence, we show that anyone can be anything they want. It’s exciting to see K-Pop and Korean artists becoming less defined by nationality, with music leading the way in mutual inspiration.

You’ve worked on an upcoming Netflix animated series. What was it like to step into voice acting?

It was a really great experience and showed me a new way to approach the booth. While I put my heart and soul into my music through singing, bringing a character to life through your voice and your expressions is a completely different world and something I feel like will help me throughout the rest of my career.

You’ve had several viral moments. How has social media influenced your career, and what role do you see it playing in the future of music?

Social media is such a crucial part of the music and entertainment industry now that one viral moment can propel you to heights that weren’t always attainable. We had fans come to The Rose concerts by finding us on TikTok, Reels, or YouTube. We have also reached new audiences through some of the interviews we’ve done. It’s such a vast space that gives us so much freedom to be myself and not just Woosung on stage. So I enjoy social media as another tool to connect with my fans, express our story and brand as a band.

Listen to 444 now: