Over the past decade, K-pop has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, building vibrant fan communities across Europe and bringing Korean artists to stages around the world. While large-scale arena concerts often dominate headlines, smaller tour stops offer something equally meaningful: a more intimate opportunity for fans to experience the artists they admire up close.

With this in mind, I traveled to Milan, Italy, to attend one of the European stops of JUNHEE’s ongoing solo tour, Into the Oce@n. Known as the leader of the K-pop group A.C.E, the artist offers fans the opportunity to experience a different side of him, one that highlights his powerful vocals and performance skills, but also a more personal connection. The Milan concert took place at Lime Club, where JUNHEE delivered an energetic two-hour performance filled with music, choreography and frequent interaction with the audience. Throughout the evening, he moved effortlessly between songs, conversations with fans and spontaneous moments, creating an atmosphere that felt very relaxed. 

Following the concert, I had the opportunity to continue the experience in a different way: through an email interview with the artist, where he shared his thoughts on the tour, the meaning behind Into the Oce@n, and the emotions of performing for European audiences.

From A.C.E to Solo Artist

Before embarking on his solo journey, Park Jun-hee, known professionally as JUNHEE, became widely recognized as the leader and main vocalist of the K-pop group A.C.E (Adventure Calling Emotions). The group debuted in 2017 and quickly gained attention for their powerful live performances, synchronized choreography and genre-blending music that combines pop, EDM and hip-hop influences. Over the years, A.C.E has built a dedicated international fanbase, particularly among audiences who appreciate the group’s strong stage presence and vocal-driven sound.

JUNHEE has often stood out for his expressive vocal tone and wide range, qualities that have helped shape many of the group’s performances and recordings. His ability to switch between powerful high notes and more emotional moments has become one of his defining artistic traits. In 2024, the artist further expanded his musical path with the release of his debut solo mini-album The First Day & Night. The project allowed him to explore a more personal artistic direction while highlighting his versatility as a vocalist and performer. This artistic evolution is reflected in the current Into the Oce@n tour, where JUNHEE presents both his solo work and music connected to his career with A.C.E, offering audiences a more intimate perspective on his journey as an artist.

A Night of Music and Connection in Milan

During the Milan concert, JUNHEE performed several songs from his solo repertoire, including “Supernova,” “Umbrella,” “Sugar,” and “Tattoo.” The setlist also included “Just Better,” a beloved track from A.C.E, alongside covers such as “Your Idol” by Saja Boys and “Toxic Till the End” by ROSÉ, showcasing both his versatility and vocal strength. 

One of the most charming moments of the evening reflected the cultural exchange that often takes place during the tour. In Milan, JUNHEE tasted focaccia, a traditional Italian bread, which he said reminded him of hotteok, a popular Korean street food. Fans in the audience responded by sharing that they enjoy drinking soju, a reaction that surprised the artist, who had not expected the Korean beverage to be so well known in Italy. The playful exchange created a lighthearted moment that highlighted the cultural connection between the artist and his European audience.

What stood out most throughout the evening, however, was the artist’s genuine interaction with fans. JUNHEE frequently spoke with the audience, responded to their comments and created a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged everyone to sing and dance along. During the tour, JUNHEE has also been meeting fans through meet-and-greet sessions, where he takes photos, signs autographs and spends time speaking directly with attendees. 

Q&A with JUNHEE

In our conversation, JUNHEE spoke about the inspiration behind Into the Oce@n, the experience of touring across Europe and the special bond he shares with his fans.

Michaela: The tour is titled Into the Oce@n. What does the “ocean” represent to you at this stage of your career?

JUNHEE: It represents the limitless vision I have for my future. From here on, I believe anything is possible. I’m also in the process of revealing more of my honest inner self and building my career in a way that reflects that. I want to show those sides of myself more boldly going forward.

When the lights go down and the intro begins before a concert, what goes through your mind in that moment?

Honestly, I don’t think about anything at all. My mind just goes completely blank.

Each country on your tour has its own culture and atmosphere. Was there a city you were particularly excited to visit?

Personally, I was really looking forward to Milan. I was excited about everything — the fashion, the food, the culture. It had been two years since my last visit, so it felt especially exciting.

If someone in Europe is seeing you live for the first time without knowing your past as an artist, what do you hope reaches them beyond language or genre?

I just hope people can clearly see that I truly enjoy the moment and that I genuinely love music. If that comes across, it’s enough for me.

Many artists say touring becomes a kind of mirror. What has this European tour revealed to you personally up to this point?

I often realize, “There are actually so many people who love and support me.” When I meet my fans, it feels like more than just a performance, it’s like meeting friends and family I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s such a lovely feeling.

What happens emotionally once the concert ends and everything becomes quiet again?

Sometimes I feel a little lonely. After being on such an exciting stage, when everything ends and I’m lying alone in my hotel room, I sometimes feel a slight sense of emptiness. Maybe it’s also because I perform on stage by myself now. There’s no one around, but I still find myself missing someone.

Your performances balance strong emotion with control. What is harder for you: expressing emotions or holding them back on stage?

I think it’s actually much harder to suppress emotions than to express them. Even if I don’t try to show them, emotions naturally come out because of many factors — the atmosphere of the day, my mood, the energy from the fans. But controlling those emotions rationally is really difficult. Still, there are times when it’s necessary, so during performances I always try not to get overly excited or overdo things. When you get too excited, that’s usually when mistakes happen. It’s like that at every show.

Growth often comes with pressure and responsibility. Is there a type of pressure that actually motivates you as an artist?

To be honest, I get a lot of inspiration and motivation from the image of my future self. In my mind, that future version of me is already an accomplished musician — someone who has achieved much more than I have now in every way: language, music, influence, business, wealth and recognition. Sometimes it almost feels like that person already exists. Whenever I feel like I’m losing direction or wasting time, that thought helps me refocus immediately. I often think, “The man I will become in the future wouldn’t act like this right now.” When I think that way, it feels like I start walking the path of that imagined version of myself.

You often speak about imagination and daydreaming as creative fuel. Is there an idea or image that has been on your mind recently?

There are a few things, but one idea I have is to film music videos for every single song on an album. I’d want each one to capture the images and emotions I felt while creating and listening to those songs. I actually wanted to try this with my first solo debut album, but because of time and budget constraints it wasn’t easy. The reason I want to do it is because, while title tracks are important, I believe the B-side songs are just as meaningful. When visuals accompany the music, listeners can also get a glimpse of the artist’s intention behind releasing the song. And more than anything, I think adding visuals helps extend the life of the music.

During a tour, every night requires the same level of energy. How do you keep your sense of self in that rhythm?

It can be difficult sometimes, that’s true. But whenever I feel that way, I try to look at each fan’s face while I’m on stage. Have you ever seen the faces of fans looking up at you from the stage? Probably not. Just that alone makes me realize I’m living in a very special moment. And when you see those happy, loving expressions on their faces, you realize that feeling tired or struggling in that moment almost feels like a luxury. There’s a kind of happiness and value there that goes far beyond any hardship. And my sense of self is protected in that space as well through their attention and love.

Your stage presence feels both powerful and natural. What part of that energy comes most naturally to you?

I’m actually a very introverted person, but I wanted to be the best friend I could be to my fans. So whenever I’m in front of them, even though I still feel shy, I’ve spent a long time trying to show my true self as naturally as possible. Now it feels comfortable. I think it’s become the most natural version of me, and it seems like the fans appreciate that side of me too.

Looking ahead, what do you hope never changes about you, no matter how far your career goes?

Gratitude for my fans, sincerity in how I approach music, and a sense of self that pursues love and peace.

What comes next

At the end of the Milan concert, JUNHEE shared exciting news with the audience, revealing that once the tour concludes, he plans to begin working on a new album. He also expressed his hope to return to the stage again in the future and meet fans through another tour.

Throughout the evening in Italy, the artist stood out not only for his vocal ability and stage presence, but also for his sincere and humble personality. His relaxed conversations with fans, playful interactions and genuine gratitude created an atmosphere that felt warm and personal. 

Following the Milan stop, the Into the Oce@n European tour continues between March 18 and 26, with upcoming concerts scheduled in Paris, Antwerp, Prague, Budapest and Helsinki. For audiences across Europe, the tour becomes a shared moment between artist and fans, defined by music, sincerity and the unique connection that JUNHEE brings to every stage.