KANGMIN of VERIVERY is stepping into a new artistic chapter with the release of his first solo single album, ‘Free Falling,’ becoming the first member of the group to debut independently.
New chapter
The project offers a candid reflection of the artist’s present self, caught in the uncertain, often disorienting space between boyhood and adulthood. It centers on themes of vulnerability, growth, and self-exploration.
At its core, ‘Free Falling’ draws on the act and imagery of its title: the feeling of being suspended mid-air, unable to fully steady oneself, searching for something to hold onto while continuing to move forward. It is a metaphor that mirrors the 23-year-old’s current state—one defined not by clarity, but by motion and emotional flux.
Much of this introspection stems from his experience on Mnet’s survival program BOYS II PLANET, where his journey to the finale brought both recognition and self-reflection. In many ways, ‘Free Falling’ reads like a journal of that period. Rather than presenting a polished or idealized image, KANGMIN leans into honesty, capturing the uncertainty and emotional complexity that followed.
“I filled this album with stories that I wanted to share honestly with you all, so I hope you could think of who KANGMIN is while listening to this album,” said KANGMIN in a statement.
Inner journey
That sense of sincerity runs throughout the three-track project in which KANGMIN actively participated in its overall production. The opening track, ‘Intro: small, fragile and still here,’ sets the tone with a soft, lo-fi soundscape. Co-written alongside VERIVERY leader Dongheon, the track captures the quiet desire to be seen and loved, paired with a delicate, introspective sonic palette. Dongheon also contributed to its composition.
“Our youngest member KANGMIN worked very hard on this album to convey his own music and story, so please give it a lot of love and support!” DONGHEON added.
The title track, ‘Free Falling,’ expands on the album’s central motif through a contemporary R&B-pop lens. KANGMIN’s involvement in the songwriting adds another layer of personal expression, as the track explores a turbulent emotional cycle, capturing the push-and-pull of a relationship marked by both connection and conflict. The accompanying music video reinforces this tension through shifting perspectives and fragmented imagery, creating an immersive visual experience that mirrors the song’s themes’ ambiguity.
Closing the project is ‘in the mirror,’ a mid-tempo pop track that turns inward, confronting the tension between self-avoidance and self-acceptance. The song reflects KANGMIN’s willingness to face uncomfortable truths, portraying a young artist at a crossroads, torn between holding onto familiarity and embracing change.
Together, the three tracks form a cohesive narrative that positions ‘Free Falling ‘as more than a debut; it is a personal statement. Through its themes of uncertainty and growth, the album captures a universal experience while grounding it in KANGMIN’s individual voice.
Stepping forward
KANGMIN debuted with VERIVERY under Jellyfish Entertainment in January 2019. The group’s name combines ‘VERI,’ meaning ‘truth’ in Latin, and ‘VERY,’ meaning ‘really’ in English. He later gained wider recognition through BOYS II PLANET, where he finished ninth.
Now, with ‘Free Falling,’ KANGMIN takes a decisive step forward, one that emphasizes not perfection, but progression. In doing so, he joins a growing wave of K-pop artists using solo work not only to expand their sound but to define their identity on their own terms.
As KANGMIN reflects through his music, this is not a leap into certainty, but an embrace of the fall, one that may ultimately bring him closer to who he is becoming.