In September, just over a week after fulfilling his mandatory military service, K-pop sensation Wonho made a triumphant return to the stage and to his devoted fanbase, Wenee. As he reflects in November, two months after hosting his first "Welcome Back Wenee" fan event, he recalls the intense nerves that overcame him. "I was incredibly nervous, questioning if I had ever experienced such stage fright before. It was a moment where my mind seemed to go blank. Yet, the excitement of reuniting with my fans made me feel more alive than ever."

Wonho's Upcoming U.S. Fan Tour

The 31-year-old singer is gearing up to reconnect with an even larger portion of his fanbase. In December, he will embark on a multicity U.S. fan tour, which aligns with his performances in the annual holiday-season concert series "Jingle Ball." Reflecting on his American fans, he says, "I haven't seen them in a long time. So, if not now, then when?" This tour is a significant opportunity for him to reconnect with his fans on the other side of the world.

Preparing for the Comeback

It's 10 p.m. on a Friday night in Korea, and Wonho is working late, discussing his upcoming projects via Zoom. Just a week away from releasing his first single and music video since taking a hiatus in late 2022, the English-language ballad "What Would You Do," he expresses his gratitude for his fans in response to every question about his career. This single was a pleasant surprise for his fans, and he has been closely observing their reactions every day.

Behind-the-Scenes of His Return

Wonho has given his fans a glimpse into his return to music this fall through a series of videos. These videos showcase various moments, such as getting fitted for his first fan event, attending dance rehearsals, and participating in Seoul Fashion Week in October. During military service, he didn't have to worry about his appearance, but now he realizes the importance of staying in shape. As he says, "I didn't have to show my good looks to anyone during that time. In fact, I gained a bit of weight and didn't pay much attention to my style. But after seeing myself in those outfit-fitting videos, I realized I needed to get back into working out more."

Refining His Musical Style

Wonho, who started his career with the boy group Monsta X, is celebrating four years since launching his solo career and continues to evolve his musical style. He explains, "I am on a continuous journey to find a music style that suits me better and better. With each new song, my mindset has become a bit more relaxed. Before, I felt a certain burden to present a specific image and showcase a glamorous one. But now, I believe that simpler things can be more powerful."

Looking Forward to the Future

While eagerly anticipating reconnecting with more of his Wenee fanbase in the coming months, Wonho is already thinking about the next reunion. The release of his next album is on the horizon, and he is dedicated to finding the perfect songs. He emphasizes, "I am looking for songs that truly resonate with me to include in this album. I want to perfect it, so it takes a bit more time. My inspiration always comes from my fans. I always ask myself, what would they think when they hear this song? This thought helps me determine if a song is worthy of inclusion." With multiple fan tour dates planned across America, he will have a wealth of inspiration to draw from."He says, 'Even though our schedule is tight, I'll be working hard on my next album. I'll be recording and working on it so that I can return next year with new music. I've been feeling extremely excited every day.'"