Jung Yong-hwa (鄭容和) debuted in Korea in 2010 as the leader, main vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the band CNBLUE (씨엔블루). A multi-talented artist in singing, music composition, and acting, he is considered the heart of CNBLUE. Once popular both domestically and internationally, Jung recently discussed the ups and downs of his fame, admitting he experienced anxiety when he no longer received the same level of attention. It took him nearly 10 years to truly let go of that attachment. He recalled a past overseas performance where a local asked him, "Are you a member of BTS?" This moment highlighted a decline in his recognition and unexpectedly became an opportunity for self-reflection.
The YouTube channel "DdeunDdeun" (뜬뜬) recently released a new video titled "Music Festival is Just an Excuse," featuring Jung Yong-hwa reflecting on CNBLUE's active years. He shared that performing on stage with artists he had watched on TV since his school days once made him exclaim, "Wow, I really made it!"
In addition to his career in Korea, Jung Yong-hwa frequently performed overseas. He revealed that he once attended a 10-day music festival in California, USA. He drove himself, a one-way trip that took approximately 20 hours, and did not use social media at all during the journey.
Host Joo Woo-jae (주우재) curiously asked what he did during the 20-hour drive. Jung Yong-hwa laughed, saying he listened to music and chatted with those around him. Although his English wasn't fluent, he made an effort to communicate. He also shared an amusing experience: someone asked him what he did, and he replied that he was an artist. To his surprise, the person asked, "Are you from BTS?" This drew laughter from everyone present.
For Jung Yong-hwa, who used to tour extensively overseas, standing in front of an audience who didn't recognize him brought a different kind of stimulation. He admitted, "I used to tour overseas all the time, but now many people don't know me anymore." Two years ago, he attended a music festival with the mindset of a rookie, and even though there weren't many audience members, he decided to give his all.
Jung Yong-hwa recalled constantly telling himself before going on stage that even if the crowd was small, he should enjoy himself and give his best performance. So, he sang with full effort as he usually would. To his surprise, as the performance progressed, the audience gradually grew. Eventually, the crowd became so large that organizers had to restrict further entry, and even people outside were enjoying the music. This made him deeply feel, "When you give your genuine effort, it truly reaches others."
This experience also allowed Jung Yong-hwa to confront feelings he had long struggled to let go of. He confessed that CNBLUE had once enjoyed immense popularity and attention, but when the hype gradually faded, he entered a very long period of frustration. "Even though I worked so hard, I still felt a strong sense of injustice." Jung Yong-hwa revealed that because he had experienced the taste of success, even as he continued to perform weekly and work hard, he couldn't help but compare it to the past, repeatedly wondering, "Why can't it be like before?" This dissatisfaction made him anxious, and he struggled to accept that effort doesn't always guarantee the same rewards.
After hearing this, host Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) empathized, stating that everyone might go through such a phase where, despite putting in the same effort, external enthusiasm might not remain constant. Sometimes, even when you've done your best, the results aren't as expected, and the real test is how to keep moving forward.
Jung Yong-hwa further disclosed that it took him nearly 10 years to slowly let go of this attachment. He said he had been trapped by this issue for a long time until he recently had a breakthrough. Now, he no longer solely pursues past achievements but instead has started to feel grateful for everything he has in the present. "Recently, I've truly felt so grateful, even a little embarrassed that it took me this long to feel this way." Jung Yong-hwa admitted that now, no matter what he faces, he approaches it with a grateful heart, and he can finally view his entertainment career from a different perspective.
Notably, CNBLUE is set to perform at the iconic Korean venue KSPO Dome (올림픽공원 KSPO돔) 17 years after their debut. Upon hearing this, Yoo Jae-suk laughed and remarked, "Isn't that like coming home?" Yoo Jae-suk also took the opportunity to remind everyone that when one starts to take gratitude for granted, everything they possess might unknowingly disappear. Joo Woo-jae, in turn, expressed that being able to come this far is, in itself, incredibly fortunate.
From once longing to return to his peak to now learning to cherish the present, Jung Yong-hwa candidly shared his emotional transformation over nearly 10 years. His story reveals that artists on stage also face fluctuations in popularity and self-doubt, and true growth perhaps lies in learning not to be bound by past glories.
