He Almost Debuted with N.Flying — Now He’s Singing with Karina of aespa

Jannabi frontman Choi Jung-hoon is revisiting his trainee days on the upcoming episode of MBC’s Radio Star.

The episode airing on the 21st features the “Final Boss” special, with guests Baek Ji-yeon, Hong Hyun-hee, Choi Jung-hoon, and Min Kyung-ah.

Choi lightens the mood early on by describing himself as a “shy attention seeker.” He performs the title track “In the Name of Love!” from Jannabi’s recently released fourth studio album and shares behind-the-scenes stories about collaborating with aespa’s Karina. At one point, he mistakenly refers to her as “Karina of aespa” in a way that draws big laughs.

Right from the start, Choi catches everyone’s attention by bringing his new album along with a handwritten note. He reveals that he found the courage to appear on the show after watching veteran artist Kim Chang-wan’s episode. Choi also shares a touching story about a handwritten message he received from Kim after a 2017 radio broadcast performance, which he says he framed and still keeps to this day.

At one point, Choi wonders aloud, “Can I really sing this much on Radio Star?”—before turning the studio into a mini-concert. Accompanying himself on guitar, he delivers an emotional medley that has everyone completely absorbed in his warm and delicate vocals.

Choi recalls his proudest moment: winning two major awards at the 2020 Korean Music Awards for “For Lovers Who Hesitate”—Song of the Year and Best Modern Rock Song. He explains that he writes most of the lyrics himself and shares his favorite self-written lines, including from “Goodbye, Grief” and “Dream, Book, Strength, and Wall.” He also mentions poet Han Kang’s collection I Put the Evening in the Drawer, saying he keeps it in his bag and draws inspiration from it.

The singer also opens up about his pre-Jannabi days as a trainee at an idol agency. “When I was 20, I spent about a year and a half as a trainee at FNC Entertainment,” he says. “I trained with the members of N.Flying, but I had a different musical vision and couldn’t fit the group’s concept, so I left.”

A Surprise Collaboration: Jannabi x Karina of aespa

Jannabi’s Choi Jung-hoon and Karina’s latest single, “May the TENDERNESS be with you! (feat. KARINA of aespa),” blends Jannabi’s signature retro-pop sensibility with Karina’s ethereal vocals—creating a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape.

The music video for “In the Name of Love!” from the same project, featuring Choi’s emotionally resonant performance, sets the tone for a new chapter in Jannabi’s sonic journey. Fans have praised Karina’s delicate harmonies, which complement Jannabi’s vintage-inspired arrangements in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

Their collaboration has not only bridged fanbases from K-pop and indie rock but also highlighted the unique chemistry between Choi’s rich storytelling and Karina’s subtle yet expressive voice.

Jannabi's Musical Universe Expands: 4th Album ‘Sound of Music pt.1’

This release is part of Jannabi’s fourth studio album, ‘Sound of Music pt.1’, which marks a significant evolution in the band’s artistry. True to its title, the album weaves together cinematic melodies, lyrical storytelling, and the warmth of analog sound. It explores themes of love, longing, and idealism with a theatrical flair—paying homage to classic “group sound” aesthetics while embracing bold, contemporary flourishes.

Whether reminiscing about their idol trainee past or crafting whimsical new sounds, Jannabi remains one of Korea’s most beloved and artistically daring bands.

MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ airs at 10:30 p.m. on the 21st.

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