How god's Son Ho-young Traded Perfectionism for 'Go Around'

A Twenty-Year Solo Journey Begins Anew

Singer Son Ho-young of veteran group god is celebrating his 20th solo debut anniversary with the release of his new digital single ‘Go Around’ on October 14 at 6:00 p.m. 1 2. The release marks his first solo music in roughly five years since his 2021 song In the Flowing Time 2. To celebrate the milestone on stage, he is scheduled to hold his solo concert ‘HORIZON’ at KBS Arena (KBS아레나) in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on October 31 and November 1 1 2.

Breaking Free from the 2006 Practice Grind

Son launched his solo debut in 2006 3. At age 28, he assumed solo success would follow naturally after god’s steady rise from auditions through their early albums and Daesang wins 2. However, stepping out alone after performing with five members created severe pressure, driving him into eight hours of daily vocal practice 3. Straining for high notes and technical drills on debut tracks such as Yes!!! and the ballad Unda proved exhausting, leaving him with deep regrets when poor condition affected his first stages 3. He later realized that he had approached his solo career with the naive mindset of a 19- or 20-year-old, learning that reality did not always go as planned 2. Straining to force outcomes that effort alone could not achieve made that early period deeply painful 3.

Finding Strength in a Distinct Vocal Color

Over the past twenty years, Son learned to step back from copying outside role models and pushing himself relentlessly to prove his abilities 4. Through candid self-evaluation, he discovered that his greatest asset was the unique quality of his voice, observing that very few singers shared a tone similar to his own 4 3. That hard-won self-awareness also shaped his advice for junior artists preparing to step out as soloists: evaluate personal strengths calmly and avoid overreaching out of excessive ambition 3.

Embracing Natural Age on ‘Go Around’

Rather than releasing a full-length album packed with reminders of past accomplishments, Son chose a digital single to signal a fresh beginning tailored to who he is today 4. He playfully jokes with fans that reaching his 20th anniversary makes him a college student, viewing the milestone as an opportunity for continuous growth rather than a backward-looking celebration 4 2. The lyrics of ‘Go Around’ directly channel that journey, speaking to tuning out worldly noise shouting at him to find his own way farther down the road 4. For the single’s promotional images, he intentionally requested photographs showing his natural wrinkles and true age rather than seeking an artificially pristine look 4.

Lessons from J.Y. Park and Bang Si-hyuk

Son views starting god alongside producers Park Jin-young and Bang Si-hyuk as the greatest fortune of his life, explaining that the lessons learned from their guidance sustained his entire career 1. While god endured austere dorm conditions through sheer perseverance, he envies the structured training systems and global recognition of modern K-pop idols 1 5. Over time, Son also recognized his creative limits, discovering through songwriting attempts that he lacked talent for composition 5. Acknowledging that creative inspiration cannot be forced through effort alone, he focused on anchoring god and directing stage concerts instead 5.

Longevity Built on Vulnerability and Shared Fear

That willingness to embrace imperfection has also underpinned god’s 27-year longevity 6. While Son has long carried the affectionate public moniker Smiling Angel, he revealed that his frequent smiling originally stemmed from fear and self-doubt, much like a frightened child smiling when afraid 7. Maintaining his stage presence has demanded rigorous self-care, including strictly avoiding anything harmful to his body over the last three to four years 7. Within god, longevity did not come from perfection, but because all five members are timid people who understand fear 6 2. That shared mindset fosters self-regulation, mutual consideration, and deep gratitude toward fans, while their contrasting personalities—listeners, anchors, candid speakers, and business minds—complement each other 6 2.

Setting Sights on god’s 30th Anniversary

Looking ahead to god’s 30th anniversary in approximately two years, Son expressed firm determination to release new music and stand on stage with the complete group 6 7. Even though public expectations create intense pressure that makes selecting a new god song difficult, he emphasized that the members want a new track even more than their waiting fans 6. For now, his upcoming solo concert ‘HORIZON’ at KBS Arena on October 31 and November 1 will capture his twenty-year journey, promising a youthful and energetic performance that reflects who he is today while looking toward what lies ahead 7 1.