THE day before his second fanmeet in Manila (Feb. 2, 2025), Baekhyun of the K-pop group EXO sat down with ABS-CBN News’ Rico Hizon for a YouTube interview. “Time flies,” said the 32-year-old singer and actor, who joined EXO in 2012 and debuted in the TV drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo in 2016. “I’m really looking forward to meeting fans tomorrow and letting them listen to the songs in my albums,” he added in Korean.
Hizon noted how Baekhyun’s album Hello World was a chart topper, selling a million copies in just a week. How does he feel about doing solo work? “The fact that I receive a lot of love and support from people makes me very grateful and happy,” he said. “But at the same time, I can’t avoid but think about what would be the next song. The pressure is still there—positive pressure.”
Hizon noted the K-pop star’s powerhouse vocals, and asked if he would have time for acting work this year. Sadly for K-drama fans, the answer is no for now. “I have a very hectic schedule and want to focus in depth and enjoy exploring different kinds of music. So no, I won’t be able to act in 2025.” He did, however, hope to see these fans through an activity or show.
Interestingly enough, Baekhyun isn’t even keen on leading man roles. “There’s a secondary, sub-main character in the drama, the perfect role for me. Because there’s this tension if the character will be successful or not.”
As a singer, whose hit song Candy is now a favorite among fans, Baekhyun recalls first being inspired by American singer Brian McKnight, but later finding an idol in Korean superstar Rain. Watching Rain when he was sixth grade, Baekhyun recalls, “made me want to sing and dance onstage.”
In answer to some short follow-up questions, Baekhyun revealed his advice to his younger self, to get rid of “that mentality that I’m lacking something…what is important is to know exactly who you are.”
He describes himself as “hardworking,” names the Hollywood film Baby Driver as a favorite movie, and would love to film something in Bohol in the Philippines one day.
