The wait is finally over for Inspirits! INFINITE leader Sunggyu has made his highly anticipated return to the solo spotlight, dropping his 6th mini-album, OFF THE MAP, after a long hiatus of two years and eight months.
Known for his distinct vocal color, Sunggyu is back to doing what he does best. The new album blends his signature emotional tone with rich, resonant band sounds, offering a mature and layered musical experience. During a press interview in Seoul, the idol-turned-CEO opened up about the deeper sense of responsibility he feels now that INFINITE is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
“Seeing so many fans still come to our concerts made me feel like I truly need to repay them,” Sunggyu confessed. However, wearing the hat of the CEO of INFINITE Company has given him a dose of reality regarding the industry. He jokingly admitted, “Production costs are no joke,” noting that he now fully understands the delicate balance between artistic ambition and the cold hard facts of business expenses.
As the group enters its 16th year, the bond remains unbreakable. Sunggyu expressed immense pride not just in their stage presence, but in their endurance as a team. “What I value most isn’t just our performances, but our willingness to stay together for so long,” he shared, highlighting the rare longevity that INFINITE enjoys in the fast-paced K-Pop world.
Beyond the recording studio, Sunggyu has been busy on the theatrical stage, recently taking on the challenging role of ‘L’ in the musical Death Note. While he admitted the role came with pressure, he emphasized the unique joy that performing in musicals brings him.
Reflecting on his legacy, Sunggyu cited a poignant thought from Epik High’s Tablo regarding what it means to be an artist. “Tablo once answered the question, ‘What kind of singer do you want to be remembered as?’ by saying, ‘I just hope people remember me at all.’ I really related to that,” Sunggyu laughed. Ultimately, his goal is to provide comfort through his music, hoping his songs serve as a soundtrack to the listeners’ joy and sadness.
Sunggyu’s new title track, “When I Think About You,” and the full mini-album OFF THE MAP were released today at 6 PM KST. Check out the release and witness the evolution of one of K-Pop’s most reliable voices.
