YOON SAN-HA has spent the last few years stepping into new versions of himself.
Since his solo career began in 2024 with his first mini-album, DUSK, he has continued to explore his artistic identity through a series of solo releases and acting projects, each adding a different perspective on his personal growth.
Nearly a year after CHAMELEON, YOON SAN-HA returned on May 20 with NO REASON, an album that helped him pinpoint what it means to grow as an artist and realize the importance of accepting who he is right now. In the interview below, YOON SAN-HA discusses all about the story behind NO REASON and this new chapter he is still mapping for himself.
Sweety High: Congratulations on your new solo mini-album! It’s been 10 months since your previous solo release, CHAMELEON, which explored adapting to different sides of yourself as you continued to grow beyond ASTRO’s maknae and into your own identity as a solo artist. Now, with NO REASON, how do you feel this album represents where you are at this point in your journey?
YOON SAN-HA: This album comes at a pivotal moment in my career, so it took a while to fully establish the identity of this project. Initially, I spent a lot of time pondering how I could be more competitive or stand out. But eventually, I realized I was heading in the wrong direction. I came to the conclusion that rather than trying to define who I am or where I stand, it’s far more important to express my current self exactly as I am. Once that mindset took root, the framework of the album began to fall into place, leading to the birth of NO REASON.
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SH: When you first began creating NO REASON, what emotions or thoughts did you most want to express?
YOON SAN-HA: My main message was, “Let me show you the real me.” From the very beginning of the creative process, I wanted to be completely honest with the public. That’s why I decided on the title NO REASON, representing a raw, “just because” mentality.
(Image courtesy of Fantagio/Kakao Entertainment)
SH: You participated in the planning stages of this album. What part of the creative process helped you understand the core message of NO REASON more clearly?
YOON SAN-HA: As the youngest member of my group, I’ve always had immense trust in my older members, often following their lead without question. Because of that, my natural response when the label proposed something was usually, “Sure, let’s just do it.” The staff at my label, who have seen me grow over the years, were well aware of this side of my personality. Through that organic process, the concept of NO REASON naturally came to life.
SH: If NO REASON were a version of yourself walking into a room, what kind of energy would it carry?
YOON SAN-HA: It wouldn’t care about others’ opinions. It would exude a cool energy, strong self-love, and a unique aura that stands out from the crowd
SH: NO REASON leaves behind an emotional trace of freedom and confidence that doesn’t require any further or extra explanation. In the title track “IDK ME,” the lyric “If I don’t know me yet / How could you?” captures a glimpse of the process of finding one’s own path without being shaken by others. What does that line personally mean to you?
YOON SAN-HA: Since this album captures my current reality, it’s so fun and even cathartic every time I perform or listen to “IDK ME.” It wasn’t easy deciding which genre I should showcase for this release. It’s fascinating how a random remark I made evolved into such a cool track. It’s taught me to trust my own heart more than what others think of me.
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SH: You’re often recognized for your distinctive and emotional voice. How has your approach to singing changed as you’ve begun telling more of your own stories through solo music?
YOON SAN-HA: I learned a lot while recording this album. I usually prefer acoustic sounds, so rhythmic tracks were a challenge at first, but I’ve gained confidence in new styles. I’m excited about this year’s SANiGHT Project, as I plan to challenge myself with new genres I haven’t shown much of before.
(Image courtesy of Fantagio/Kakao Entertainment)
SH: You’ve also been building your acting career through dramas, and while music and acting both require you to communicate feelings and stories, they do so slightly differently. How has acting influenced the way you express emotions as a singer?
YOON SAN-HA: In acting, I strive to capture delicate, nuanced emotions. This practice also helps me look much deeper into a song’s vibe and lyrics when I’m recording or performing on stage.
SH: Through the years of solo album releases, you’ve explored many different musical colors. Are there any genres or concepts you still want to challenge yourself with in the future?
YOON SAN-HA: I’m still in the process of discovering who I am, so I’m also curious to see what kind of music will come next. Even while I’m actively promoting this album, I’m already thinking about the next one. It’s like I want to draw a map for the future onto myself and explore it one discovery at a time.
(Image courtesy of Fantagio/Kakao Entertainment)
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SH: As you continue to grow across music and acting, what side of YOON SAN-HA do you hope listeners and viewers come to understand a little more deeply beyond what they may already know?
YOON SAN-HA: I hope people see me as a genuine person who truly loves music and acting. Beyond that, if people naturally come to feel, “He’s pretty cool,” that alone would make me incredibly happy.
SH: Are there any final thoughts you would like to share with your fans?
YOON SAN-HA: Preparing this album over the last ten months, I feel that I’ve grown a lot, both musically and as a person. I’m ready to show you a more evolved version of myself with new charms. Thank you, AROHA, for waiting. Please give NO REASON lots of love!
You can listen to the mini-album in full here:
For even more on the South Korean artists we adore, click HERE to read our interview with ITZY on their Motto mini-album.