[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Heejun Han, “Believe in yourself and never give up trying”

Heejun Han, top 10 American Idol season 11 finalist, gave HypnoticAsia an awesome interview following with his debut single “Bring The Love Back.” After success with American Idol and signing with Polaris Entertainment, Heejun has been busy this past year getting ready to release his single (released now on iTunes, cop it!), performing at K-POP events such as “KCON ’13,” “American K-POP Contest,” and much more. Heejun sang the National Anthem at the LA Dodgers game. Heejun has also mentioned that he collaborated with violinist and dancer Jun Sung Ahn and will be releasing that soon. Now, Heejun has revealed to us that he will be releasing his first EP this November and will continue to focus on promoting his debut single, “Bring The Love Back.”

Check out his interview with HypnoticAsia below.

HYPNOTICASIA: What or who inspired you to pursue a musical career? When did you decide to follow this path? Who are your biggest musical influences and what aspects of them do you admire most?

HEEJUN HAN: Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder were my inspiration and because of their music, I started to pursue my career in music. I started to follow this path pretty late because it was after I graduated high school that I made the decision to follow this path.

HYPNOTICASIA: Different singers have different ways to prepare themselves before performing, do you have any special preparations to get you motivated prior going on stage?

HEEJUN HAN: I don’t have a special preparation before going on stage but I definitely motivate myself to enjoy the stage as it is.

HYPNOTICASIA: Would you say your view on music changed since American Idol?

HEEJUN HAN: Yes I got to appreciate all genres of music and it’s taught me so much as an artist.

HYPNOTICASIA: Was there a memorable experience you had during the American Idol Season 11 competition? What was the overall auditioning and competing process like?

HEEJUN HAN: Every moment was special for me but competing with so many talented people was tough and always a challenge. I feel like I’ve learned so much from the process of American Idol.

HYPNOTICASIA: Do you feel that the American Idol judges helped you? If so, in what ways were they most helpful? Would you want to say anything to the judges?

HEEJUN HAN: It meant more to me when the judges actually told me I was talented. It came from such people that had so much experience in the music business and it definitely boosted my confidence in the competition. I’ll always be thankful for their help.

HYPNOTICASIA: Why did you choose to audition for American Idol, instead of auditioning for a Korean talent show?

HEEJUN HAN: My simple answer to that question would be because I live in the States. It was more natural for me to audition for an American program than travel to Korea and audition for a Korean program.

HYPNOTICASIA: What would you say is your favorite performance since American Idol?

HEEJUN HAN: A concert in Manila was most memorable because it was our last concert from Top 10 finalist from that season. I can’t forget the fans in Manila.

HYPNOTICASIA: What was it like performing with Yoo Seung Woo in front of 15,000 fans at KCON 2013?

HEEJUN HAN: It was special because fans were very passionate and interactive so I enjoyed it very much. It was also my first time performing with a K-Pop artist and it was a privilege performing with Yoo Seung Woo.

HYPNOTICASIA: After KCON 2013, which K-POP artist would you like to collaborate with the most? 

HEEJUN HAN: G-Dragon. I saw him at the KCON and was mesmerized by his charisma on stage. Very creative guy that I respect.

HYPNOTICASIA: How do you feel about the Hallyu wave gaining a wider audience outside of Korea?

HEEJUN HAN: I’m super proud because I’m Korean too and want to be a big part of it at some point in my career.

HYPNOTICASIA: We saw your collaboration with Jason Chen of “Treasure” by Bruno Mars! Are there any other YouTube artists you’d like to work with in the future?

HEEJUN HAN: I just did a collaboration with Jun Sung Ahn, very talented violinist and my good friend. We should be able to present that to you very soon. I’m down to do more collaboration’s with so many talented YouTube artists out there.

HYPNOTICASIA: We recently watched you perform a “K-POP Medley” and “I Miss You” at the American K-POP Contest in LA on August 29^th. How did you feel and how was the audience?

HEEJUN HAN: At first, I wasn’t so used to seeing so many non-Korean people singing K-Pop songs but it was actually super fun to perform there and would like to have another opportunity in the future.

HYPNOTICASIA: You recently released your music video for “Bring The Love Back,” did you like the response from fans and media? What was it like working with and recording with Pusha T?

HEEJUN HAN: I felt blessed that so many fans were supportive and they were waiting for my music to come out for such a long time. Working with Pusha T was fun and he’s such a great artist to work with. I’ve always been a big fan of him since I was little and I was honored that we were able to collaborate on a song together.

HYPNOTICASIA: You’ve mentioned that the children motivated you to try out for American Idol, are you still helping out with Milal Mission in New York?

HEEJUN HAN: Yes. I’m helping them at every opportunity I have and will be performing at few of their events this year. Milal will always be closest to my heart.

HYPNOTICASIA: What are your hobbies aside from making music?

HEEJUN HAN: I like playing sports but I’ve been so busy lately that my hobby became my work.

HYPNOTICASIA: Why did you choose to sign with Polaris Entertainment? 

HEEJUN HAN: They were the very first company who reached out to me after AI [American Idol] and they’ve always treated me like a family and saw the same vision for my career.

HYPNOTICASIA: Any plans for the remaining of the year and for the future?

HEEJUN HAN: For now, I’ll be promoting my single for next couple of months and my EP album will be released around November.

HYPNOTICASIA: Is there a motto or saying you live by?

HEEJUN HAN: I do. It’s very religious though. It’s “All for God All by God”.

HYPNOTICASIA: What advice would you give to an aspiring singer?

HEEJUN HAN: Believe in yourself and never give up trying.

Be sure to follow the singer through:

TWITTER | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Also, if you haven’t already, get his single “Bring The Love Back” released though iTunes now!