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U-Know Yunho of TVXQ poses during a press conference for his first full-length solo album “I-KNOW” at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Songpa District, Seoul, on November 5. / Source: SM Entertainment

“After 22 years since debut, I finally have my first full album. My fans have always been the driving force that keeps me moving,” said U-Know Yunho of TVXQ at a press conference marking the release of his first studio album I-KNOW on November 5.

The album, described as a “fake and documentary” concept, explores Yunho’s identity and growth as both an artist and an individual, presenting his personal narrative through contrasting perspectives. “I wanted to show both the Yunho people know and the Yunho I see in myself,” he said.

The ten-track album opens with Set In Stone and includes collaborations such as Waterfalls featuring EXO’s Kai and Premium featuring Minnie of (G)I-DLE. It also features Leader, an autobiographical track with humor; Let You Go, a song with a free-spirited vibe; and 26 Take-off, a New Jack Swing-style number.

The title track Stretch combines an intense electronic sound with subdued vocals, expressing Yunho’s inner emotions about dance and performance. It complements the pre-released double title track Body Language.

Looking back on his two-decade career, Yunho said, “I’ve experienced the whole evolution of the music industry—from cassette tapes to CDs and now to digital data. The reason I could stay on stage for so long is because of the fans’ strength.”

He added that the long wait for a full album was deliberate. “If I had released it earlier, it would’ve carried a different energy. Now I can finally organize and share my own thoughts. True connection happens when your language is clear,” he said, explaining that he began conceptualizing the project during his military service, alongside photo and video experiments.

Calling “curiosity” his greatest source of consistency, Yunho said, “It’s the desire to keep discovering something new that keeps me going. Every live moment with fans leads me to my next work.”

Praising his collaborators, he said, “Kai was more ambitious than I expected. His falsetto was captivating, and I gave him a challenging part that revealed a new side of him.”

Defining his current artistic phase, Yunho said he aims to be “someone who moves forward with drive, not fear,” promising to show a different dimension of himself beyond his signature powerful performances.

He concluded, “At this age, many of us share similar responsibilities and worries. I think it’s a time of change for me, too. I hope this album can be a small encouragement to people who feel the same way.”

U-Know Yunho’s first full album I-KNOW was released at 6 p.m. on November 5 on all major streaming platforms.