MINHYUK on “Reaching,” Honest Music and What's Next
By Hasan Beyaz
For an artist best known as one of MONSTA X's most energetic performers, MINHYUK's recent solo single "Reaching" could easily be mistaken for a dramatic change of pace. Speaking to KPOPWORLD, though, MINHYUK doesn't present it that way. Instead, he talks about the single with the certainty of someone finally releasing the kind of music he has always wanted to make.
That confidence runs throughout "Reaching." Its focus is narrower than chasing an explosive chorus or an obvious emotional payoff. It simply wants to connect. Even its central message – that the smallest gesture can reach someone – is delivered without embellishment.
Interestingly, MINHYUK applies that same philosophy to almost every creative decision surrounding the release. He reveals that "Reaching" was originally going to arrive without a visual at all before deciding music today deserves something audiences can see as well as hear. When he did commit to filming, he chose his own wardrobe to preserve the relaxed atmosphere, favouring an everyday look over anything that felt overtly stylised. Rather than building a fictional world around the song, he wanted the visuals to feel like stepping away from work for a while.
That instinct towards simplicity extends into his approach as a vocalist. Instead of talking about conveying specific emotions, MINHYUK is more interested in honesty than performance. He credits the studio direction for helping shape the song's gradual emotional build, while admitting the biggest challenge wasn't expressing the lyrics but simply singing them; "'Reaching' isn't an easy song," he tells us.
Perhaps the most revealing moment comes when discussing what he hopes listeners take away. Rather than naming an emotion or lesson, his answer is remarkably modest: he simply hopes people come away thinking, "So this is the kind of song MINHYUK likes."
It's a response that says as much about the artist as the single itself. "Reaching" isn't trying to redefine MINHYUK or announce a bold new era. Instead, it feels like an introduction to a side of him that has always been there, trusting that the message will travel far enough on its own.
"Reaching" is built around one simple idea – wanting to reach someone. The song ends on the idea that even a small gesture can reach far enough to touch someone. Is there a small gesture in your own life that has stayed with you like that?
MINHYUK Sometimes MONBEBEs will give me handwritten notes or letters whenever I run into them. They’re all super sweet, but at times it’ll be like they see right through me and my emotions. I always find that super comforting and memorable.
Hyun Sang Ha said he wrote this thinking of you as someone brave and kind, and hoped the song would reach you too. What was it like hearing that?
I think I was just really honored that an artist I enjoy listening to and respect so much said such kind things about me. Being able to work on a song together with him was like a dream come true, especially since he’s one of my role models.
The song leans on guitar and drums rather than a bigger production. What made that sound feel right for this message?
I think I live by the idea that simple is best, and that tends to show through in my music taste. I find that it’s often best to just say what you feel without trying to dress it up with unnecessary bells and whistles, whether it be through music or during an actual conversation.
Your vocals unfold gradually across the track instead of arriving all at once. How did you think about pacing that emotional build?
I think it was helpful having such a good director in the studio; the guidance I received really helped bring out that gradual build in emotion.
Within MONSTA X, you're known for a lot of energy and stage presence. What does it feel like stepping into something more reflective?
I do think that outside of MONSTA X, I prefer songs like “Reaching” that are calmer rather than ones that are super energetic. I’m really thankful that I’m able to release a song in a style I personally enjoy a lot; it’s almost as if I’m a completely new artist!
The special clip avoids a big storyline. What did that kind of space let you show that a stage can't?
The original plan was actually to release just the song with no visuals attached, but I eventually decided against that, especially since visuals are such an important part of music nowadays. The focus really was on capturing a clean, pure vibe. I wanted to convey the idea of taking a break from working hard through the video.
Your styling in the clip is casual, almost ordinary. How did dressing that way change how you approached the visual side of this release?
I actually chose the styling for the video myself, especially since I wanted that clean, comfortable vibe to shine through. I’m really happy with how that comes through in the clip.
People are describing this song as calm, or gentle. But there's a kind of strength in choosing to be that direct. Where do you think that comes from?
I think it comes mostly from how good the lyrics are. I think the visuals also helped with being honest about who I am. I had a vision of what I wanted the video that plays before I perform the song on tour to look like—a whale in the ocean. I think the mix of a genre I enjoyed, a video I liked and playing guitar, which is one of my hobbies, made it a lot easier to be direct and honest.
The song also captures a message of sincerity and warmth. Which one felt harder to get right while recording?
I don’t think it was necessarily hard to convey the messages themselves, especially since the lyrics say exactly what I wanted to say through the song. I think what was most difficult during the recording process was getting the vocals right—it’s not an easy song!
What do you want someone to feel by the end of "Reaching"
I don’t think there’s a specific emotion I want people to feel through the song. I’m just hoping that people think, “Oh, so this is the kind of song MINHYUK likes”.
After a release like this, what kind of music do you want to make next?
I think I may just stick with this genre for the foreseeable future. I really like the style of this song and would like to continue exploring a similar musical vibe for a while.