Singer DAWN has revealed his desire to retire from the entertainment industry within five years, yet he is receiving overwhelming support for his surprising new path. Rather than focusing solely on glamorous stage performances, he is expanding his musical horizons by heading into forests and meeting traditional Korean artisans.
DAWN released his new EP ‘green house’ on the 23rd. This album marks his first musical project serving as the executive producer for ‘Gachi-Eum,’ a project that highlights Korean artisans and national heritage.
What stands out the most is his music production method. DAWN personally visited three locations rich in history—including the Gwangneung Forest, which has been preserved for over 500 years, Namhansanseong Forest, and Bijarim Forest—to collect natural sounds. Based on these recordings, he completed a total of five tracks, including ‘Ancient Future’ and ‘Patience & Devotion.’
Published photos show DAWN wearing headphones, holding a long recording device in a misty forest, and listening intently to the sounds of nature. Sitting in front of a giant tree to collect audio and walking around traditional Korean houses to record field sounds also drew attention. Following natural sounds, he captured the craftsmanship of traditional artisans in his music. On the 26th, DAWN revealed the workspace of National Intangible Heritage master artisan Jang Joo-won, explaining the philosophy behind the project.
He stated that his longest contemplation was figuring out how to capture Korea’s national heritage with modern sensibilities, adding that he wanted to convey not only natural sounds but also the attitudes and spirits of ancestors who lived in harmony with nature. After watching the master artisan carve and polish jade, DAWN noted that the artisan’s work of stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the inherent beauty of the material reminded him of his ancestors’ mindset toward nature. Actual photos show DAWN closely observing traditional tools and working processes alongside the master.
This kind of trajectory is not a sudden change. Previously, DAWN showcased a home decorated with works by national intangible heritage artisans on MBC’s ‘I Live Alone’ and ‘Where Is My Home?’ He garnered attention by repairing discarded furniture himself and collecting traditional crafts to preserve the value of old things. At the time, upon hearing that intangible heritage traditions might fade, he expressed his desire to be helpful. That interest has now transcended personal taste, evolving into a project that directly produces music and promotes national heritage.
Given this background, the retirement plan he revealed on YouTube’s ‘Salon Drip 2’ last July draws even more attention. At the time, he mentioned that he was considering retiring within five years and wanted to be forgotten quickly after leaving the entertainment industry. However, he also left the door open for new dreams, stating he wants to try something completely different.
Having started as an idol group member known for intense performances, DAWN is now pioneering another path to convey the beauty of Korean nature and tradition to the world. At a time when K-pop’s influence is expanding globally, DAWN is raising expectations to become an artist who promotes Korean culture in his own unique way. He expressed his hope that ‘green house’ will become a time for listeners to feel uniquely Korean beauty and peace.
Amid fast-consumed music and content, DAWN is instead tuning into things that have grown old. His work is deeply meaningful in that it prompts people to revisit overlooked sounds of nature and the touch of artisans, offering comfort to someone. Beginning with this album, DAWN plans to continue activities that record the beauty of nature and tradition across South Korea through sound. Contrary to his words about wanting to retire within five years, there is a growing wave of support hoping that he will continue to expand globally and carry forward the value of South Korea’s beautiful intangible cultural assets.
