Now the CEO of his own company, NIEL from 2nd gen boy group TEEN TOP is moving to a new chapter, both as an artist and individual.
Related: How KINO Is Letting Fans Peek Into His Mind For His Upcoming US Tour
In case you haven’t noticed, the K-pop-idol-to-CEO pipeline is real. More and more are we seeing idols go beyond the parameters of their occupation to set up and lead their own company. Whether it be to foster a sense of independence, embark on a new chapter of their lives, take their artistry to the next level, or whatever reason they might have, K-pop idols have used the CEO card and founded their own companies to serve as a vehicle for what they see themselves doing next. That much is true for NIEL.
NEW YEAR, NEW ME (AND OCCUPATION)
Debuting in the K-pop boy group TEEN TOP as its main vocalist, NIEL made his mark as part of the 2nd generation of K-pop that paved the way for the genre to be what it is today. OGs will remember some of TEEN TOP’s bops from the early 2010s like No More Perfume On You, Miss Right, and Rocking. The group had its success during their heyday, but NIEL felt that there was something more out there for him.
After embarking on a solo career in 2015, 2025 would prove another major shift for the veteran artist with the establishment of his one-man agency, EL&D Entertainment. “It was a distant dream of mine to achieve full independence, but I’m the kind of person who has to do what I want to feel satisfied,” he tells NYLON Manila. “And right now is the earliest moment of the future ahead, so I decided to start now so that I don’t have any regrets later.”
15 years in the game, NIEL felt that there were still parts of his artistry that he wanted to explore. And with the recent release of his 4th solo mini album, SHE, he does exactly that as his first creative project since establishing his own company. “[SHE] is an album that expresses the emotions of heartbreak and love throughout the tracklist, like a flowing river,” he shares. “The heartache that comes with love, the happy moments, the tender feelings… I tried to put together the album so that the listener can feel a variety of emotions.”
Leaving behind traditional Korean R&B, SHE embraces the textures of neo-soul and groove pop for a body of work that explores the complexities of love and also serves as a bit of a reinvention for an artist who has been in K-pop since its early-ish days. “The album represents a new side of NIEL that you haven’t seen before,” the veteran idol states.
From K-pop boy group member, soloist, and now CEO of his own company, NIEL doesn’t rest on his laurels when it comes to evolving as an artist. For him, this is just the start of his continuous evolution as he further steps into his own with depth, nuance, and understanding. As NIEL puts it, “I feel like I’m furiously kicking at the shell, so I can break free of the egg and finally emerge. I think this album will help me finally break free of one layer of that shell, and I’m sure there are many more layers within myself to break free of, but I think I’ve taken the very first step in that journey!”
Read our full interview with NIEL below as he opens up about his latest career move, the impact of 2nd gen K-pop, and more.
If you were to meet someone who didn’t know who you are, how would you describe yourself to them?
Hello. I am NIEL, the main vocalist of K-pop group TEEN TOP and also a solo artist! I’m also performing in a number of musicals in Korea. My fourth mini album [SHE] was released on April 22nd! I hope you enjoy the album haha.
Could you share what made you decide to start EL&D Entertainment?
It was a distant dream of mine to achieve full independence, but I’m the kind of person who has to do what I want to feel satisfied haha. And right now is the earliest moment of the future ahead, so I decided to start now so that I don’t have any regrets later. And I was also motivated by my desire to freely explore the kind of music that I wanted to do!
Why did you think now was the right time to start your own company?
It was time to prepare for my next album, and as I said before, right now is the earliest moment of the days ahead. So when the opportunity presented itself, I mustered up the courage to start the company!
For your 4th mini-album, SHE, what is the story or concept you’re hoping to tell with it?
[SHE] is an album that expresses the emotions of heartbreak and love throughout the tracklist, like a flowing river. The heartache that comes with love, the happy moments, the tender feelings… I tried to put together the album so that the listener can feel a variety of emotions. The album concept follows that direction, with two colors– red to represent direct love, and white to convey the emptiness after heartbreak. The album represents a new side of NIEL that you haven’t seen before.
What was it like getting to work on SHE as both artist and CEO of your own company?
Since I had to play both roles, I was quite busy mentally, physically, and emotionally. I tried hard so that I wouldn’t miss anything on either side! As exhausting as the preparation process was, I think I feel even fonder of this album because of those challenges (laughs). If my fans love this album, that would make these the happiest days of my career!
2025 feels like a big year for you. How would you describe the current chapter of your life?
I feel like I’m furiously kicking at the shell, so I can break free of the egg and finally emerge. I think this album will help me finally break free of one layer of that shell, and I’m sure there are many more layers within myself to break free of, but I think I’ve taken the very first step in that journey!
When you debuted in TEEN TOP in 2010, did you imagine that your life would lead you to where you are now?
Not at all. I did not imagine that I’d still be here, creating music. Back then, thankfully I was so busy with group activities and did not have a free moment to think about the future haha. I did have the vague thought that I want to be in the music industry for a long time, and time flew by as I kept on working. I’m just so thankful for my fans who have spent such a long time with me, and still come to meet me and wait for me!
You’ve been in the industry for 15 years. How do you approach the job to still find something to enjoy about it and not get burnt out?
My biggest motivation is my fans, N-LISS. Thanks to the great love and support that they always show for my music, I’m able to keep going without getting burnt out. I try my best every day so that I can repay their love with good music.
It’s no secret that the 2nd generation of K-pop helped pave the way for the genre. How does it feel seeing where K-pop is today as someone who debuted during the 2nd gen?
Thank you so much for saying so 🙂 I think K-pop right now is making such wonderful strides, I don’t even feel qualified to weigh in on it. There are so many innovative and unique concepts and diverse songs compared to before, and the genre is solidifying its place in the global stage. I’m inspired to create more diverse and free music and concepts!
If you could travel back in time and talk to a young NIEL who was about to debut in TEEN TOP, what would you tell him?
I think back then, I did my best with everything that was placed in front of me. The young NIEL did so well that I don’t think there’s any special advice I have for him. I hope the same for my younger self and my present self– that I will always give my best to the present, without looking back or ahead.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2025?
Nothing very ambitious, but I hope my fans who have waited for me will love [SHE], and I hope the general audience will think ‘Oh, NIEL can do this kind of music, this kind of feeling as a solo artist’! That would be enough for me. If I had to think of a specific goal… I want to go on a solo world tour so I can meet more N-LISS out there! I’ll do my best so I can achieve this goal!
Photos courtesy of EL&D Entertainment
Continue Reading: EXO’s SUHO Is Right At Home: “I try to approach life with resilience”
