It was 9 a.m. in Seoul when I sat down with Niel over Zoom. He held a glass of milk tea, I had my ginger ale. We were 12 hours apart and we toasted to what would become one of the most personal conversations he’s ever shared in an interview.

Best known as a former member of the K-pop group Teen Top, Niel has been walking his own path for nearly a decade now. Independence has brought with it a chance for reflection and reinvention. While fans may know him as the playful, bright personality on screen, Niel was quick to peel back the layers.  Hs is actually quite introverted, a homebody who rarely steps out unless absolutely necessary.

Our conversation took us all the way back to his childhood, where, by his own admission, he was more of a mischievous kid than a model student. “I didn’t like studying, unlike my elder brother.” he confessed with a grin. But perhaps the most surprising revelation? “My whole family is tone-deaf,” he said, laughing. “And I was too. I didn’t like singing at all.”

Hard to believe, coming from someone whose vocals helped define a generation of K-pop fans. But before debuting, Niel had to push himself through intense training, not just physically, but emotionally. “I worked really hard to change myself, to train my voice, and to see a future in this.”

That future is now in his own hands — literally. Recently, Niel launched his own company EL&D entertainment, taking the leap from artist to CEO. He’s not just managing his own career but building something entirely new. He admitted that juggling the roles of both artist and businessman can be challenging, at times even overwhelming, but ultimately, he finds it deeply rewarding.

Between his quiet nature and bold career moves, Niel is a walking paradox, and maybe that’s exactly what makes his journey so compelling. 

As someone who prefers staying in over going out, he joked that if you really want to see the real him, “you’ll have to come to my house.” So next time we catch up with Niel? The location’s already been decided - his home. 

Editor: Esther Wang 

Photographs by Niel