Could a Coachella performance from SEVENTEEN be on the horizon? In the latest installment of Billboard‘s Takes Us Out, JOSHUA sits down with host Tetris Kelly at Seoul’s iconic 24-hour Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market. Over a fresh seafood feast, they dive into the complexities of touring with the full group, his burgeoning interest in acting, and his evolving creative process.
Regarding his recent pivot toward acting, JOSHUA admits it has been a steep but rewarding learning curve. “It’s a brand-new experience, but I’m constantly learning,” he explains. “It’s actually helped me unlock and express my emotions more freely. I’ve often felt a bit guarded in the past, so I’m really enjoying this new form of expression.”
His creative expansion doesn’t stop at the screen. The K-pop star is also dedicating time to producing and writing his own solo material—an artistic endeavor he previously lacked the bandwidth to pursue.
“I’m making a conscious effort to focus on songwriting more these days,” JOSHUA notes.
When discussing the sonic direction of his solo work, he emphasizes a return to his roots: “I’m eager to highlight an acoustic sound. It’s the music I grew up listening to and what originally sparked my passion, so I really want to share that authentic side of myself with my fans.”
JOSHUA credits specific figures in the acoustic and indie spheres for shaping his musical identity.
“I’ve been a massive fan of John Mayer since I was young; his work is the reason I wanted to pick up the guitar,” he says, also citing YouTube trailblazers Gabe Bondoc and AJ Rafael, along with Justin Bieber, as significant artistic influences.
The conversation naturally pivots to the allure of the Coachella stage. Even before the festival’s lineup was finalized, the excitement was palpable. For JOSHUA, gracing that stage is a long-standing professional aspiration.
“Performing at Coachella has always been a dream of mine,” JOSHUA confesses. “It’s definitely a goal I hope to achieve in the future.”
Catch the full conversation with JOSHUA in the latest Takes Us Out episode above.
