INTERVIEW
After one decade of a musical career, Jackson Wang – who made a name for himself a reputation as an artist multifaceted after his first solo world tour – appreciates more than anything truth and the little moments of life.
Jackson Wang has never been more in touch with himself, despite his 33 million followers on Instagram. A jack-of-all-trades artist and creator primarily known for his music, he has explored almost every genre: hip-hop, pop, rock and punk, not to mention the famous K-pop group he debuted in, Got7 , formed in 2014. He is also the head of Team Wang, a luxury streetwear label that focuses on minimalist essentials. The brand's philosophy, “Know yourself, write your own story,” sums up Wang's journey on the path to self-awareness. Before breaking into K-pop a decade ago, Jackson Wang was a sports star who competed in national and international fencing competitions. If Jackson hadn't started his career as a trainee, he would have been part of the Hong Kong national team at the London Olympics in 2012. Today, he co-produces Chuang Asia, a talent show in which he is also chief mentor, which allows him to share his extensive knowledge of an increasingly demanding music industry. Despite his growing fame, Wang has remained candid and humble, and values truth in both music and fashion. He speaks with L'OFFICIEL about his art, his Chinese roots, and his evolution as an artist – and as a person.
L'OFFICIEL: What is the biggest challenge you have had to face in your career? How do you respond to those who doubt your voice?
JACKSON WANG: The most difficult thing is to keep a clear mind, to concentrate, to be aware of who I am deep down and what I have always believed in, because there are a lot opportunities to go astray. I have to deal with all kinds of people with bad intentions, temptations, and interference from everywhere. It's very complicated. I believe it is important to always remember who you are, what you love and what you believe in. You must not let anything or anyone destroy your essence.
L'O: You were born in Hong Kong. Why is Hong Kong culture so unique and interesting?
JW: My mother is from Shanghai, my father from Guangzhou. My brother was born in Shanghai. As a child, I grew up in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul, spending some time in Europe. The feeling you get when you come home is indescribable. It's the vibe, the culture, the people, all the surrounding sounds, even the air we breathe.
L'O: There's a lot of interest in Chuang Asia these days. Do you have any interesting filming anecdotes?
JW: As a child, I quickly understood that not everyone gets the chance. It doesn't depend on being good at what you do. In today's world, there are many factors that contribute to your success. First there are the basic skills of your business, staying true to your craft, the right environment, the right people, the right opportunities, and the right timing. Luck, too. I want to provide opportunities to those who have a dream. Whether or not they succeed on the show is not what matters most to me; the important thing is that they have the opportunity to learn something. Some may win, some may lose, but it's not the show that defines everyone's artistry. [Emerging talents can] gain experience there, and it can [help them to] evolve.
L’O: What experiences or life moments have defined you?
JW: The older I get, the more I believe that every moment is important to me: discussions with my family, an impromptu conversation with a stranger I meet on the street, listening to podcasts, my dreams, hearing two elderly men talk to each other their lives... All these moments built me. The “big moments” would never have happened without all these little elements.
L'O: Your album Magic Man [his second studio album, released in 2022] received a number of distinctions. What do you think of this album?
JW: Magic Man really marks my debut. He opened the doors to my inner self. There is always marketing and PR involved in the process. Music is magnificent, but it's still an industry. Commercial success does not define the truth of the individual. I want my production to be faithful to my reality. This is where my way of being an artist lies. It will speak to some, not others. And that's okay.
L’O: What does the word “magic” mean to you? What qualities do you need to have to discover your inner magic?
JW: Finding your own magic is the message of Magic Man . Magic is where you set the bar for happiness and satisfaction. Everyone has their own standards, and I think everyone needs to discover them, that is: explore who we are, what we love, and what we believe in. What does your heart tell you? And from there, we can make decisions.
L'O: Do your will and your rigor result from your worries about the future, or from your conviction that you must always hold on? Does this have anything to do with your experience as a high-level athlete?
JW: I already had this mindset when I was an athlete. But today, I no longer think that the goal in life is to win. I believe it's about being the best possible version of yourself.
L'O: Last year, you began your first solo tour. How was it different from touring with Got7?
JW: I never would have gotten into it without my fans wanting to give me a chance to perform in front of them. I would never have done it without the sincere people around me and with whom I share a vision, a dream and a goal. I just do what I believe in.
L'O: We see you investing in your different roles with passion and energy. Which ones would you imagine yourself in?
JW: I see myself above all as a creator. That's really what it's all about, and my different identities within that are just a variety of skills. The common thread is to do what viscerally attracts me.
L'O: What are the advantages and disadvantages generated by the fact that you also run a design agency, Team Wang?
JW: Like I said, they're just different skills within a broader framework. I don't think about what I do in terms of business. What matters is seeing my ideas come to fruition.
L'O: You've been making music for a decade. What advice would you give to overcome obstacles and succeed in life?
JW: The good and the bad moments of life: I had to live them. To discover my truth, and what is truly important to me. Both are valuable. It is a blessing to have been able to witness these moments.
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