Kang Daniel Talks About Being A CEO And No. 1 On Idol Chart
On the recent segment of the Korean talk show "Happy Together," Kang Daniel guested as a special host and talked about his career as a solo artist. Actors of all ages also appeared on the November 28 episode, including child actor Kim Kang Hoon, Sung Byung Sook, Park Ho San, Kim Young Ok, Park Joon Gyu, and Kim Sung Cheol.
Last June of this year, Kang Daniel has officially established his one-person agency called KONNECT Entertainment in the Gangnam district of Seoul. Through his future activities under his label, the male artist aims to connect Korea to all parts of the world. Since Kang Daniel founded KONNECT Entertainment, he is the agency's CEO and artist at the same time.
When asked about how he was doing as a CEO, he answered, "At first, it felt awkward to have the title CEO. I can't get used to the part where I would have to approve important contracts and sign it as both the CEO and the idol."
Regarding the changes that took place since building his own company and debuting as a soloist, Kang Daniel responded, "I have many things to think about, and I believe I have become more responsible."
Actor Kim Young Ok later praised Kang Daniel and called him "1 of 1." The male idol has been on the No. 1 place on Idol Chart for 87 consecutive weeks, so he was asked whether he considers the chart ranking or not. Daniel further shared, "Fan votes is considered in idol charts, so I am truly grateful, but I wonder if my fans feel tensed. Even if the results are good, the process of voting is important, too, right?"
In the idol chart rankings for the last week of November, Kang Daniel is still taking the lead. On November 29, Kang Daniel has 8,764 votes, followed by Visby with 6,063, BTS' Jimin with 5,811, BTS' Jungkook with 2,604, Songha with 2,388, BTS' Jin with 1,087, Park Woo Jin with 890, Ha Nebula with 669, Lai Guan Lin with 478, and Min Hyun with 428. It appears like DANITYs (Kang Daniel's fans) are unstoppable.
Kang Daniel has had a remarkable year for him. Since Wanna One's disbandment, the artist was able to establish himself as a solo artist. Although he went through conflict with his label LM Entertainment, he has won the case and started his own company, and eventually made his solo debut.
Kang Daniel's very first solo extended play "Color On Me," which was released last June, ranked first on iTunes album charts in at least fifteen countries - among them are Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United States. The EP's title track "What Are You Up To" also ranked first on the charts of Korean music sites like Naver, Bugs, and Soribada.
Recently, Kang Daniel made his first comeback as a soloist with the single "Touchin.'" He even had his first-ever music-show solo stage on Music Bank. It was his first time to appear on the program since promoting as a Wanna One member last December.
On top of that, Kang Daniel received several awards at this year's Asia Artist Award. He won the "Potential Award (Singer)," "Star15 Popularity Award," and "Best Emotive Award (Singer)."
