Jackson Wang, Self-Aware King
After a decade in the music business, Jackson Wang—who built a reputation as a multifaceted solo artist after his success in K-pop group Got7—values truth and the little things in life.
Photography by Liu Song
Styled by Sean Kunjambu
Jackson Wang has never been more connected with himself, despite his whopping 33 million follower count on Instagram. Wang is a multi-hyphenate artist and creator. Primarily known for his music, he’s explored nearly every genre the medium offers: Hip-hop, pop, rock, and punk, not to mention his early career in K-pop sensation Got7, which formed in 2014. He also runs Team Wang, a luxury streetwear label that focuses on minimalist essentials. The brand’s philosophy "Know yourself, make your own history” succinctly encapsulates Wang’s own journey to self-awareness.
Wang has learned to appreciate life's precious little moments, from family time to conversations with strangers. Before entering the K-pop world a decade ago, Wang was a star athlete, competing in domestic and international fencing competitions. If not for his successful Got7 audition, he would have competed for the Hong Kong team in the 2012 London Olympics. Currently, Wang co-produces and serves as a lead mentor for Chuang Asia, a talent competition television series that allows him to share his extensive knowledge about an increasingly challenging industry.
Despite his rising global fame, Wang remains honest and humble, and values truth in his work from music to fashion. Wang spoke to L’OFFICIEL about his music, mentorship, Chinese roots, being a boss, and his evolution as an artist—and as a person.
L’OFFICIEL: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How do you handle those who question your voice?
JACKSON WANG: The most challenging part is keeping my mind clear and focused, being aware of who I truly am and what I have always believed in, because there are a lot of distractions. In this industry, people play games, so I’m facing all sorts of people with wrong intentions, temptations, and noises from everywhere. It’s very complicated because the world is complicated. I believe it’s important to always remind yourself who you are, what you love, and what you believe in. Never let anything or anyone destroy who you truly are.
L’O: You were born in Hong Kong, China. What makes Hong Kong culture interesting and unique?
JW: My mom is from Shanghai and my dad is from Guangzhou. My brother was born in Shanghai. As a kid growing up in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul, with a little bit of time in Europe, there are things you just can’t explain about the feeling you get when you are back in your hometown. It’s the vibe, environment, culture, people, even the air you breathe, and the sound of everything.
L’O: Recently, Chuang Asia has been receiving widespread attention. Can you share any interesting anecdotes from filming?
JW: When I was a kid, I realized not everyone gets an opportunity. It’s not about how good you are at what you do. In the world we live in, there are so many factors ito achieve what you want. It's the basic skill set of what you do, staying true to your art, the right environment, the right people, the right opportunities, and the right timing. It’s also luck. I want to give opportunities to the ones who have a dream. Whether they do great or bad in the show, it’s not the most important to me; what’s important is the opportunity to gain something in this process. Some might win and some might lose, but the show doesn't define the final answer of everyone’s artistry. [Rising talents can] gain experience and inspiration from it, and I believe that will [help them] evolve.
L’O: What experiences or moments in your life do you consider to be crucial to who you are?
JW: I used to think there were these moments in my life that I can refer to as the moment. The more I grow as a person, I believe every moment is important to me: conversations with my family, a random conversation I have with a stranger I met on the street or the person beside me on the plane, listening to podcasts, my dreams, random conversations I overhear between two old men talking about their lives… these are all moments that I feel are so important because they’re the things that make me who I am. The big moments that I used to refer to would never happen without all these little pieces.
L’O: Your album Magic Man [Wang’s second studio album, released in 2022] achieved many honors, such as reaching number 15 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. What’s your relationship to this album? Were you worried about public reception?
JW: Magic Man was definitely the start of me as a person. It opened the gate for my internal self. There is always marketing and PR support involved in the process. Music is so beautiful but in reality it’s still an industry. Results don’t always define what’s real to every individual. I just want to put out things that are real and true. To me that is my real artistry. Some will relate, and some won’t. There is nothing wrong with that.
"I want to give opportunities to the ones who have a dream."
L’O: How do you define the word magic? What qualities do you think people need to find the magic within themselves?
JW: Find your magic is the message of Magic Man. Magic is your own standard of happiness and satisfaction. Everyone has their unique standard, and I believe we should all find that, meaning: Find out who you are, what you love, and what you believe in. What is your heart telling you? Then we should make decisions.
L’O: Is your drive and rigor due to concerns about the future or your insistence on the spirit of not giving up? Does this have any connection to your experience as an athlete?
JW: I used to think in that mindset even as an athlete. But now, I don’t think life is about winning. I believe it’s about being your best self.
L’O: Last year, you embarked on your first world tour as a solo act. How was this experience different from your tours with Got7? How did you feel during the first stop?
JW: I wouldn’t have done it without my supporters and audience being willing to give me a shot to perform in front of them. I wouldn’t have done it without the honest people around me who share the same vision, dream, and purpose in life. I’m just a person who did what I believed in.
L’O: People see you in multiple roles, with strong passion and energy. Which roles have you not previously explored and find challenging? Are there any other roles you want to pursue in the future?
JW: I believe I’m a creator. That’s the big umbrella, and other identities underneath it are just different skill sets. But it’s all about my personal taste from the gut.
"Music is so beautiful but in reality it’s still an industry."
L’O: As a singer, what are the advantages and challenges you’ve faced while having a design business like Team Wang?
JW: Again, it’s just a different skill set under this big umbrella. I never think that anything I do is based on a “business” mindset. It’s always about excitement and passion, seeing what I want to create coming to life.
L’O: As the boss of a team, what do you find most challenging?
JW: IAs a public figure, it [can be]hard [if there are]people who don’t share the same dream, vision, and purpose. It’s lonely. As a person who opens his heart to everyone and everything I engage with, the good and the bad will enter. There isn’t much to complain about because it’s reality. I still choose not to change who I am because that’s my soul.
L’O: You have been in the industry for a decade now. Do you have any advice on overcoming obstacles and pursuing the life you desire? What would you like to say to your younger self? And what would you say to your future self?
JW: All the bad and good moments in life: I needed them. To see what’s real to me, and what really matters to me. Both the good days and the dark, toxic days. Both are so precious, and I needed both to become the next form of myself. I appreciate and feel blessed that I get to witness all these moments.
"I just want to put out things that are real and true."
