Guitars, vocals, visuals—CNBLUE has it all. For over 15 years, they’ve been a driving force in the South Korean pop-rock scene.
Their sound? A signature blend of pop-rock, alternative, and soft rock. CNBLUE has sold out concerts across Asia, Europe, and North America, consistently expanding their global reach with each new project.
Beloved for their sentimental yet dynamic instrumentals in hit tracks like “I’m Sorry,” “LOVE GIRL,” and “Can’t Stop,” the band—consisting of Jung Yong Hwa (vocals, guitar), Kang Min Hyuk (drums), and Lee Jung Shin (bass)—has left an undeniable mark on the Korean band scene.
And now, they’re bringing their music stateside once again with the VOYAGE into X in NORTH AMERICA tour, hitting Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this April.
Toronto: Wednesday, April 16
New York: Friday, April 18
Los Angeles: Thursday, April 24
San Francisco: Sunday, April 27
Their latest comeback, X, marked the end of a three-year hiatus and featured the title track “A Sleepless Night”—a song so undeniably catchy that it left me wondering: How does this group keep outdoing themselves after all these years?
So… we asked them! The Knockturnal caught up with CNBLUE ahead of their long-awaited return to the U.S.—their first in 11 years—to talk about their 15-year journey, three-year hiatus, individual inspirations, and the songwriting and production that have defined their sound since the very beginning.
Check out the full conversation below…
THE KNOCKTURNAL: CNBLUE! Many fans in the States are thrilled to see you again—it’s been a while since your last visit. How are you feeling about being back?
[Yong Hwa] Since it has been a long time, I feel even more excited! I have so many great memories from my previous visits. Just being able to perform here again makes me incredibly happy.
[Min Hyuk] I am excited about returning to the U.S. and can’t wait to meet our fans again.
[Jung Shin] I am really delighted about this tour in the U.S.! It has been 11 years, and I am looking forward to it.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: While on your four-stop North American tour, what are you most excited to do as tourists? Any must-visit places on your list?
[Yong Hwa] Since it is my first time visiting Canada and San Francisco, I am really looking forward to exploring those places. I am so excited. As for New York and L.A, I know my way around, so I plan to enjoy delicious food and relax.
[Min Hyuk] I want to go out and eat delicious food. Also, I want to revisit Times Square, as I have many fond memories there.
[Jung Shin] I would love to visit Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge again, where we shot the album cover for our 5th MINI ALBUM [Can’t Stop].
THE KNOCKTURNAL: You recently celebrated 15 years together as a group! Looking back, what has been the most rewarding moment for each of you—both as bandmates and lifelong friends?
[Yong Hwa] As years go by, I feel how precious it is. I have realized that staying together is not easy, which makes me appreciate it even more.
[Min Hyuk] The moment we start performing, when our energy combines with the cheers from our fans—that thrill is unforgettable.
[Jung Shin] This moment, as we continue running forward together throughout these 15 years.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Individually, what inspires the each of every day—whether it’s an artist, an action, or something else?
[Yong Hwa] Every day inspires me, though I do not see it greatly impacting my music. Recently, I had the chance to watch the ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ perform. I was impressed by how ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ has been performing so amazingly for such a long time.
[Min Hyuk] I always want to experience new things, so I challenge myself in different ways.
[Jung Shin] Sometimes, CNBLUE’s old posts shared by our fans bring back memories and inspire me
Photo Credit: FNC Entertainment
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Your songwriting and production have always been a core part of CNBLUE’s identity. On your recent 10TH MINI ALBUM X, is there a particular song you’re most proud of producing?
[Yong Hwa] I love all the songs, so it is hard to pick just one. However, when I think about the lyrics, I like ‘가장 사랑했던 너에게 (To. My Love)’ the best.
[Min Hyuk] Every song comes together to form a complete album, so they are all precious to me. However, my first self-composed song, ‘Tonight’, holds a special place in my heart.
[Jung Shin] Probably the title track and my self-composed song, ‘Personal Color’.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: With such an extensive discography, this tour’s setlist must be exciting to put together! Are there any songs each of you are especially looking forward to performing, and why?
[Yong Hwa] We will be performing songs from both our earlier and recent albums. I am excited about all of them, but the title track ‘그리운건 그대일까 그때일까 (A Sleepless Night)’ is one that I am especially looking forward to. It creates such a great vibe during live performances.
[Min Hyuk] It is too difficult to pick just one. Since it is our first U.S. concert in around 10 years, I want to play every song we have released. I would like to perform ‘그리운건 그대일까 그때일까 (A Sleepless Night)’ the most, which has been released most recently, with everyone waving their hands together.
[Jung Shin] Since this is our first U.S. tour in a long time, I would love to perform our most recent title track as well as some of our previous title songs.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: I recently saw a tweet that said, “CNBLUE not only delivers the best rock music and love songs, but also the most captivating stage banter. Their concert runs around three hours—leaving everyone wishing it would never end.” How do you guys keep up with such long sets, and what do you hope to bring to each performance, especially on the ‘VOYAGE into X’ tour?
[Yong Hwa] I perform on the live stage, knowing that once this night is over, both the audience and we, as artists, will miss this moment. That makes me want to keep going and never stop the show.
[Min Hyuk] The energy we receive from our fans makes us keep going. Our goal is to make sure they want to come back for our next show, so we give our best every moment. Their cheers fuel us.
[Jung Shin] Being on stage naturally empowers me. I also prioritize my physical health to maintain my energy levels. Since I have been involved in making our setlist and many parts of our performances, I understand how crucial it is to connect with our audience. This tour will showcase CNBLUE’s 15-year journey, our identity, and the way forward.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Min Hyuk – You recently said you want to play the drums even when you’re in your 80s! What drives your passion for drumming, and how do you see your musicianship evolving over time?
[Min Hyuk] My passion and motivation toward drum come entirely from CNBLUE and our fans’ love. I truly hope my music touches them, and I will keep growing so I can perform for them for many years to come.
THE KNOCKTURNAL:Jung Shin – You’ve been acting and performing steadily throughout your career. How do these two creative outlets influence each other, and what has been the biggest challenge in juggling both?
[Jung Shin] The more I do acting and performing together, the more I feel myself growing. I truly love both fields, and they enrich each other by deepening my emotions. The challenge is managing to schedule everything properly.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Yong Hwa – Your recent Instagram caption said, “Life is unfolding perfectly.” Can you expand on that? How have these past months been for you as an artist and creative—what has felt most rewarding?
[Yong Hwa] I recently had knee surgery, which made me feel like everything came to a halt. However, this period allowed me to reflect on myself and rebuild step by step. As an artist, I have always given my best, and I have no regrets about my journey.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: If you could each choose a ‘personal color’ to describe yourselves, what would it be and why? (Yes, you can pick blue!)
[Yong Hwa] Silver. It shines brightly even with just a little bit of light.
[Min Hyuk] Since I have an autumn-warm tone, I think darker colors suit me best. Lately, I have been drawn to olive green and deep brown.
[Jung Shin] Brown. It is one of my personal color tones, and I love how it gives off a warm, cozy vibe, which aligns with the image I want to express.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Finally, for fans—whether longtime supporters or those discovering CNBLUE for the first time—what message would you like to share before the tour?
[Yong Hwa] It has been so long since we have seen you. To be honest, I was not sure if we would ever get the chance to do another tour in North America, so being able to come back makes me so happy. I will enjoy every moment of it without regrets!
[Min Hyuk] You will never regret coming to the CNBLUE concert. I really hope you join us and have a great time.
[Jung Shin] CNBLUE exists because of all of you. Through this tour, we want to show that we are still growing and will continue to move forward. I can’t wait to share these moments with you. See you at the concert!
The VOYAGE into X in NORTH AMERICA tour might be coming to a city near you, and trust us—CNBLUE is making sure their long-awaited return is well worth the wait! From seasoned live vocals and instrumentals, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Photo Courtesy: FNC Entertainment
FOR MORE CNBLUE:
Instagram | X | Tiktok | Spotify | YouTube
