On Saturday 14 November, the One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, becomes the centre of Asian music as it hosts the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
With Woody Milintachinda and Cindy Bishop as hosts, it is a historic event bringing together 11 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) in a competition that aims to carry the spirit of the Eurovision format to Asia while showcasing the continent’s cultural, linguistic and musical diversity.
With acts spanning different styles, backgrounds and artistic approaches, this first edition sets out to become an international showcase for new voices and sounds from one of the most diverse regions in the world.
Ahead of this new celebration of Asian music, we take a closer look at the careers of the contenders in a series of profiles dedicated to each participant: their origins, their musical careers, their biggest hits and the stories behind each entry. 11 countries, 11 songs and one stage: Bangkok, where a new chapter in the history of international song contests is about to begin.
This time we meet JUNHEE, who represents South Korea at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 with “DEEP DIVE”.
Meet JUNHEE: from A.C.E. leader to South Korea’s representative at Eurovision Asia 2026
Park Jun-hee (박준희), known professionally as JUNHEE and previously as Jun, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, dancer and actor, born on 2 June 1994 in South Jeolla. First known as the leader of the K-pop group A.C.E., he has built a career that combines music, acting, musical theatre and television.
After several years in the South Korean industry, he has started a new chapter as a solo artist, running his own label and with a major international milestone behind him: his victory in Korea’s Next Wave, South Korea‘s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.
His music moves mainly between pop, R&B and dance, with a clear preference for bright melodies, accessible sounds and productions that convey positive emotions. JUNHEE sees music as a way of connecting with audiences and of keeping his listeners company, a philosophy that has shaped both his group work and his solo releases.
Early days: seven years as a trainee and a chance with A.C.E.
Before becoming a familiar face in K-pop, JUNHEE spent seven years as a trainee at CJ E&M and Jellyfish Entertainment. During that time he came close to debuting three times, but each project fell through for different reasons.
In 2016 he joined Beat Interactive, where he kept working on his vocal and dance skills. In this period he released a number of covers and dance practice videos, some of them on the company’s official channels and on 1MILLION, the platform specialising in dance.
That same year he made his stage debut in the musical ‘The Plague’ (‘Peste’), playing Grand. The experience opened up a new side of his artistry and laid the foundations for a career that would later extend into acting.
His musical debut as a member of A.C.E. (an acronym for “Adventure Calling Emotions”) came on 23 May 2017, when the group released the single “Cactus”. JUNHEE took on the roles of leader, main vocalist and dancer, becoming one of the central figures of the group.
Park Jun-hee shared the stage with Donghun (Lee Dong-hun), Wow (Kim Se-yoon), Byeongkwan (Kim Byeong-kwan) and Chan (Kang Yu-chan).
Shortly afterwards he took part, with bandmate Kang Yu-chan, in ‘The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project’, a TV survival show offering a second chance to artists who had already debuted. Although he did not make the final line-up, the show gave him greater visibility. He also appeared in the fourth season of ‘I Can See Your Voice’, introduced as the “Kangta of Suncheon”, but was eliminated in the second round.
Over the following years he kept growing with A.C.E., featuring on releases such as UNDER COVER, UNDER COVER: The Mad Squad and HJZM: The Butterfly Phantasy. Beyond performing, he began writing lyrics and composing, earning credits on songs such as “5TAR + 5TAR (Incompletion)”, “Holiday” and “Clover”.
One of the highlights of this period came in 2020, when A.C.E. performed at an event celebrating the Academy Awards success of ‘Parasite’, the South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho that won four Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature). JUNHEE spoke publicly about what an honour it had been to be part of such a significant cultural moment.
An all-round artist: theatre, television and web series
Alongside his music, JUNHEE built a career as an actor. His TV debut came in 2015 with ‘Persevere, Goo Hae Ra’, followed by projects such as ‘Age of Youth’ (2017), ‘Big Issue’ (2019) and ‘Zombie Detective’ (2020).
He also stood out in web series such as ‘I Need a Romance’ (2014), ‘Melancholic’ (2017), ‘Twenty-Twenty’ (2020), ‘Tinted With You’ (2021) and ‘Sometoon’ (2021), playing a lead role in the last two.
In ‘Sometoon’, JUNHEE played Kang Tae-su and Seo Ba-da, and also sang on the soundtrack with “Is It Just Me?”, alongside Lee Jiham and Kang Yuchan. ‘Tinted With You’, meanwhile, was one of the standout projects of his acting career. In this BL (Boys’ Love) historical drama he played Jung Eun-ho, one of the leads.
The role carried particular weight because of his public support for LGBTQ+ representation. The singer explained that he had accepted the project partly with his LGBTQ+ fans in mind, and argued that BL productions could help break down prejudice and contribute to a more equal society.
In 2022 he paused his artistic activities to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service, enlisting on 7 February as an active-duty soldier. Once discharged, he returned to the entertainment industry in August 2023.
His comeback came with a major stage challenge: a leading role in ‘We Will Rock You’, the musical built around the songs of Queen. JUNHEE played Galileo, one of the main characters, and stayed with the production until its final performance on 2 January 2024.
He also kept broadening his musical and creative collaborations. In 2023 he was credited for his work on the choreography of Forestella‘s “KOOL” music video, and in 2024 he added further lyricist credits, including “Pinata” for A.C.E.
A new chapter: artistic independence and a solo debut
In March 2025 it was confirmed that all five members of A.C.E. had not renewed their individual contracts with Beat Interactive. They did, however, keep the rights and trademarks associated with the group, leaving the door open to future group activities.
After stepping away from A.C.E., JUNHEE began a new professional chapter. In early June 2025 he founded his own company, H&P Entertainment, through which he manages his solo career. Acting as both singer and chief executive gave him greater control over his projects and his artistic identity. On 7 July 2025, a partnership with Pan Entertainment was also announced to boost his music activities internationally.
Alongside his work as a producer, his official solo debut came on 14 August 2025 with “Supernova”, a single that previewed the sound of his first solo record. On 12 September he released his first EP, The First Day & Night, a set of songs exploring different emotions and moments.
The project also includes “Umbrella”, on whose Korean version he worked as lyricist, and “Night”, which he both wrote and composed. These credits show his growing involvement in the creative process behind his releases.
A first world tour and a new EP
International activity soon followed. JUNHEE set off on his first solo world tour, the ‘INTO THE OCEA@N World Tour’, which opened with a nine-city US leg and continued through Europe and Asia. Stops included Atlanta, Durham, New York, Minneapolis, Chicago, London, Seoul and Taipei, followed later by a Canadian leg.
In January 2026 he held a fan meeting in Tokyo, Japan. He also attended Seoul Fashion Week, where he was a guest at the Adriel Los show and made several appearances on the photocall and at related events.
His second EP, Love Method, arrived on 7 August 2026. Released once again on his own H&P Entertainment label, it charts his growth as a songwriter and performer. Its title track, “La La La Lune”, pairs his pop sensibility with a production built for the stage and live performance.
The EP also includes “Forever Young” and “5 Stars”, which he co-wrote as lyricist and composer. During his South Korean music show promotions he also performed “Get Out” with Kim Se-yoon, his former A.C.E. bandmate, revisiting the connection with his earlier career.
Another of his 2026 releases was “Demisoda Be Fresh”, published in July on his YouTube channel as a song tied to an advertising campaign. On 7 September he also unveiled the visualiser for “OMW”, a collaboration with actor and rapper Kim Min-jae.
His work as a songwriter has become increasingly prominent in this new chapter. Over the years he has written songs for A.C.E. and for his own projects, with credits on tracks such as “Clover”, “Angel (Kor Ver)”, “Pinata”, “Night”, “Forever Young” and “DEEP DIVE”, the song with which he represents South Korea at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.
The Eurovision adventure as South Korea’s representative
The turning point in his international career came very recently, on 4 September 2026, when he competed in Korea’s Next Wave, South Korea’s first national selection to choose its act for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.
The show brought together eight entries competing for the ticket to represent the country at the contest’s first edition. JUNHEE performed “DEEP DIVE”, an electropop track with EDM (electronic dance music) influences about the intensity of falling in love and being swept away by your feelings. The song, which he co-wrote and co-composed, came with an energetic staging and an underwater-themed visual concept.
His performance won over both the public and the jury, making him the winner of the selection and the first artist ever chosen by South Korea for the new Asian contest.
For JUNHEE, “DEEP DIVE” represents the culmination of several years of musical growth and a chance to present his work to an international audience. After the win he also announced a new international tour, ‘JUNHEE World Domination’, starting in Canada, with a second US leg announced as part of his expansion plans.
JUNHEE’s wide-ranging discography
JUNHEE‘s catalogue spans soundtrack contributions, his work with A.C.E. and his solo releases. As a solo artist he has released two EPs, which have helped establish a musical identity of his own beyond A.C.E.
His debut solo EP came on 12 September 2025 with The First Day & Night, his first EP, released on H&P Entertainment. It had been preceded on 14 August by “Supernova”, his first solo single. The EP also features “Umbrella” and “Night”, on which he was actively involved in the writing and composing.
On 7 August 2026 he released Love Method, his second EP, led by the single “La La La Lune”. It includes tracks such as “Forever Young” and “5 Stars”, where he again worked as lyricist and composer. The release reflects the evolution of his sound and his commitment to pop, R&B and dance.
Among his most successful singles, “Supernova” and “Umbrella” (2025) were the standout previews of his debut EP. Later releases such as “La La La Lune” and “Demisoda Be Fresh” also performed strongly on streaming platforms.
Beyond his own records, JUNHEE has contributed to several soundtracks for TV series and other productions, both solo and with other members of A.C.E.
In 2020 he joined Lee Jiham and Kang Yuchan on “First Love” (어쩌면) for ‘My Healing Love’. That same year he sang “Where You Are” with Kang Yuchan for ‘The Game: Towards Zero’. In 2021, the members of A.C.E. performed “Something” (어떻게 할까?) and “Is It Just Me?” (썸썸한 사이?) for the ‘Sometoon’ soundtrack, and “Spark” for the drama ‘Light On Me’. Finally, in 2022, JUNHEE recorded “Buzzer Beater” with Kim Byeongkwan and Kang Yuchan for ‘Tracer’.
An artist on the rise internationally
JUNHEE‘s career is the story of an artist who has moved comfortably between different areas of entertainment. From his years as a trainee to his role as leader of A.C.E., by way of acting and musical theatre, he has built a career defined by versatility.
His move towards artistic independence in 2025 opened a new chapter in which he has developed a musical identity of his own, taking a direct hand in composing, writing lyrics and managing his projects. He has also taken on the challenge of running his own agency while continuing to grow as a performer.
In an interview with HelloKpop in October 2026, JUNHEE said that no life experience is entirely meaningless, and that many situations that seem difficult at first end up shaping the person you become. It is a reflection that fits his career path and the way his music has evolved.
Now, with Love Method as his latest release and “DEEP DIVE” as his calling card for Eurovision audiences, the singer faces one of the biggest challenges of his career. Taking part in Eurovision Asia is a chance to bring K-pop and his own music to new audiences.
“DEEP DIVE”: JUNHEE’s entry for South Korea at Eurovision Asia 2026
JUNHEE represents South Korea at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 with “DEEP DIVE”. The song, performed entirely in English, was written by JUNHEE himself together with Notmixedyet., Jaehyuk Ryu, Sarah Min and AleXa, winner of the American Song Contest in 2022.
“DEEP DIVE” is about the intensity of surrendering to an emotion so powerful that it becomes impossible to control. Using the metaphor of the ocean, the tides and the depths, it describes a relationship of attraction and dependence in which the narrator is completely consumed by another person, to the point of losing control of his own feelings.
From the opening lines, the lyrics convey that sense of emotional vertigo. A lover’s touch is compared to a tidal wave pulling the narrator down to the bottom. He knows he should escape, but the pull is too strong. The image of a siren’s song reinforces the idea: an irresistible call, beautiful and dangerous at the same time. However hard he tries to fight, he ends up giving in.
The chorus, with its repeated “Deep Dive”, captures that ever-deeper immersion in love, desire and passion. The absence of a lifeline stands for the choice to keep going without looking for a way out, even accepting the pain that such devotion can bring. It is a song about the contradiction between knowing that something can hurt us and still not wanting to let it go.
Musically and conceptually, “DEEP DIVE” offers a chance to show an intense, modern and emotional side of South Korean music. JUNHEE can turn this story into an immersive stage experience, using the visual language of water, light, shadow and movement to convey the feeling of descending into an unknown world.
As South Korea‘s entry at Eurovision Asia 2026, “DEEP DIVE” stands out as a song that combines artistic identity, sensitivity and stage power. Its message is universal: at some point we have all felt an emotion that carries us beyond our limits. Sometimes loving, wanting or giving yourself to someone means accepting the risk of diving in without knowing whether you will make it back to the surface. JUNHEE invites us to close our eyes, hold our breath and let go.
Lyrics of “DEEP DIVE” by JUNHEE, South Korea’s entry at Eurovision Asia 2026
(In the morning day)
(Somebody had to go)
(Somebody, oh)
Ah
Yeah, your touch, it feels like a tidal wave
Pull me under, I’ll obey, it all starts to blur
Running slowly into her
She’s dragging me down
Siren’s song got me in a daze
No escape tonight
Wanna fight but I’m losing
My soul is yours for the choosing
Wanting more, I even love the way that it hurts
Falling deeper I can’t breathe
She’s got a hold on me
Stay, oh I
I know I shouldn’t stay
But I’m so lost inside your waves
Oh yeah
No lifeline just devotion under
Low low low
Dive, dive, deep dive, dive
Dive, dive, deep dive, dive
Dive, dive, deep dive, dive
Dive, dive, deep dive, dive
I guess we know I can’t give it up
I’m too far gone, never getting up
You’re on the top, holdin’ me below
Faded, you got me so faded
Faded for sure
(Deeper, deeper down)
(Deeper, deeper down)
Deeper down
(Deeper, deeper, deeper…)
Let me go
I wanna cross over, yeah
Under your pressure, yeah
Baby, you keep pullin’ me right in
Got me feelin’ like, feel like
I don’t even mind, yeah
I, no way out I’m drifting with the tide
Ride till I die
Oh, I can’t stop this dive
(In the morning day)
(Somebody had to go)
(Somebody, oh)
Stay, oh I
I know I shouldn’t stay
But I’m so lost inside your waves
Oh yeah
No lifeline just devotion under
Ah
Let’s go
(Dive, dive, dive, dive…)
Listen to all the songs of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in the ESCplus playlist on Spotify:
How JUNHEE won his ticket to Eurovision Asia 2026: victory at Korea’s Next Wave
JUNHEE represents South Korea at the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia with “DEEP DIVE” after winning Korea’s Next Wave, the South Korean national selection held on Friday 4 September.
Hosted by singer and actor Jo Kwon, the show featured eight artists competing with original songs for the ticket to Bangkok. The line-up was Sojeong Shim, KIK, huiAe, Younghoon Ji, ANGEL NOISE, 9278, PLZY and the eventual winner, JUNHEE.
The result was decided by a mixed voting system combining a professional jury (40%), the South Korean public (40%) and international viewers (20%). Fans around the world could vote through the ZOOP platform and the official Eurovision Song Contest Asia website, with eight free votes per person and the option to buy 10 more.
The expert jury was made up of five South Korean music industry professionals: JOO YOUNG HOON, CHAERINA, Yoonhan, Hyungtag Lee and KLOZER, who assessed the eight competing entries.
In the end, JUNHEE and “DEEP DIVE” took the win, making him the fourth act confirmed for the Asian contest. Sojeong Shim and ANGEL NOISE completed the Korea’s Next Wave podium in second and third place respectively.
Korea’s Next Wave was produced by South Korean broadcaster ENA together with Voxovation, the company that holds the rights to expand the Eurovision Song Contest format internationally.