Since SEVENTEEN’s debut in 2015, Wonwoo has built a reputation as one of the quietest members of the group. Born Jeon Wonwoo in Changwon, South Korea, a quick search of his name online will bring back results describing his demeanor as calm, reserved, introverted, or shy — some adjectives the 26-year-old also uses to describe himself. But he’s much more than that, as fans have learned over the course of his very own Mindset Collection.
In the past, fellow SEVENTEEN members Vernon, DK, Joshua, and Mingyu discussed a myriad of topics ranging from burnout and anxiety to prejudices in their own collections on the Mindset app. Wonwoo’s turn does things a little differently. The first episode of Wonwoo’s Mindset Collection arrived on May 18, in the middle of AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, kickstarting an ongoing collaboration between The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit that focuses on emotional health for teens and young adults, and the beloved brand by DIVE Studios. It was released on YouTube for free in an effort to normalize mental health support among listeners who find refuge in fandoms, especially for AAPI youth.
“This is an incredibly important partnership for us since we know Asian Americans are among the least likely to seek help for mental health out of any racial or ethnic group,” Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, JED’s Chief Medical Officer, said. “Mindset’s audience finds safety and support in music fandoms, making it a powerful tool paired with JED’s mental health expertise to both reach and assist youth where they are.”
Ahead of the third and final episode of Wonwoo’s Mindset Collection premiering on June 1, Teen Vogue caught up with the South Korean star to dive deeper into his mind, discussing topics from grief to joy and everything in between.
Teen Vogue: Why did you feel this was the best time to partner up with DIVE for your own Mindset Collection?
Jeon Wonwoo: It was a great opportunity that came along at the right time for me. I was just thinking that I’ve been in a good headspace lately, that I’ve been feeling stable in terms of both the state of mind I’m in and how I behave, and then I was given this chance to share my thoughts, thankfully. I wanted to share bits and pieces from my mindset right now to try and help anyone I might be able to help.
TV: In the first episode, you talk about your experiences as a child and how you listened to music 24/7 before even deciding to pursue music. Would you say music has been some sort of refuge to you since then, even if unknowingly?
JW: I think it was difficult not to see that music is a source of comfort, because it was a part of every moment of my day-to-day life. There was music when I was feeling joy, when I was completely drained, when I was traveling somewhere, and on all other important occasions. Music was an integral part of all those moments, permeating the cloud of feelings I felt then.
TV: Obviously, music is still a very big part of your life, but what are some other things you find refuge in nowadays? What is your safe space? Where do you go when you step away for a minute?
JW: If I had to pick a location that exists physically, then it would be home. That’s where I feel safest. But really, I think anywhere where I can be with the people I like turns into a safe space for me.
TV: Is there ever a time when you enjoy being alone with your thoughts? Or would you rather fill your days with distractions?
JW: This actually changes depending on the headspace I’m in then and there. I used to prefer being alone with my thoughts, reflecting on what I’ve done and thinking about how to improve. But recently, I prefer to keep myself away from diving too deep into my own thoughts, instead directing my full attention to whatever task or activity I have right in front of me. Once I realize that there is a thought weighing me down, I try to think of whatever is the quickest conclusion or answer I can come up with, so as to depart from that state of mind.
TV: Creating safe spaces in our daily routines can be easy — as you said, the most obvious safe space for you is home — but how do you take care of your mental health while on the road? What do you do when you need to take a break or spend time doing other things but you’re in the middle of a busy schedule?
JW: When we’re on the road, [the SEVENTEEN members and I] head out together to try the delicacies in the area and take strolls around major tourist attractions, after which we return to our rooms and rest up to find peace of mind.
TV: Speaking of SEVENTEEN, you are famously one of the most introverted members in the group, but you also admit you've been learning to express your feelings and step out of your comfort zone more and more in your Mindset. What prompted this change? Was it a conscious decision, or do you think it's a natural thing as we age and become more aware of how precious the things we have are? Or maybe a mix of both…
JW: I think I’ve changed naturally over the course of time, just trying to become more closely fitted to the environment I’m in and the people I’m surrounded by. It’s difficult to stay introverted when you’re among all the theatrical members of SEVENTEEN. [Laughs.] It’s one of the ways I feel I’ve matured over the years.
TV: What is a way you feel comfortable showing your affection these days?
JW: I’m still relatively reserved, but I quietly root for those around me and put my trust in them. I’ve also been trying harder to express affection through words.
TV: In the second episode, you share one saying your mom used to recite that has stuck with you: "Whatever it is, cherish it while it is next to you." What are some of the small things you've recently cherished or felt grateful for?
JW: I enjoy gaming. I’ve recently started broadcasting my gameplay on Weverse, as my own way of communicating better with our fans, CARATs. Some of our fans are completely new to the world of gaming, and I can imagine it all feeling very unfamiliar, but they still tune in to the stream and watch me play. I’ve been feeling really grateful about that.
TV: Have you received any other piece of advice that has stuck with you over the years?
JW: There’s something my father has often said to me that really resonated with me. “Your life is your own. Do not be bothered by what others think of you. Do what you want to do, and live your life the way you want.” I’m trying to live by his advice.
TV: What are your biggest motivators these days, not just in terms of work but in your daily life?
JW: For work, CARATs and our members are my biggest and only motivators, without a doubt. In my daily life, it would be my family, the people I'm surrounded by, and the people I like. Now that I’ve laid it out… I realize I’m someone that’s greatly affected by the people around me.
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This interview has been edited for clarity.
