Introduction

Kang Daniel, the beloved K-pop star, recently opened up about his challenging 15-month hiatus during an episode of 'Mr. House Husband 2.' As anticipation builds for his comeback, set for September 23 with his 5th mini album titled 'ACT' under the new label ARA, fans are eager to understand the struggles he faced during his time away from the spotlight.

Legal Challenges

His extended break was brought about by severe legal challenges with a former shareholder of his previous label, KONNECT Entertainment. This individual allegedly misappropriated company funds and forged a corporate seal to secure a music distribution contract worth a staggering 10 billion KRW (approximately $7.5 million USD). The turmoil within the company not only impacted Kang Daniel's career but also affected the welfare of other artists associated with KONNECT.

Emotional Toll

In the emotional interview, Kang Daniel confessed, "Having to work when you can't is even harder than when you want to rest but can't. It really starts to eat away at you." He shared that he was deeply concerned about causing trouble for his fellow artists, which made him cautious about voicing his frustrations. “I held out for a long time and couldn’t take a break. I was basically stuck at home,” he explained, giving insight into the mental and emotional toll of the situation.

Return to Music

Now, as he gears up to return to music, Kang Daniel expressed his excitement and eagerness to resume his career. "I’m excited. I really wanted to work. I genuinely wanted to labor," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to focusing on his craft at his new agency.

Anticipation for 'ACT'

With 'ACT' poised to be his first release in over a year, both fans and industry observers are highly anticipating what Kang Daniel will bring to the table. His journey serves as a testament to the resilience of artists facing industry challenges, and it promises to be a comeback filled with passion and determination.