Close-Up is Stardust’s short-form digital cover series spotlighting talent through what feels most revealing: current obsessions, routines, creative process, and a few wild-card hypotheticals that capture them in the moment.

By now, YOON SAN-HA has lived several creative lives in front of audiences. As a member of ASTRO, the South Korean singer and actor grew up in the public eye through the precision, charm, and intensity of K-pop performance. Over time, his career has expanded beyond the expectations often placed on an idol, moving between group music, solo releases, acting, and the stage with the kind of steady curiosity that suggests an artist still discovering new facets of himself.

That search continues with his latest chapter. Through his third solo mini album, NO REASON, SAN-HA steps into a new era that feels like his most self-assured project to date. Across its five tracks, the mini album moves through different sonic textures and emotional moods, giving him extensive room to stretch his recognizable voice while following instinct over easy definition.

The focus track, “IDK ME,” captures that bold spirit especially clearly. Built as a hybrid pop song with groovy drums, heavy bass, and bright brass sounds, the dynamic track carries a message about finding your own path without being shaken by the way others see you. For an artist who has spent much of his life being watched, supported, interpreted, and sometimes defined by the public, that idea feels especially personal. It also speaks to confidence and honesty at once, recognizing that knowing yourself is not always easy, or even complete.

From there, NO REASON organically opens into a larger portrait of an artist embracing growth, instinct, and the freedom to move without needing to know every outcome in advance. Now, in conversation with Stardust for our latest edition of the Close-Up digital cover series, SAN-HA opens up about what currently grounds him, the creative sparks fueling this era, and what this new music reveals about who he is right now.

Stardust: What’s the first thing you usually do when you wake up?

YOON SAN-HA: I check the time on my phone, then catch up on any missed calls or messages.

Stardust: What’s something creative—a song, show, film, or piece of art—that you’ve been really into lately?

YOON SAN-HA: Since I am in the middle of my promotion cycle, I often listen to the full NO REASON album in the shower or before I go to sleep. I also loved the film Colony recently. It made me want to try a similar role in the future.

Stardust: When you finally get a day off, what does the perfect free day look like for you?

YOON SAN-HA: I usually go on a relaxing getaway to properly recharge. After this promotion, I want to share a nice meal with my label staff, dancers, and composers to spend some quality time together and thank them for their hard work.

Stardust: Is there a current hobby or random interest that fans might be surprised to know you love?

YOON SAN-HA: I’ve been building a cat Lego set that a fan gifted me before this promotion. It’s surprisingly complex, so I’m not finished yet, but I love how it helps me focus and clear my head.

Stardust: What’s something tangible that always puts you in a good mood?

YOON SAN-HA: I think it’s the microphone. Holding it before a show and imagining the performance ahead always gives me a happy rush of excitement.

Stardust: Since your work takes you between music, acting, and performing, where do you feel most like yourself these days?

YOON SAN-HA: Lately, I feel most like myself on stage. It’s where I realize, ‘This is who I am at this very moment.’ I know my energy or style might evolve a year from now, so I try to embrace my current self fully. Whenever I start to overthink, I just lean into the album’s mindset—just do it—and immerse myself in the work. That’s when I feel the most authentic.

Stardust: If you could instantly become great at one skill outside of music or acting, what would you choose?

YOON SAN-HA: The power of healing. The world would be a much healthier place if I could heal myself and others.

Stardust: NO REASON marks your third solo mini album. What kind of mindset were you in while making this project?

YOON SAN-HA: I was nervous since it was my first time being this involved in the creative process. But instead of chasing perfection, I chose to be true to myself and just dive in. Through that process, I learned so much about myself and why many artists value being hands-on with their albums.

Stardust: As you explored different genres and styles on NO REASON, what felt most exciting or new for you?

YOON SAN-HA: The most exciting part was the ideation process. “IDK ME” actually started from a single phrase, “I don’t even know myself.” Rather than keeping my concerns to myself, collaborating and sharing ideas with my composers and the label team really broadened my perspective and helped define the direction of the music more clearly.

Stardust: “IDK ME” is about finding your own path without letting other people’s opinions shake you. Why did that message feel important to share at this point in your life and career?

YOON SAN-HA: Throughout my career, I think I’ve been constantly asking myself questions. I thought deeply about what side of myself to show first, what fans would enjoy most, and what I’m best at. Because I wanted to try everything—from band music to dance and R&B—it was difficult to prioritize. This naturally led me to say, "I don't even know myself" quite often, and that emotion eventually became "IDK ME."

Stardust: The title NO REASON feels open-ended in a really interesting way. What does that phrase mean to you in the context of this album?

YOON SAN-HA: I felt the phrase “no reason” fits my personality well because I consider myself a straightforward person. Since I really wanted to show my honest side through this project, I chose the title NO REASON to mean that I’m showing myself exactly as I am.

Stardust: Between ASTRO, your solo work, and acting, you’ve shown different sides of yourself over the years. How has your sense of identity as an artist changed lately?

YOON SAN-HA: I feel like I’ve grown a lot in every aspect. This album taught me so much, both as an artist and as a person. Perhaps because I participated in the planning stages, I’ve gained the confidence that this album is something that’s hard to miss for anyone who listens to it. That’s why I’m enjoying my performances on stage more confidently than before. Personally, I’ve also learned how to be more authentic in expressing my thoughts and feelings.

Stardust: When fans listen to NO REASON from beginning to end, what do you hope they understand about who YOON SAN-HA is in this moment?

YOON SAN-HA: I hope they feel that I am continuously growing as an artist. I personally feel that NO REASON has a completely different vibe from my previous work. I want to continue showing my honest self in the direction I feel is right. Please look forward to the journey ahead!

NO REASON is out on all major streaming platforms.