HUTA on Contrast, Control, and Creative Growth
For more than a decade, LEE MINHYUK has built a career by refusing to stay in one lane. Since debuting with BTOB in 2012, he has moved fluidly between rap, vocals, songwriting, and performance, becoming one of the group’s most dynamic and versatile figures. That range is especially visible onstage, where his commanding presence and explosive energy are grounded in the discipline and preparation behind every movement.
His solo work as HUTA has given those strengths a more personal direction. With the release of HUTAZONE in 2019, MINHYUK began establishing a musical space shaped more directly by his own personality, contributing to the composition of all 11 tracks. The album revealed how much ground he could cover independently, while 2022’s BOOM pushed that identity further through a mix of forceful hip-hop, polished pop, softer vocals, and more reflective songwriting.
That evolution continued when he returned in 2025 with the seven-track EP HOOK. Arriving after a three-year gap between solo releases, the project placed renewed emphasis on rhythm, impact, and performance without losing the hands-on creative involvement that had already become central to his work. And across each project, his participation in the writing and composition has also allowed his solo catalog to grow with a clear sense of continuity, even as the sound itself continues to shift.
His latest release, TEMPERATURE, carries that progression into a sharper and more concentrated form. Released on July 15, the summer single album pairs “Icy & Spicy” with “K.O.,” two tracks that explore different shades of intensity through cool restraint, heat, tension, and explosive energy. The concept gives HUTA another opportunity to bring his rap, vocals, songwriting, and performance skills into the same space while playing with the contrast between control and impact.
The balance feels particularly suited to an artist whose career has long depended on adaptability. Rather than narrowing his identity, each solo release has given HUTA more room to define it, revealing how precision, power, and creative curiosity continue to shape the music he makes on his own terms.
Now, Stardust is catching up with HUTA about the ideas behind TEMPERATURE, the relationship between its two tracks, and how his approach to songwriting, performance, and solo artistry has evolved over the years.
Photo Credit: BTOBCOMPANYThe project is built around contrasting temperatures, with coldness and heat existing within the same world. Where did that central concept begin, and how did it guide the music you wanted to create?
HUTA: I wanted to express who I am. Fans often say that one of my biggest charms is the gap between my different sides. I tried to capture those different sides of myself through the keywords “Icy” and “Spicy.” And since this song draws a lot of inspiration from F1, the lyrics “Icy & Spicy” fit it even better. These elements also come through clearly in the rap parts.
“Icy & Spicy” plays with that contrast by bringing two opposing energies together. What does each side reveal about you as an artist, and how do they come together in the song?
HUTA: I think I have both an “Icy” side that can stay relaxed and composed in any situation and a “Spicy” side that is dynamic, passionate energy itself. If I were to divide them by sections of the song, the drop section in the chorus is the Icy part, while the hook section in the post-chorus is the Spicy part. Within the broader framework of excitement and energy, these sections contrast restraint with explosiveness.
Your solo work consistently brings together rap, vocals, and performance. When creating “Icy & Spicy,” which element did you find yourself building the song around first?
HUTA: The quality of the song itself was my priority. Rather than thinking that I should have more singing parts or more rap parts, I focused on the overall quality and completeness of the song itself. The balance between singing and rap came naturally as a result. Then, performance was added to the completed song. I received choreography from two different teams and combined the two choreographies myself. I’ve also been directing the choreography since my album last year. I find it really enjoyable because I feel like I can better bring the picture I have in mind to life.
Once the song was complete, how did you hope to translate its contrasting energy into the choreography and visual presentation?
HUTA: First, in terms of the visual direction, we developed separate outfit concepts for each keyword. And if you watch the music video, you’ll see that we actually filmed inside a cold-storage warehouse. We contrasted that setting with an intense performance to create two opposing energies.
“K.O.” completes the single album alongside the focus track. What role does it play within TEMPERATURE, and what does it reveal that “Icy & Spicy” does not express on its own?
HUTA: “KO” is a song inspired by a mixed martial arts fighter I support, almost like a tribute to him. I deeply connected with the energy and influence that fighter Ko Seok-hyun has, and I felt that there were many similarities between us. The song turned out so well that I even worked on an additional version, “KO (Rush ver.).” Like the title track, it’s a song I worked on with the dream of becoming a festival icon. It’s such an exhilarating and exciting song that when you hear it, you can hardly keep your body still.
You have remained closely involved in writing and composing throughout your solo career, allowing your musical identity to become more defined with each release. At this stage, what makes a song feel authentically yours?
HUTA: A song authentically feels mine when it reflects my own identity and the stage I’m at as an artist. As I’ve continued writing and creating music over the years, I’ve felt my musical identity become more firmly established, and I think that’s naturally reflected in the songs I make. With TEMPERATURE, I believe listeners will be able to hear that growth, and I hope they’ll continue to enjoy watching me evolve as an artist.
You have developed your artistry both as a member of BTOB and through your solo music. What has being part of the group taught you about yourself as a solo artist, and what has your solo career brought back to BTOB?
HUTA: The biggest realization I’ve gained through my group activities is the love of our fans. It’s the gratitude I feel for that love that has allowed me to come this far, and that will remain the same going forward. As for what my solo career can bring to BTOB, I think it’s the improvement in my skills through a wide variety of stage experiences, as well as BTOB music with new colors. Please look forward to the BTOB songs with HUTA’s signature touch that are yet to come!
