Korean American star Jay Park is known for many things, including being a rapper and R&B artist, as well as a garlic health drink enthusiast.

Park held a two-day fan meeting in Seoul recently for the first time in over a decade. Between performing his hits, Park — known for his dedication to health drinks — minced garlic on stage for two fans who won a lucky draw to taste his garlic health drinks. During the show, fans waved garlic-shaped light sticks.

Hailing from Washington state, Park stumbled into South Korea’s competitive pop industry after his mother suggested he try out for a K-pop audition, which he initially thought was just a talent show. He moved to South Korea, became a trainee under JYP Entertainment, and later debuted as a member of K-pop band 2PM.

Park, 37, has become one of the biggest names in the Asian entertainment industry as a recording artist, founder of three well-known South Korean music labels and an entrepreneur with a Korean liquor brand.

This interview with Park has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: It was your first fan meeting in more than a decade. How did this come about and how was the meeting with fans?

A: I received a lot of support and love from the fans, but I felt like I never deserved that. I also wanted people to know the real me, as a person and as an artist. My perception back then was like, I didn’t want to rely on the fans too much and just continuously take money from them. That’s not what I wanted to do. But I realized they want to show their support, and it’s about (me) giving back as well. So right now it’s just a perfect opportunity to meet with my fans.

Q: You just talked about the “real me.” Who is the real you? Is there a side of you that you want people to see more?

A: I don’t want people to see anything. If you see me, you see me. If you don’t, you don’t. I don’t have an artist name. My name is Jay Park. There’s not a lot of people that are active under their real name. I’m probably like one of the only ones. I’ve been like that for, what, 16 years now? And I work with people that I want to work with. I do music that I want to do. I’m not hungry or thirsty for recognition anymore or to be accepted.

Q: How do you keep up with trends?

A: I don’t keep up with trends. I have certain morals and certain standards, and I just abide by those standards. And it’s led me to where I’m at right now. I never cut any corners. I don’t take shortcuts. So I think that that’s taken me a long way. And I’ve always tried to be the best human being and try to carry myself as a good person.

Q: You’ve hinted at an upcoming album. When is the release?

A: It’s supposed to come out in October.

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