Multi-hyphenate Korean artist HUTA swept up the summer season yet again with his heat-conducting new single, TEMPERATURE. HUTA’s story in the limelight began as a member of the K-pop act BTOB under his real name, LEE MINHYUK in 2012. Today, his career spans over a decade — including multiple Korean drama roles, a survival competition appearance, and a breakthrough chart reversal. In his newest venture as the soloist HUTA, he is solidifying his presence as a music icon synonymous with the summer season.
EnVi connected with HUTA on Zoom to learn more about TEMPERATURE, his artistic journey as a soloist, and what legendary appearances at the “WATERBOMB” music festival represent to him. HUTA appeared in neat casual wear and glasses — a “Clark Kent-esque” departure from the intense appearance he is known for onstage. LEE MINHYUK reserves his fierce charisma for onstage as HUTA, as he carried our conversation with a delightfully unexpected kindness and humility.
Enter the HUTAZONE
LEE MINHYUK used the nickname HUTA in the underground scene long before his 2012 debut. The moniker made a grand return in 2019 when he debuted as soloist HUTA with the album HUTAZONE. In the subsequent years, his kaleidoscopic catalogue expanded with projects like BOOM and HOOK.
The versatility found in HUTA’s solo career is proof that he does not limit himself to a singular role. Though he primarily raps in BTOB, he is also a vocalist and dancer. His solo stages are nothing short of impressive as he manages the weight of a group act on his own.
HUTA said when he’s balancing vocals, rap, and choreography in a singular performance, “It’s a great feeling.”
He shared his desire for growth in different performance areas and explained that he constantly reflects on how he can improve with each performance.
HUTA’s humble mindset as a K-pop veteran proves why he has lasted so long in the industry. His off-stage persona is more subdued than the explosive HUTA known for dominating festival stages. However, he explained “HUTA” is still a major part of who he fundamentally is as much as LEE MINHYUK is off-stage.
“As HUTA on stage, I try to bring a strong energy and the dynamic side of me, which I think is the core of my identity as an artist,” he said. “But on the other hand, off stage, I am a very calm person. I don’t really talk much, so I would say that there is a really big gap between who I am on-stage and off-stage, but I think both HUTA and LEE MINHYUK represent who I am.”
A “Knockout” Single
What’s remained intact all these years — even before HUTA hit the mainstream — is his deep involvement in the production process. HUTA has writing and composition credits on all of his songs, and his newest release is no exception.
TEMPERATURE dropped on July 15, and he has credits as a writer and composer on all three tracks. The single features the title track, “Icy & Spicy,” in addition to “KO” and “KO (Rush Ver.).” He shared that his goal with this single was to “deliver a refreshing vibe to combat the heat [and] cool off whoever watches my performances or listens to my music.”
“Icy & Spicy” is a dynamic dance-pop track that draws listeners in right from the jump with blaring brass. HUTA charms with his husky vocal tone before the instrumental-forward chorus allows his choreography skills to take center stage. Of course, a HUTA track isn’t complete without a rap verse, which he delivers in the second verse. The energy persists from start to finish, making it a celebratory tune for the summer season.
Though HUTA accumulated quite an expansive discography over the years, he shared that “Icy & Spicy” has grown to become one of his favorites, likening the song to “the start of a ‘season two’” for himself as an artist.
“First of all, I have challenged many different genres of music so far, but I think this is a clear direction of where I want to be headed as a solo artist going forward,” he said. “Most importantly, it’s just a cool song,” he added with a laugh.
TEMPERATURE continues with the intense “KO,” inspired by his recent interest in mixed martial arts. The single ends on a high-note with “KO (Rush Ver.),” a more EDM-forward interpretation of the previous track with a taste of Jersey club and hardstyle.
“There are three tracks in total from this single and all of them are songs that evoke a high energy. I would appreciate it if you could find my music in moments where you need a pick-me-up,” he said.
Turning Up the TEMPERATURE
When discussing all things HUTA, it would be a disservice not to mention his explosive appearances at the annual music festival, “WATERBOMB.” He returned for “WATERBOMB SEOUL 2026” a week after the release of TEMPERATURE, which marked his fourth consecutive year at the festival. HUTA has gone viral in the past with his performances on the “WATERBOMB” stage, not only for his incredible stage presence, but also his outstanding physique.
“First of all, I’m really grateful for all the positive responses to my ‘WATERBOMB’ performance,” he said. “All the positive responses are actually the motivation for me to work harder for upcoming stages and next year.”
There is a lot that goes into HUTA’s “WATERBOMB” set that many may not recognize. Beyond maintaining his physique to look his best on stage, he also hits the music studio for inspiration. He focuses on songwriting and production leading up to his performance so he can present something new each year. These efforts have earned him recognition as a “‘WATERBOMB’ Legend.”
“I would love to maintain that kind of reputation!” he said.
After seeing how HUTA translated TEMPERATURE onto the “WATERBOMB” stage this year, audiences are looking forward to what else he has planned. HUTA is still keeping future projects under wraps for the most part, but promised that he has plans fans won’t want to miss out on.
“I definitely have a few plans for the remainder of 2026, but I can’t reveal them all because nothing has been confirmed quite yet,” he said. “When more of my schedules get announced, I hope that [fans] can enjoy them together with me. In the case that [they’re] unable to, I am working hard to consistently develop as an artist so I hope [they] can anticipate what HUTA has planned in the future.”
Everlasting MELODY
HUTA said the stand-out moments across his career are his first full-scale concerts — both as a team with BTOB and as a soloist. He mentioned he finds himself revisiting those memories often; he cherishes those milestones a lot.
He added, “The daily communication I am able to have with my fans are precious memories that I earn each and every day.”
HUTA lit up when sharing how much he adored his fans, smiling whenever MELODY (BTOB’s fandom) was mentioned.
“I am endlessly thankful, and I really wish there were more of me so I could see you wherever you are in the world! I feel sorry for making you all wait and I’m so grateful for your continued support nonetheless. I will work my very hardest so I can meet global MELODY as soon as possible,” he said to global MELODY.
He ended his message saying “Above all else, I love you all.”
Fans find HUTA’s duality endearing and admirable. It’s been fourteen years since he first took the stage as a BTOB member, yet he follows a strict regimen to improve with each performance. He commands major crowds with his stage presence, but grew timid when explaining his love for his fans.
TEMPERATURE is confirmation that HUTA’s mindset has brought him this far, and there is no telling how much further he will grow.
“For EnVi readers who are hearing about me for the first time, my team [BTOB] and I are really fun people,” HUTA shared as a parting message. “We are a team you definitely don’t want to miss out on, so I would appreciate it if you would please stay tuned for what we have in store!”
Bring some heat into your daily playlist with TEMPERATURE, available to stream wherever you listen to music. Keep in touch with HUTA on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Interested in more coverage from the hottest acts in K-pop this summer? Check out EnVi’s exclusive Photo Diary with boy-group AMPERS&ONE from their recent tour!
