Magic Man Jackson Wang is a well-known South Korean musician, rapper, dancer, and member of the popular K-pop group GOT7. Born on March 28, 1994, in Hong Kong, Jackson Wang has gained a significant following due to his immense talent and charismatic personality. Jackson Wang's journey into the world of music began at a young age. He enrolled in an international school where he discovered his passion for sports and music. Wang's dedication and hard work paid off when he won numerous awards in fencing, earning him a scholarship to Stanford University in the United States. However, destiny had other plans for Jackson Wang.
However, destiny had other plans for Jackson Wang. During his time at Stanford, he was scouted by JYP Entertainment and offered the opportunity to join the K-pop industry. Jackson made the bold decision to pursue his dream of becoming a musician, leaving behind his scholarship and moving to South Korea.
Jackson Wang on ‘Magic Man’, his love for performing and what the future holds for him
The last time I saw Jackson Wang was during his visit here in August. He had led me to the private area of the DJ console, where he and his record label Team Wang were taking turns to rile up the boisterous crowd at Marquee Singapore. The gesture was gratuitous and kind; yet not surprising, given the Chinese superstar’s well-travelled reputation of an amiable extrovert.
Yet there’s more to the GOT7 member than his high-spirited facade, should one choose to look further. A considerable weight looms on his shoulders, which has been present ever since his seismic rise to stardom. On our Zoom call—two weeks after the successful release of his full-length English album Magic Man —he shrugs: “It might not be the best album in the world but I showed myself and my limit.”
There’s a habitual downplay I notice—even from previous interactions with the star—despite Wang’s achievements as a solo artist. Today, the 28-year-old is one of the most influential artists of our generation. He is a singer, producer, creative director, fashion designer and founder of Team Wang, a record label grounded on bringing Chinese-influenced sound to the global stage. And it’s all well-deserved, considering the sheer magnitude of Wang’s hustle since his debut in South Korea. With an affluent discography that spans English, Korean and Chinese, one can’t help but marvel at the tenacity of his ambition.
Louis Vuitton coat and top Thomas Giddings
It was the same spirit that prompted Wang to give up his prospects as a young sabre fencer, leave his hometown and move to South Korea to audition for JYP Entertainment, before proceeding to stardom with K-pop sensation GOT7. And the truth is, Wang was born to be a performer. He had fallen in love with music as a child, jiving to the melodies of Michael Jackson and Prince. And above all else, he relished performing. He recalls: “You know how in Chinese households, during Chinese New Year, you have all your relatives gathered in the house and your mum or your dad will force you to perform? I would always do it and I would always deliver more than they asked for. I liked to sing, I liked to perform in talent shows in school and even when I was fencing in tournaments, I felt like I was performing too. That was something I enjoyed—entertaining people in every way. That’s how it all started for me.”
“ Magic Man is more of a feeling. It’s an ultimate form of my peaks and valleys of emotions, which come from personal problems, the people around me, industry problems and everything else”
That fervent desire to entertain hasn’t quite diminished in the Wang we see today. If anything, after close to a decade in the industry, the singer is more than adamant to focus on his craft and music, rather than the person who does the business and crunches the numbers. He came to that revelation after finding himself lost in the everyday industry trench, eventually leading him to implode—through a cathartic release that is Magic Man .
Ludovic de Saint Sernin top; The Row pants; Panthère de Cartier rings Thomas Giddings
He muses: “ Magic Man is more of a feeling. It’s an ultimate form of my peaks and valleys of emotions, which come from personal problems, the people around me, industry problems and everything else. At that time, I felt like I lost who I was and forgot why I even started this. I decided to be true to myself for once and do what my gut feeling is telling me to do. And that was magical to me.”
Wang retaliated in what would be his most important album yet. A new sound from the artist unravelled, sitting at the confluence of alternative-rock, electro-pop and even the occasional synth, while his raspy tone served as an underlying sweet spot. He quips: “I feel like in this generation of music, there isn’t a specific genre anymore. Everything is meshed together and how you play with it is more of a key. That differentiates you from everyone else.”
Jil Sander jacket and pants; Panthère de Cartier ring Thomas Giddings
Wang took his time with the initial concept and, together with producers in the studio, came up with one song that determined the album’s direction. “We felt really good about it,” he recalls while noting his favourite songs. “‘Blow’ and ‘Cruel’ are both very aggressive and I think the texture of my voice really blended well with the tracks; I was surprised that I could do that.”
Visually, the execution of the album also brought out Wang’s creative undertaking with his performances, from music videos to live stages, all of which have made headlines this year. He became the first Chinese artist to perform at a Coachella main stage; a history-making moment, yet for the singer, he simply answers: “ I still feel like I haven’t even started. ”
“I want to go around the world and perform for everybody, to go into their local market and show them there’s an artist from the east. This is my art, this is my show, this is my stage and I want to bring it to them”
There’s always more to be done, according to Wang. It’s a constant state of mind he has maintained over the years; not so much a crutch of humility but rather, a brutal standard that he sets for himself. “Fame and popularity—they are bubbles,” he says. “Tomorrow, everything can disappear. You can appreciate it, but you don’t get full of it. Because you didn’t make that happen; your audience and your supporters made that happen for you. And to me, what I feel is, work on the art and content. Work on yourself and be better. Make that fame and popularity bubble solid and make it worth it.”
Rick Owens top; Ludovic de Saint Sernin pants Thomas Giddings
Perhaps, it is this self-afflicted onus that has Wang continually ascending higher—beyond the label of a K-pop star but rather as an artist that the whole world would soon recognise. I ask about his plans following Magic Man . “I want to go around the world and perform for everybody, to go into their local market and show them there’s an artist from the east. This is my art, this is my show, this is my stage and I want to bring it to them,” asserts Wang.
His intensity to his craft gradually reveals itself during our conversation. Switching to Mandarin for a bit, he explains the urgency in reference to his age: “I might be worrying about this a little too early but I’m not the same as the years go by. It could be about my stamina; it could be about my health and my body. So I just want to give 120 percent on whatever opportunities I have and not take my time because we don’t have time.”
Photographer Thomas Giddings
Fashion director Desmond Lim
Creative producer Vanessa Caitlin
Stylist Xander Ang
Production designer Jonathan Denmark
Photo p roducer Veronica Sharon
1st Photo Assistant Victor Prieto
2nd Photo Assistant Andre Jones
Digitech Merlin Viethen
Stylist Assistant Floriana Dormio
Make-up Hayeon Lee
Hair Han Lee
On-set p roduction BYA
Director of Production Carrie Heather
Executive Producer Katherine Croft
Production c oordinator Naomi Lex King
Production a ssistant s JB Holmquist and Joaquin Parada
Pre-order your copy of the October ‘Rebirth’ issue of Vogue Singapore online now or pick it up on newsstands from 12 October 2022.
Louis Vuitton coat and top Thomas Giddings
In 2014, Jackson Wang debuted as a member of the boy group GOT7. As a main rapper and lead dancer, Jackson quickly became a fan favorite. He showcased his talents in various performances, captivating the audience with his powerful stage presence and captivating dance moves. Apart from his activities with GOT7, Jackson Wang has also pursued a successful solo career. He released his first solo single "Papillon" in 2017, which received positive reviews and gained significant popularity. He later released several more successful singles, including "Okay" and "100 Ways." Beyond his musical endeavors, Jackson Wang has also ventured into other entertainment fields. He has appeared on numerous television shows in South Korea and China, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Wang has hosted several variety shows, proving his ability to entertain and engage with audiences. Despite his success, Jackson Wang remains humble and grateful for his fans' support. He actively engages with fans through social media platforms, sharing updates and interacting with them directly. Wang's genuine and down-to-earth personality has endeared him to fans worldwide. In addition to his talent and charm, Jackson Wang is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable activities, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes. In conclusion, Jackson Wang is a multi-talented artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music and entertainment. His dedication, hard work, and passion have allowed him to achieve immense success both as a member of GOT7 and as a solo artist. With his talent and charisma, Jackson Wang will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting legacy in the industry..
Reviews for "The Allure of Magic: How Jackson Wang Captivates Audiences with his Tricks"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I really did not enjoy "Magic Man Jackson Wang". I found the storyline to be incredibly confusing and hard to follow. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with or care about them. Additionally, the acting was subpar and forced, further adding to my overall disappointment with the film. Overall, I found "Magic Man Jackson Wang" to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Michael - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Magic Man Jackson Wang" but was ultimately let down. While the visuals and special effects were impressive, the plot was convoluted and poorly executed. The film tried to be a mix of action, comedy, and drama, but failed to strike the right balance, resulting in a disjointed and awkward viewing experience. I also found the dialogue to be cliché and uninspired, further hindering my enjoyment of the film. Unfortunately, "Magic Man Jackson Wang" fell short of my expectations and left me feeling underwhelmed.
3. Emily - 1.5 stars
I have to say, I was extremely disappointed with "Magic Man Jackson Wang." The film promised a thrilling and magical adventure, but it failed to deliver on both counts. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality, making it difficult to become invested in the story. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or development, leaving me uninterested in their fates. Furthermore, the pacing of the film was off, with action sequences feeling rushed and important moments lacking the necessary impact. Overall, "Magic Man Jackson Wang" was a forgettable and lackluster film that I would not recommend watching.