Jackson Wang’s Hate To Love, released on June 6, 2025, marks a powerful turn in his evolving solo artistry. Serving as the fourth pre-release single from his highly anticipated album MAGIC MAN 2, the track offers an emotionally stripped-down performance that leans into vulnerability rather than spectacle. Seated alone in a dimly lit space, Jackson delivers the song’s raw lyrics without choreography or visual distractions. It’s a departure from his usual aesthetic—no glamor, no grandeur—just emotional weight laid bare, underscoring the isolation and introspection that fuel the track.
The upcoming album MAGIC MAN 2, dropping on July 18, is set to continue Jackson’s journey through personal reckoning. The album is divided into four thematic parts that mirror emotional stages: from denial to acceptance. While his first MAGIC MAN album dabbled in chaos and cinematic rock, the sequel appears more intimate and conceptual, focused on grief, healing, and the many forms of internal confrontation.
The tracklist itself reflects that range. From the lonely ache of “High Alone” to the collaborative energy of “BUCK” featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Jackson is pushing boundaries while staying grounded in authenticity. “GBAD” and its remixes showed off his experimental edge, while “Hate To Love” draws the lens inward, capturing sorrow in still frames. Tracks like “Sophie Ricky” and “Made Me a Man” suggest further personal narratives that fans can expect to unpack.
As a solo artist, Jackson has long defied expectations. Since launching Team Wang in 2017, he’s steered clear of typical K-pop trajectories, opting instead for artistic control and global experimentation. His debut album Mirrors revealed his knack for introspective pop, while MAGIC MAN embraced theatrical darkness. With MAGIC MAN 2, Jackson seems poised to balance vulnerability and ambition like never before, showing us not only the magic—but the man—behind the music.