Anyone who knows Jackson Wang's story would know that it’s one marked with a couple of controversies. Yet, the star continues to evolve at breakneck speed with an electrifying charisma that’s impossible to ignore. Whether music, fashion, or everything in between, Jackson has shown resilience and innovation consistently throughout his career. It makes sense, then, that the multi-hyphenate GOT7 member would be tapped to be the face of ANESSA for the Asian-Pacific market. The Japanese sun care brand is, after all, synonymous with those two exact same qualities since its founding in 1992.
When asked about this newfound partnership, Jackson says that he sees it as one of shared values and interests: “I believe resilience and protection are both essential. As a creator, these two qualities drive my creativity forward.”
Another point that makes this relationship a marriage in heaven is the fact that Jackson is as famed for his music and creative projects as he is for his trademark luminescent skin. On his current skincare regimen, he shares, “I use toner to keep my skin hydrated, and I also like to apply facial masks. The last step is always sunscreen—of course, ANESSA sunscreen.” Jackson's favourite is the Gold Milk, particularly the upcoming Pokémon Limited Edition – Pikachu.
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These days, thanks to his relentless travel and demanding schedule, the star has also learned to take care of his physical health as well. “On work days, I go for an iced Americano, and on my days off, I prefer juice. I work out whenever I have time, usually jogging,” he says. “If I have a free day, I head straight to the gym. When I’m out for work and constantly on the move, I bring a salad to make sure I get enough vitamins and greens. Besides my usual skincare routine, I also love taking bubble baths.”
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Iced Americanos, gym routines, and bubble baths all sound relaxing in comparison to the content that inspired his upcoming album, Magic Man 2, which explores different stages of grief through four distinct chapters. For Jackson, the creative process was as raw as it gets for the star. “Magic Man 1 and the songs I released before; they don’t feel as connected to me as Jackson,” he shares. “For example, ‘Blow’ and ‘100 Ways’ had themes and concepts that felt like costumes I was putting on. But Magic Man 2 is entirely about reality, human nature, and the world around us.”
He continues: “When I took a break last year, I started a habit of writing a diary. I just wrote down my real feelings—more than anything, it was a way to face myself. Many of my inspirations for this album came from my diary entries, which I then transformed into music.”
Ten years on since he first entered the industry as GOT7’s main rapper, Jackson continues to write his own story—in his own distinct way. This year is no different, and he has much to look forward to this year with the release of his third solo album. Reflecting on his journey from then till now, he shares that if he could give any advice to his 20-year-old self, it'd be, “Let me be me. Move at your own pace.”
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
ANESSA is available at select Watsons, Guardian, Welcia, FairPrice, Unity, and Donki stores and online on Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons Online.