Jackson Wang sets Chinese artist Billboard record with 'Magic Man 2'

Pop star Jackson Wang poses with his parents for a photo. [Photo courtesy of Jackson Wang]

The album concludes with "Made Me a Man," a ballad many fans consider their favorite. Wang said he eventually found peace with himself and experienced what he called a "rebirth."

"For this album, it took me giving myself time, care and love to be able to achieve it, which is hard to do as we live in a world with too much information surrounding us every day," Wang said. "It's tough, but it's necessary to give ourselves space and love."

The global superstar explained that his "Magic Man" persona across both albums was created to confront his pain, serving as a mask that represented his darkest emotions and internal struggles.

He said he has now moved beyond that phase. "I don't know if there'll be a 'Magic Man 3,' but if the story continues, it'll come naturally," said Wang.

"Magic Man 2" features international collaborations, including "GBAD" — a track reimagined in multiple remixes with artists ranging from Japanese group Number_i to American producer JasonTheWeen — and "Buck," which features Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh.

"No matter what the project is, I see everyone as creators," Wang said of his collaborators. "I just want to create something together that feels real to me. For me, it's about sharing my story and letting the world hear voices from Asia. That's the kind of cultural output I believe in."

Wang's approach to creativity stems from his athletic background. "I think being an athlete at a young age shaped how I think — discipline first," he said. "But I've also learned that innovation only matters if it's backed by real results. You have to earn the space to create freely."

As he focuses on international markets and continues releasing English albums, Wang said he remains committed to Chinese music audiences. "Music has no boundaries. As an Asian and Chinese artist, everything I put out is for my community," he said. "But I am definitely considering making more songs in Mandarin or Cantonese in the future."