Baekhyun's Comeback D-Day on the 19th... "Love Towards Fans" (Q&A)

Recent
"Our Identity Is 'ODYSSEY'"... RIIZE's Non-stop Growth Story Unveiled (Showcase)
Jin's 'Echo' Captivates Globally... Ranks No. 1 on iTunes Album Chart in 63 Countries
"Will Reach the Final Boss of the Retirement Meme"... Ahn Jae-hong Set to Host 'SNL Korea Season 7'
Son Heung-min Blackmail Suspects Attend Warrant Review... Unresponsive to Question on Fabricated Pregnancy Claims
Rosé Charts Two Songs on UK Official Chart... Jennie and CATSEYE Also Rank

"'If I were to express this album in one word, it would be 'Love'." (Baekhyun)

EXO member Baekhyun is set to release his 5th mini-album, 'Essence of Reverie,' on May 19th. The album captures Baekhyun's narrative positioned at the boundary between reality and the ideal.

The album features a total of seven tracks, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including the title track "Elevator." Through this release, he expresses his more multifaceted musical colors.

"Elevator" is a pop R&B track with a romantic sensibility, portraying the space of an elevator as a metaphor for the heart of a loved one.

Baekhyun is credited on all tracks, having participated in lyric writing and composition. He collaborated with singer Colde, with whom he previously demonstrated musical chemistry.

Baekhyun stated, "I want to repay the love of my fans," adding, "My goal is to evoke memories of me that reside in their hearts."

Meanwhile, Baekhyun is scheduled to commence his first solo world tour next month. He will meet fans in a total of 29 cities, including Seoul, with stops planned across South America, North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

<Following is Baekhyun's Q&A>

Q. How do you feel about the release of your 5th mini-album? While preparing this 5th mini-album, I gained and learned a lot by participating directly in the album creation. I am incredibly happy because it's an album where I feel I've upgraded myself!

Q. What is the core message you wish to convey through this album? I am always contemplating music, and this album contains my aspiration to become an artist who can constantly evolve and adapt for the listeners and Eri (fandom name).

Q. What was the reason for choosing 'Elevator' as the title track? I was most drawn to the part that expressed the loved one's heart by likening it to the space of an 'Elevator.' I also felt it was a song that could further amplify my boyish charm!

Q. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or key viewing points for the title track music video filming? While filming, it felt like happily filming with friends! The chemistry with the dancers was excellent, as was the synergy between the filming team and staff. As for viewing points, there are parts in the music video that haven't been released yet and connect to unreleased footage, so I hope you watch those parts closely.

Q. What would you choose as the key viewing points for the title track performance? I believe I can greet many people after a long time with the facial expressions, the overall atmosphere and vibe of the song, the choreography that embodies it, and the sophisticated melody line.

Q. What was the reason for the pre-release of the b-side track 'Chocolate' and the reason for selecting this song? While preparing this album, I greatly contemplated whether to make 'Chocolate' or 'Elevator' the title track. It's a song I'm equally attached to, and it felt regrettable to just leave it as a b-side track, so I decided to pre-release it.

Q. A special character called 'Kkuru Jam' makes an appearance? After 'Turraegi', I had the idea for a new plushie. This album also contains the themes of 'dreams' and 'fantasy.' Additionally, with the desire for everyone who loves me to have a 'sound sleep' (꿀잠), the neck pillow-shaped 'Kkuru Jam' was born! I hope 'Kkuru Jam' helps improve your sleep quality!

Q. If there is an image you would like to be imprinted upon global listeners? I want to continue approaching fans and many listeners with images like 'fan-loving puppy,' 'reliable,' 'consistent,' and 'humble.'

Q. What is the most memorable song or your favorite lyric? The song 'black dreams' is memorable. I always tell Eri, "Let's have black dreams!" The meaning of 'black dreams' is to sleep deeply without having any dreams. I worked on it with more enjoyment thinking that this phrase, known only to Eri and me, would be revealed to many people in the world.

Q. What was the reason for collaborating with Colde on this album? We connected starting with 'Love Again,' a track on my second mini-album. Since we've been close for a long time now, there's a lot we understand each other on. I thought I could create a better album with Colde, which is why we worked together.

Q. If you were to express this album in one word? I believe it is 'Love.' This is because the goal was to repay the fans' love and to evoke memories of me that reside in their hearts. I recall having many discussions with Colde and the staff before starting the album to infuse this sentiment.

Q. What is your resolution for the first solo world tour? My goal is to greet the Eri all over the world who have waited a long time, and I want to do my utmost to make them happy so that their waiting time feels worthwhile.

Q. What message would you like to convey to fans worldwide? Eri, while working on my 5th mini-album, I felt more deeply that 'Eri are coexisting with my life.' I believe I can be filled with love because of the endless love and generous support you have given me until now. I hope it becomes an album that fills your hearts with love as you listen. I love you all very much!