For DOYOUNG, music has always transcended mere ambition; it’s been a matter of instinct. “I’ve been singing to myself since childhood,” he shares. “It came so naturally. The belief that I was born to sing... that idea has always been with me. It’s my fate.”
The NCT vocalist speaks via video call from Seoul, discussing ‘Soar’, his second solo album, a project that is both personal and wide-ranging. While his debut album, Youth, beautifully captured the feelings of growing up, Soar elevates the themes of aspiration, emotional fortitude, and creative identity.
“The preparation for Soar wasn’t significantly different from my first album,” he clarifies. “However, this time, I had the chance to collaborate with artists I’ve long admired. This aligns with the theme of Soar – the strength to dream. To me, this album truly feels like a dream.”
Among his dream collaborators are iconic Korean artists such as Jaurim, Kim Jong-hwan of Nell, and Yoon Do-hyun of YB, whose music DOYOUNG grew up with.
Collaborating with them now feels like completing a beautiful circle for him: “There were many artists and songs that inspired my dreams. I wanted to pursue a career in music. Working with these legendary figures I admired since childhood turned this into a dream album.”
The emotional heart of ‘Soar’ lies in the title track ‘Memory’, which DOYOUNG reveals was the last song he recorded: “I was attentive to all the tracks, but ‘Memory’ received special focus. I invested a lot of thought and effort into it, especially since it was the final piece I worked on. I aimed to refine it.”
‘Memory’ fuses lively guitar riffs with DOYOUNG’s vocals, creating a pop-rock anthem that conveys the desire for shared experiences to be treasured as lasting memories.
Beyond music, DOYOUNG has also been reflective about the creative journey and sharing it with others. Through his Soar Diary series on YouTube, fans get a behind-the-scenes look into the album-making experience. “Of course, I could simply describe my process to fans,” he notes, “but I wanted to satisfy their curiosity about my thoughts while creating this album and how I appeared during that time. The essence of the album and the diary overlap.”
So, what imagery comes to DOYOUNG’s mind when he listens to ‘Memory’? “You might envision a nighttime drive or a warm breeze on a nice day. However, the lyrics speak to memories, and since I poured my heart into this album, it evokes not just bright scenes but also nostalgic and dreamlike images—heartfelt moments that are difficult to articulate.”
Having performed in various group contexts—including NCT, subunits, and as a solo artist—DOYOUNG mentions that his self-expression subtly shifts depending on the setting: “I don’t believe that DOYOUNG as an artist appears different across group, unit, or solo performances, but there are aspects I can explore with the members that I cannot do alone, and vice versa. In my solo work, I contemplate more deeply what I want to showcase and what I excel at. Those elements need to align.”
The responsibility of solo work increases: “I constantly reflect on what people expect from me and what I wish to convey. Throughout this album, I considered what I want to express and how it will be received by others.”
Other tracks on Soar also reflect the poignant sentiment of the lead single. ‘Wake From The Dark’, a modern rock-inspired ballad that opens the album, captures the moment just before taking flight. ‘Be My Light’ presents a more hopeful tone, featuring string arrangements that convey the yearning to be a guiding light during challenging times.
Throughout the album, DOYOUNG ventures into new territory with ‘First Step’, a bossa nova-infused pop track co-produced by British singer-songwriter Etham, as well as ballads like ‘Just Friends’ and ‘Still’, which delve into themes of unrequited love and emotional exhaustion.
When asked what he anticipates discovering about himself moving forward, DOYOUNG takes a moment before responding: “It might sound vague to label it as growth, but I truly loved my last album, Youth, and I love Soar as well. I feel grateful to possess good songs—music that I genuinely believe in. Instead of focusing on personal growth in the future, I look forward to the good songs that will come my way. I want to share those songs with everyone.”
His musical curiosity is ever-evolving. He has sung ballads, pop, rock, and even participated in musicals, yet he expresses an eagerness to explore new styles. “Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, I see so many opportunities to express myself as a singer. If there’s a genre I haven’t explored yet
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Another clever and oddly brilliant piece, featuring much more beneath the surface than just the punchlines.
A thick mixture adorned with splashes of color.
For DOYOUNG, music has never been just a goal; it has always been a natural impulse. "From a young age, I constantly sang to myself," he shares. "It was a deeply